Skip to main content
Exploratorium

Exploratorium In San Francisco

The Exploratorium is more than an iconic San Francisco museum perched by the Bay—it's an all-ages gateway to joyful exploration of science, art, and human perception. Let your curiosity roam free through hundreds of exhibits in six spacious indoor and outdoor galleries. Watch, listen, notice, experiment, and play with wondrous phenomena from the world around you: from living cells to cosmic rays, from bubbles to human behavior, from optical illusions to electricity, from playful machines to rainbows, and much more.
Plus observe the Exploratorium's open shop, where our exhibits are designed, built, and tinkered with. You'll find thoughtful safety protocols for visitors and staff, our unique museum store, excellent dining, and beautiful San Francisco Bay views. Located in the historic Pier 15 along San Francisco's Embarcadero, between Pier 39 and the Ferry Building, the Exploratorium is easy to get to by public transportation, and there's ample parking nearby.

Prices

Varies by merchant, restaurant, and entertainment venue.

Hours

Wednesday - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday - 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Events

  • Napa Vally Wine Tour and 1 Day Big Bus Tour

Activities

  • Exploratorium General Admission Ticket
  • San Francisco CityPASS
  • Exploratorium Admission Ticket - After Dark Thursday Evenings (ages 18+)
  • Go City: San Francisco Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions

FAQs

  • What about accessibility?
    The Exploratorium is fully wheelchair accessible. We can also lend wheelchairs to visitors who need them. We have tactile maps for blind and visually impaired visitors. You can pick one up at the Information Desk, located just past the ticket scanning station. For more information, visit Accessibility.
  • What should I wear?
    You'll want to wear comfortable clothes. We recommend layers, so that you're ready for whatever San Francisco weather comes your way—sun, fog, or a chilly ocean breeze. Comfortable shoes are a must. The Exploratorium campus covers 3.3 acres, so expect to do plenty of walking. Don't worry if your shoes do turn unfriendly, though; we have bandages at our First Aid station.
  • What can I do with my bag/coat/stuff?
    There are coin-operated lockers just past the ticket scanning station (small) and outside the Information Desk (large). Small lockers are 10"w x 14"h x 14"d; large lockers are 23.5"w x 29"h x 23"d.
  • What about food?
    There are two museum dining areas—the Seismic Joint Café, which faces the outdoor plaza, and Seaglass Restaurant in the Bay Observatory. Both feature seasonable and sustainable cuisine prepared under the auspices of acclaimed San Francisco chef Loretta Keller.

Helpful Links

Map/Directions