Multilingual Visit: English: Landing
The Exploratorium is more than a museum; it’s an ongoing exploration of science, art, and human perception. Step inside a tornado, turn upside down in a giant curved mirror, walk on a fog bridge, and explore hundreds of interactive exhibits in six spacious indoor and outdoor galleries. You'll find all of this plus unique programs, discussions, and events; a café and restaurant; two stores; and more at our beautiful San Francisco bayside location on the historic Embarcadero.
Ready to visit? Buy your tickets at the museum or online. You can print your tickets or open the PDF ticket on your mobile device and show it at the door. No convenience fees; just convenience! Either way, we’ll see you soon.
Please Note: Tickets are valid only for the date you select. They are nontransferable.
| Adults (18–64) | $29.95 |
Youth (13–17) | $24.95 |
| Youth (4–12) | $19.95 |
| Children (3 and under) | FREE |
Every Thursday 6:00–10:00 p.m., 18+ ONLY
Things look different after dark. Grab your friends and a drink and get immersed in everything from a pitch-black dome to a fog bridge, a large-scale kaleidoscope, dazzling light displays, mind-bending mirrors, and more. Or savor adults-only programming, featuring unique guest speakers, great music, specialty films, and one-of-a-kind activities.
[afterdark:"Buy After Dark Tickets"]
| Tickets Online 10% off presale ends at 5:00 p.m. every Thursday. | $19.95 $17.95 online 10% off presale |
| General Daytime members | $14.95 |
| After Dark members | FREE |
To reserve tickets, call +1 415-528-4444 (select option 5).
Take an interactive excursion through total darkness. Crawl, slide, and bump your way through the pitch-dark Dome using your sense of touch as your only guide through its mazes and chambers. Requires separate admission. Tickets are valid only for the date and time you select, and are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
| General Admission | $15 |
General Daytime members | $12 |
Tuesday to Sunday (All Ages)
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Closed Monday, except for select holidays
Thursday Evenings (Ages 18+)
6:00–10:00 p.m.
Pier 15
(Embarcadero and Green Street)
San Francisco, CA 94111
Our location provides stunning views of downtown and the San Francisco Bay. Located between the historic Ferry Building and Pier 39, we are a short distance from any of these popular attractions: Fisherman’s Wharf, the Alcatraz ferries, and AT&T Park.
It is easy to get to Pier 15 by public transit, car, or bike.
- BART and Muni’s Embarcadero station and the Ferry Terminal are a 10- to 15-minute walk away.
- Muni’s E and F lines stop at Embarcadero and Green Street, right in front of the Exploratorium.
- There are numerous parking garages and lots near our Pier 15 campus.
Please Note: Lots are not owned or operated by the Exploratorium. All parking is subject to availability.
Complimentary visitor maps are available in English onsite at Ticketing and the Information Desk and may also be downloaded.
Enjoy delicious locally sourced food and impressive Bay views at SeaGlass Restaurant. Or visit the Seismic Joint Café, an informal place for takeout meals, desserts, and beverages, located near the museum’s entrance on the Embarcadero.
Our two stores—one on the Embarcadero and one inside the museum—were inspired by our onsite Exhibit Development Workshop, where we design and build exhibits in a space that’s open to view. Our stores carry unique gadgets, games, tinkering items, and books that focus on science, art, and technology. You’ll find a wide variety of items for kids and adults that are great for gift giving or unusual San Francisco souvenirs. We also sell Exploratorium clothing and gift items that are made by local artisans and items that are designed in-house. All purchases support the Exploratorium’s educational mission.
Questions? Call us at +1 415-528-4444 or email us at visit@exploratorium.edu.
Our mission is to create inquiry-based experiences that transform learning worldwide. Our vision is a world where people think for themselves and can confidently ask questions, question answers, and understand the world around them. We value lifelong learning and teaching, curiosity and inquiry, our community, iteration and evidence, integrity and authenticity, sustainability, and inclusion and respect.
Save 45% on admission to the Exploratorium and three other must-see San Francisco attractions with CityPASS, plus 3-days unlimited cable car rides and Muni Passport.
