Exploratorium
Exploratorium - Photo 2
Exploratorium - Photo 3
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Exploratorium - Photo 5

At a glance

Ticket type

E-ticket / Mobile

Confirmation

Instant

Accessibility

Wheelchair friendly

Suitable for

All ages

Ticket Options

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Exploratorium Exploratorium After Dark Thursdays

Non-refundable
Adult -2%
SGD 29.10 SGD 28.39

Exploratorium General Admission Ticket

Non-refundable
Adult -6%
SGD 50.66 SGD 47.82
Child -4%
SGD 38.23 SGD 36.85
Senior -4%
SGD 37.98 SGD 36.61
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About Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is San Francisco's iconic hands-on science museum perched on Pier 15 along the Embarcadero, offering over 650 interactive exhibits that make learning about science, art, and human perception an unforgettable experience. This world-renowned institution transforms curiosity into discovery across stunning bay views and innovative installations that appeal to visitors of all ages.

Local Legends & Stories

The Exploratorium was founded in 1969 by physicist Frank Oppenheimer, who believed that curiosity and hands-on exploration were the best ways to understand science. The museum's home on Pier 15 has been an iconic San Francisco landmark since 1991, becoming synonymous with the city's innovative and forward-thinking spirit.

Must Do Experiences

  • Tinker with the Hall of Sound and Light exhibits to experience how our senses perceive the world

  • Explore the Human Sense gallery where you can literally see how your brain processes visual illusions

  • Stand at the Bay Area gallery windows and watch ferries glide across the bay while learning about local ecology

  • Dive into the Light and Color exhibits that blend art and science in mesmerizing ways

Hidden Gems

  • Visit the rooftop outdoor exhibits on a clear day for panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz

  • Check out the Tinkering Studio where you can build and experiment with your own creations using provided materials

  • Explore the lesser-known Sound Walk exhibit where you can experience how sound travels through different mediums

What Makes it Special

  • Over 650 interactive exhibits spanning science, art, and human perception create a truly immersive learning environment

  • Located on a working pier with breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge

  • Founded in 1869 as the California Academy of Sciences, it has evolved into one of the world's most innovative science museums with cutting-edge exhibits that change regularly

Available Facilities

Gift shop Cafe Wheelchair accessibility Free Wi-Fi Coat check Group tour facilities Educational program rooms Stroller parking

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Weekday mornings during the fall and winter months offer the quietest experience with shorter crowds. Summer evenings can be magical when the bay views complement the indoor exhibits, though this is also peak tourist season.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

  • The museum allows photography without flash in most areas, making it perfect for capturing the stunning light-based installations

  • The large windows along Pier 15 provide stunning photo opportunities of the bay, especially during golden hour

  • The outdoor exhibits on the pier offer great shots with the San Francisco skyline and Alcatraz in the background

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

The Exploratorium embraces a culture of hands-on learning and playful curiosity that reflects San Francisco's innovative spirit. Visitors are encouraged to touch and interact with all exhibits, so don't be shy about engaging fully with every display.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

  • Exploratorium After Hours - Monthly evening events with live music, drinks, and a chance to experience the museum in a completely different atmosphere

  • Science Saturday - Weekly family-friendly programs with special demonstrations and hands-on activities for children

  • Seasonal light installations that transform the museum's exhibits during holiday periods

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

  • Keep an eye on children as some exhibits involve moving parts or require careful navigation through interactive spaces

  • Store valuables in the provided lockers or coat check area to keep hands free for exploration

  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas, especially during peak visiting hours

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Child tickets (ages 4-17) are available at a discounted admission rate. General admission pricing applies for adults, with free entry for children under 4 years old.

Visit Duration

Plan for 3 to 4 hours to fully enjoy the extensive collection of interactive exhibits. Families with young children may want to allocate a full half-day to explore at a comfortable pace.

Accessibility

The Exploratorium is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps throughout all exhibition floors. Most exhibits feature tactile and auditory components designed to be inclusive for visitors with various abilities.

Overview

NA
Exploratorium gallery
Exploratorium gallery
Exploratorium gallery
Exploratorium gallery

Important Information

Opening Hours

Open on Tue-Wed, Fri-Sat, 10:00am-5:00pm<br>Open on Thu, 10:00am-5:00pm, 6:00pm-10:00pm<br>Open on Sun, 12:00pm-5:00pm<br>Closed from 09/02-12/31, Mon<br>Open from 01/01-09/01, Mon, 10:00am-5:00pm

What's Included

  • Child ticket (age 4–17)
  • Exploratorium General Admission TicketChild

Not Included

  • - All personal expenses and fees not mentioned in the inclusions
1

Select your preferred date and ticket type, then add to cart.

2

Complete secure payment at checkout.

3

Receive instant e-ticket confirmation via email.

4

Show your mobile or printed voucher at the venue.

