Are you coming to San Francisco soon? Then discover our tour guide of the Explorerium!
Formerly located in Palace of Fine Arts (Palais des Beaux-Arts), the Exploratorium is the famous San Francisco Science and Technology Museum. It is one of the most popular and popular museums in California with over 500,000 visitors every year!
Visiting the Explorerium in San Francisco will allow you to learn more about science, art, human perception and the world, all during exciting interactive exhibitions. Most of these experiences have been designed and carried out by scientists or teachers as well as by artists to make you feel the joy of experimentation, the pleasure of discovery and the power of the game. This is an exceptional cultural attraction for families, youth or adults, and especially for all curious people.
Practical information about what you will see, through schedules and rates, we devour everything you need to know to visit the Explorerium in San Francisco in the best conditions!
History of the Exploratorium
Photo credit: Wikimedia
The Explorerium was created in 1969 by the physicist Frank Oppenheimer . The latter is the young brother of the famous Robert Oppenheimer . Both participated in Manhattan Project . Frank quickly left the research for teaching.
More interested in experiments that can cause curiosity than in laboratory research, he received in 1959 a grant from National Science Foundation to develop hundreds of scientific experiments. Through her, he developed a " Library of Experiments “which later became the heart of the exhibition of the Explorerium. Little by little, the idea of a museum became obvious to Frank, who wanted to help the general public better understand natural phenomena.
His project thus culminated in 1969 . Until his death in 1985, Frank stopped experimenting and working alongside artists, developers and educators to offer the best experiences to the public. ♪ 1991 , the famous French physicist, Goéry Delacôte , took the direction of the museum until 2005 . Year after year, director after director, the Exploratorium has developed ever more incredible and exciting experiences to captivate visitors.
From April 2015 , the Explorerium is located at Pier 15, on the San Francisco Embarcades. This new location has made it possible to renovate and develop new exhibitions and experiences. The museum continues to honour Frank Oppenheimer’s memory and continues his mission: to create research-based experiences to transform learning and help the general public better understand the world around him!
What to see and do at the Explorerium in San Francisco?
Photo credit: Instagram – exploratorium
Visiting Explorerium in San Francisco will make you discover more 600 interactive exhibitions . This exceptional visit extends on the 6 galleries main museum. Each of these galleries examine a scientific field in particular. All these exhibitions will help you to better understand how the world works. You will have understood, a beautiful scientific adventure awaits you. Here, in summary, the main galleries:
Osher West Gallery : Human Phenomena (Human Phenomena)
This first gallery focuses on the experience of social thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It is also here that is The Tactile Dome , an interactive tour in the complete black not to be missed! You will toss and scare a path in the dark using your sense of touch, whose strength is often forgotten.
South Gallery : Tinkering (Bricolage)
Build or develop ideas with his hands? Exhibitions allow you to explore your creativity, alone or in a group. The Tinkering Studio is the flagship attraction of the gallery. With simple objects and materials, you can explore the complementarity of science, art and technology!
Central Gallery : Seeing and Listening
The interactive experiences of this gallery play on lights, colors, sounds and movements. You can learn more about your senses and perception of the world. The most striking experience is obviously the Monochromatic part . It allows for a moment to experience a colorless world.
East Gallery : Living System (living bodies)
In this gallery, you will discover the vast invisible world around us. With these exhibitions, you can explore life on Earth, from DNA to ecosystems, from cells to organisms.
North Gallery : Outdoor Exhibits
Discover here the forces that surround and forge the city, bay and region. The exhibitions allow you to learn more about winds, tides and various natural phenomena.
Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery 6 : Observing Landscapes (Observer le paysage)
This last gallery invites you to discover the history, geography and ecology of the San Francisco Bay region.
After your visit to the Explorerium, you can also enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant Seaglass which offers a breathtaking view of the Bay, or Seismic Joint Café , located near the museum entrance. The Explorerium has one official store , where you can discover unique gadgets, clothes, books and more, for children and adults.
How to go to the Explorerium in San Francisco?
To visit the Explorerium in San Francisco, you will have to go to the Embarcadères in the northwest of the city. The exact address of the museum is the front: Pier 15, San Francisco, CA 94111 .
The museum is well served by public transport. You can thus stop at the stop that is right in front of the Explorerium: “ The Embarcadero & Green Street » . The latter is served by several means of transport.
Trams
- Line E: "Muni" stop
- Line F: "Muni" stop
Buses
- Line 1
- Line 2
- Line 6
- Line 10
- Line 12
- Line 14
- Line 21
- Line 31
- Line 38
- Line 41
These lines all have a stop not far from the museum. From these stops, you can easily reach the Explorerium on foot.
Cars
If you have planned to come by car, know that the museum is partner with two parking spaces nearby:
Note : With the code 1234000 , you get a discount on the parking price. For example, the rate for 3 hours parking will be $15 (from March to September) with this discount.
Exploratorium Tariffs in San Francisco
Photo credit: Instagram – exploratorium
HORARI
- From Tuesday to Sunday (except Thanksgiving and December 25): from 10am to 5pm
- Thursday: from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (for visitors aged 18 or over)
- From May 27 to September 2: open on Monday (valued in 2019)
In case of doubt, you can check the schedules on the official museum site . The latter can also close during exceptional events.
RATES
Classic rates
- Adults (18 to 64 years old): $29.95
- Reduced rates*: $24.95
- Young people (4-12 years): $19.95
- Children (3 years and under): Free
*Visitors aged 65 or older, visitors with disabilities, teachers, students and young people aged 13-17.
Special rates
- Special evenings on Thursday (18+) : $19.95
- Tactile Dome: $15 supplement
Note : You can book your tickets online. They are valid only for the selected date and are nominal (non-transmissible). The entrance is included in the San Francisco CityPASS . There is a special line at the ticket office for Pass holders.
FAQ or Good to know
If you have planned to visit the Exploratorium in San Francisco, here are some information to know:
– Provide a minimum 3 hours to discover the museum and its many exhibitions. The visit can easily be occupied an afternoon.
- In order to avoid high affluence, it is best to visit the Explorerium in San Francisco in the afternoons in the week.
- The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. It is possible to rent wheelchairs for free. The museum also has tactile maps. Do not hesitate to contact the museum before your visit to organize your discovery or ask for assistance.
- Pets are prohibited inside the museum, with the exception of guide dogs and other assistance animals.
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