Exploratorium
The Exploratorium treats visitors as investigators: light, sound, motion, human behavior, weather, and estuary systems become manipulable exhibits.
Artwork inspired by Chiura Obata
The Exploratorium treats visitors as investigators: light, sound, motion, human behavior, weather, and estuary systems become manipulable exhibits. Pier 15 lets the museum use fog, tides, and waterfront infrastructure rather than sealing science indoors. Three anchors prevent a superficial visit: founded is 1969, moved is Pier 15 in 2013, and method is Hands-on inquiry.
Follow one question across several galleries—how do we see, measure, or cooperate?—and repeat experiments after changing one variable. The floor is large and highly interactive; choose a few exhibit clusters, expect school-group noise, and check which outdoor installations depend on weather.
- Founded
- 1969
- Moved
- Pier 15 in 2013
- Method
- Hands-on inquiry
Quick guide
- Orient from
- Follow one question across several galleries—how do we see, measure, or cooperate?—and repeat experiments after changing one variable.
- Follow the evidence
- Compare Tactile Dome with Outdoor Gallery, then use Osher West Gallery to test what the site is trying to communicate.
Know before you go
- Orient from
- Follow one question across several galleries—how do we see, measure, or cooperate?—and repeat experiments after changing one variable.
- Follow the evidence
- Compare Tactile Dome with Outdoor Gallery, then test that reading against Osher West Gallery.
- Place in context
- Founded: 1969; Moved: Pier 15 in 2013; Method: Hands-on inquiry
- Plan the arrival
- For Exploratorium, use the reviewed visitor entrance at Pier 15, Embarcadero at Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111. Before visiting Exploratorium, check current parking, transit, reservation, security, and.
Good to know
The floor is large and highly interactive; choose a few exhibit clusters, expect school-group noise, and check which outdoor installations depend on weather.
Notice these
- Tactile Dome
- Outdoor Gallery
- Osher West Gallery