Exploratorium
Museum Hands-on science museum focused on experimentation and learning
On San Francisco’s waterfront, the Exploratorium offers hands-on science, perception and art exhibits across hundreds of interactive stations. Families and curious adults visit for experiments, workshops and learning on the pier.
The Exploratorium is a museum of science, art and human perception in San Francisco that focuses on hands-on, interactive exhibits. Founded in 1969 by Frank Oppenheimer, it relocated to Pier 15 on the Embarcadero in 2013 to expand its gallery space and waterfront presence.
Hundreds of interactive exhibits invite visitors to experiment with optics, sound, motion, living systems and human behavior, arranged across indoor galleries and outdoor pierside installations. Signature features include rotating special exhibitions, educator-led programming and the Tactile Dome, a multisensory experience that requires advance booking. The combination of practical experimentation and accessible explanations makes it popular with families, school groups and adults with an interest in science.
Originally founded in 1969, the Exploratorium operated at several sites before completing a major move to Pier 15 in 2013, where its galleries were reimagined for expanded public access and waterfront engagement. The museum continues to develop new exhibits and educational initiatives.
Sited on Pier 15 along San Francisco’s Embarcadero, the Exploratorium is within walking distance of the Ferry Building and Embarcadero transit connections.
- Founding and location: Founded by Frank Oppenheimer in 1969, the Exploratorium moved to Pier 15 on San Francisco's Embarcadero in 2013 and charges admission for general entry.
What to See #
- Tactile Dome: The Tactile Dome, a separately ticketed multisensory, touch-based experience requiring reservations.
- Hands-on galleries: Multiple hands-on galleries distributed along Pier 15 covering perception, living systems, human behavior and engineering.
How to Get to Exploratorium #
The Exploratorium is on Pier 15 along San Francisco’s Embarcadero. Take the F Market & Wharves historic streetcar to the Embarcadero near Pier 15 (or get off at the Embarcadero Muni station), then walk about 5-15 minutes along the Embarcadero to the pier. Driving from downtown is a short distance; limited parking is available nearby.
Tips for Visiting Exploratorium #
- Buy timed-entry tickets online for a specific slot and aim for the museum at opening on a weekday to experience the hands-on exhibits before they become crowded.
- The Exploratorium is on Pier 15 along the Embarcadero; plan your visit around popular interactive exhibits early in your visit and consider an After Dark session (adult-only) on Thursday evenings if you prefer a quieter, grown-up atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Exploratorium #
The Exploratorium is best visited on weekday mornings outside summer school holidays to avoid the largest crowds.
Weather & Climate near Exploratorium #
Exploratorium's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in September) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (801 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (169 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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