Friendly reminder: (Subject to actual availability at the attraction, updates may occur without prior notice)
- Strollers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Comfortable shoes are highly recommended as the campus spans 3.3 acres
Coin-operated lockers available (size limit: 23.5x29x23", 33x73x58cm)
- Present this e-ticket and a valid photo ID at the museum ticket counter to receive your admission ticket.
- The Exploratorium is conveniently located at Pier 15, easily accessible by public transportation or car (parking lot available nearby).
Important information: (Subject to the actual offerings of the attraction, updates may occur without prior notice)
- Photography and video recording for non-commercial use only
- Wearing masks and getting vaccinated are not mandatory but recommended
- The museum's opening hours on Thursdays are 6:00 PM–10:00 PM. A special ticket is required (18+ only)
- Free admission for children under 4 (daytime)
Students with a student ID can enjoy discounted admission tickets, available for purchase on-site. Location of use Exploratorium Ticket gate Pier 15, on the Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111 Time of use 10:00~17:00(Tue–Sun);Opening hours may change during holidays.;Please refer to the official attraction website for accurate information.

Location

Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

Frequently Asked Questions

The Exploratorium features over 600 interactive exhibits that explore science, art, and human perception, providing a highly engaging and educational experience for visitors.
The museum is designed to be engaging for all ages, offering hands-on exhibits that easily capture the interest of young children, teenagers, and adults alike.
Most visitors spend about two to three hours exploring the interactive galleries, though you can easily dedicate a full afternoon if you wish to engage deeply with every display.
While walk-up admissions are often available, purchasing your tickets in advance is highly recommended to guarantee your entry and streamline your arrival.
Yes, the museum features sophisticated exhibits on physics, biology, and human perception that are specifically designed to be thought-provoking and enjoyable for adult visitors.
Visitors are welcome to bring small backpacks and personal items into the museum, and storage options are available for larger bags to ensure a comfortable experience while exploring the exhibits.
General admission includes access to all six main galleries, the outdoor observation deck, and hundreds of interactive exhibits. It does not include access to special ticketed events or the museum store.
The museum is located at Pier 15 on the Embarcadero and is directly accessible via the Muni Metro N and T lines, which stop right outside at the Embarcadero and Folsom station.
Yes, the facility is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms located throughout all indoor galleries and the outdoor deck. Manual wheelchairs are also available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis at the admissions desk.
Weekday mornings right at opening time or Thursday evenings during their adults-only After Dark events are typically the least crowded times to experience the exhibits.
Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the exhibit galleries, but there is a designated dining area and an on-site cafe where you can purchase and consume food.
The museum is highly interactive and can be quite loud and visually stimulating due to the nature of the hands-on science exhibits and large crowds. Sensory-friendly kits, including noise-canceling headphones, are available to borrow at the coat check.
General admission tickets are non-refundable, but they can be exchanged for a different date and time subject to availability by contacting the ticketing office prior to your scheduled visit.
Personal photography and videography are permitted throughout the museum, but the use of flash, tripods, and selfie sticks is prohibited to protect the exhibits and other guests.
There is no strict dress code, but wearing comfortable shoes and clothing you do not mind getting slightly dirty or wet is recommended since many exhibits involve water, sand, or messy materials.
A complimentary coat check is available near the main entrance for storing heavy jackets, umbrellas, and large bags that are not permitted on the exhibit floor.

About Exploratorium

Weekday mornings during the fall and winter months offer the quietest experience with shorter crowds. Summer evenings can be magical when the bay views complement the indoor exhibits, though this is also peak tourist season.
Plan for 3 to 4 hours to fully enjoy the extensive collection of interactive exhibits. Families with young children may want to allocate a full half-day to explore at a comfortable pace.

The Exploratorium is a museum in San Francisco that combines science, art and multimedia presentations in order to promote public understanding of scientific and natural phenomena. The museum has over four hundred exhibitions on display at any one time and over seven hundred total. Most of these were designed by in-house engineers and educators. Extremely popular as a children's activity, the Exploratorium has much to offer for adults as well, and is a great place to visit when in San Francisco.

Child tickets (ages 4-17) are available at a discounted admission rate. General admission pricing applies for adults, with free entry for children under 4 years old.
The Exploratorium is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps throughout all exhibition floors. Most exhibits feature tactile and auditory components designed to be inclusive for visitors with various abilities.
Keep an eye on children as some exhibits involve moving parts or require careful navigation through interactive spaces
Store valuables in the provided lockers or coat check area to keep hands free for exploration
Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas, especially during peak visiting hours
The Exploratorium embraces a culture of hands-on learning and playful curiosity that reflects San Francisco's innovative spirit. Visitors are encouraged to touch and interact with all exhibits, so don't be shy about engaging fully with every display.
The museum allows photography without flash in most areas, making it perfect for capturing the stunning light-based installations
The large windows along Pier 15 provide stunning photo opportunities of the bay, especially during golden hour
The outdoor exhibits on the pier offer great shots with the San Francisco skyline and Alcatraz in the background
Gift shop, Cafe, Wheelchair accessibility, Free Wi-Fi, Coat check, Group tour facilities, Educational program rooms, Stroller parking

General Questions

Simply select your preferred date, choose the ticket type and quantity, then click "Add to Cart". Complete the secure checkout to receive your e-tickets instantly via email.
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In most cases, you can show your e-ticket directly from your mobile phone at the venue. Some activities may require a printed voucher — this will be clearly stated in your confirmation email.
If an activity is cancelled by the operator due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will typically receive a full refund or be offered an alternative date.
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We recommend arriving at least 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for check-in and any security procedures.
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All prices on HolidaySG are displayed in Singapore Dollars (SGD) unless otherwise indicated.
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Our customer support team is available daily (9 AM – 11 PM SGT) to help. You can reach us via email or chat, and we will work to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.
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