Exploratorium, San Francisco
Facts and practical information
The Exploratorium, nestled in the vibrant city of San Francisco, is a public learning laboratory that invites exploration and discovery at the intersection of science, art, and human perception. This innovative museum, located at Pier 15 along the city's bustling waterfront, offers an interactive experience that is both educational and entertaining for visitors of all ages.
Dedicated to the excitement of experimentation, the richness of discovery, and the power of play, the Exploratorium is more than a mere museum. It is a gateway to a world of natural phenomena and cultural curiosities. Founded in 1969 by physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer, the Exploratorium has since become a beloved destination for inquisitive minds.
The museum houses hundreds of hands-on exhibits that cover a wide range of topics, from physics and biology to psychology and environmental science. Exhibits are designed not only to display but also to engage: visitors are encouraged to touch, tinker, and ponder the underlying principles of the universe around them.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Exploratorium frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. It serves as a hub of innovation for teachers, scientists, and artists who collaborate to develop new ways of teaching and learning.
The Exploratorium's location on San Francisco's historic Embarcadero offers sweeping views of the city skyline and the bay, further enriching the visitor experience. The museum's outdoor space, the Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery & Terrace, provides a scenic backdrop for contemplating the environment and the forces that shape it.
Exploratorium – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)
Nearby attractions include: Coit Tower, City Lights Bookstore, Transamerica Pyramid, Vaillancourt Fountain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Exploratorium open?
- Monday closed
- Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm
- Thursday 10 am - 5 pm & 6 pm - 10 pm
- Friday 10 am - 5 pm
- Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
- Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
Which popular attractions are close to Exploratorium?
How to get to Exploratorium by public transport?
Tram
- The Embarcadero & Green Street • Lines: F (1 min walk)
Bus
- Battery Street & Green Street • Lines: 18, 2, 24, 27, 38, 38A, 4, 54, 58, 72, 74, 76, 8 (4 min walk)
- Sansome Street & Vallejo Street • Lines: 18, 2, 24, 27, 38, 38A, 4, 54, 58, 72, 74, 76, 8 (6 min walk)
Trolleybus
- Clay Street & Front Street • Lines: 1 (11 min walk)
- Sacramento Street & Davis Street • Lines: 1 (12 min walk)
Ferry
- Ferry Building Gate B • Lines: San Francisco Bay Ferry (11 min walk)
- Pier 41 Gate 2 • Lines: Blue & Gold Fleet, San Francisco Bay Ferry (24 min walk)
Metro
- Embarcadero • Lines: Blue, Green, Red, Yellow (15 min walk)
- Montgomery Street • Lines: Blue, Green, Red, Yellow (21 min walk)
Light rail
- Embarcadero • Lines: K, N, S, T (15 min walk)
- Montgomery Street • Lines: K, N, S, T (22 min walk)