Exploratorium Museum

Address: Exploratorium, Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA

Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu

Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, Thu open late (hours may vary); closed Mondays

Admission: Adult general admission $39 (prices vary; check site)

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.

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.

• 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.