Plan your trip to the Exploratorium on Pier 15 in San Francisco, California, with my comprehensive guide to ticket prices, opening hours, and must-see exhibits.
The Exploratorium is notable for its massive collection of over 600 interactive exhibits that blend science, art, and human perception. Visitors can expect a hands-on laboratory experience housed in a vast waterfront warehouse on Pier 15. Founded in 1969 by Frank Oppenheimer, it remains a global leader in informal science education.
To skip the explanation and book your Exploratorium tickets, head this way.
The Exploratorium: at a glance
The most surprising thing I found when visiting was just how loud and energetic the atmosphere is. The Exploratorium is a high-energy space where touching the exhibits is the entire point. It is located on the Embarcadero, offering views of the bay between the Ferry Building and Pier 39 on Fisherman’s Wharf.
General admission for adults starts at $39.95, which is quite a jump from the free sites nearby. However, the sheer scale of the indoor galleries came close to justifying the price for me. It is a full-day destination that appeals to curious minds of any age.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | $39.95 (Adults) |
| Opening hours | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Tue–Sun) |
| Address | Pier 15, San Francisco, CA 94111 |
| Free for | Ages 3 and under |
| Last entry | 4:00 pm |
How much does the Exploratorium cost? Pricing details
Pricing at the Exploratorium is tiered by age and residency status. California teachers can apply for free entry.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $39.95 | Ages 18–64 |
| Youth / Student | $29.95 | Ages 4–17 or with ID |
| Senior / Disabled | $29.95 | Ages 65+ or with ID |
| After Dark (18+) | $22.95 | Thursday nights only |
| Tactile Dome | +$15.95 | Optional add-on |
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. You should double-check your dates before completing your purchase. Audio guides are not used here, as the focus is on physical interaction.
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- 🌉 Combine the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz on a packed day tour.
- 🌲 Take a day trip to the Giant Sequoias and the highlights of Yosemite National Park.
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- 🍷 Go wine-tasting in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys on a full day wine tour.
- ✌️ Hit the hippie hotspots in a colourful VW bus on the San Francisco Love Tour.
Is the Exploratorium free to enter? The direct answer
No, the Exploratorium is not free for the general public. However, they do participate in Museums for All, offering $3 tickets to low-income families. San Francisco residents also sometimes get access to Community Days with pay-what-you-can admission.
What time does the Exploratorium open: visiting hours
The museum is closed on Mondays, which is a common trap for tourists. Thursday nights are reserved for adults only, which I found much more peaceful.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Day) / 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (After Dark)
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Members only 10 am – Noon)
Be aware that the Tactile Dome has its own specific session times. These often sell out weeks in advance. The museum store stays open slightly later than the galleries most days.
Do I need to book Exploratorium tickets in advance: booking advice
I highly recommend booking tickets online before you arrive. While you can buy them at the door, capacity is limited. This is especially true for the After Dark sessions on Thursdays.
If you want to experience the Tactile Dome, you must book a separate time slot. I saw disappointed visitors who tried to book on the day. Advance planning is essential for the best experience.
History of the Exploratorium: background and context
Physicist Frank Oppenheimer opened the Exploratorium at the Palace of Fine Arts in 1969. He wanted a place where people could play with science. It moved to its current location at Pier 15 in 2013.
The new site is a LEED Platinum certified building. It generates much of its own power through solar panels. It also uses bay water for its heating and cooling systems.
The museum has built thousands of original exhibits over the decades. Many of these are now found in science centres across the globe. It remains a working laboratory for artists and scientists alike.
Inside the Exploratorium: what to see
The Tactile Dome is the most famous feature. It is a pitch-black maze where you must navigate by touch. It is a disorienting and thrilling experience for most visitors.
In the Bechtel Central Gallery, you can play with light and sound. The Fog Bridge outside is another highlight. It sprays a dense mist across the walkway every few minutes.
The Fisher Bay Observatory offers a quieter space. It focuses on the geology and ecology of the San Francisco Bay. The views of the Bay Bridge from here are quite impressive.
The Tinkering Studio allows you to build your own inventions. I spent ages watching people create marble runs and light sculptures. It is the most creative corner of the museum.
What’s included with your Exploratorium ticket?
- Access to all six main galleries and outdoor exhibits.
- Entry to daily demonstrations and film screenings.
- Participation in special seasonal exhibitions like Glow.
- Use of the Bay Observatory viewing deck.
Things to do near the Exploratorium: nearby attractions
- The Ferry Building (0.5 miles, 10-minute walk) – A food hall and marketplace with local artisan goods.
- Alcatraz Landing (0.4 miles, 8-minute walk) – The departure point for ferry tours to the prison. Make sure you take the audio guide tour if you go.
- Pier 39 (0.7 miles, 14-minute walk) – A tourist hub famous for its sea lions and shops.
- Coit Tower (0.6 miles, 15-minute uphill walk) – A landmark offering 360-degree city views.
- Aquarium of the Bay (0.7 miles, 14-minute walk) – An aquarium focused on local marine life.
Elsewhere, solid San Francisco attractions include the Walt Disney Family Museum, the Wave Organ, the California Academy of Sciences and Fort Point.
Practical tips for the Exploratorium
- Location: Directly on the waterfront at Pier 15.
- Getting there: Take the F Market streetcar which stops right outside.
- Time needed: You will need at least three to four hours to see everything.
- Photography: Photography is fully encouraged inside all galleries.
- Dress code: Wear comfortable shoes as the museum is very large.
- Accessibility: The entire museum is fully wheelchair accessible.
FAQs: the Exploratorium
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Tactile Dome included in general admission? | No, it requires a separate paid ticket and reservation. |
| Is there a place to eat inside? | Yes, the Tinkering Table restaurant and a café are on-site. |
| Can I leave and come back later? | Yes, same-day re-entry is allowed with a hand stamp. |
| Is it suitable for toddlers? | Yes, there are many sensory exhibits perfect for young children. |
| Does the museum have parking? | There is no private lot, but paid parking is available nearby. |
More California travel
Other California travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Review of the Tonga Room tiki bar in San Francisco.
- How much does the San Francisco to Sausalito ferry cost?
- Complete guide to day tours to Monterey and Carmel from San Francisco.
- Visiting the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine.
- Why you should take the drive up through the Eastern Sierra to Whitney Portal.
