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Exploratorium

The Embarcadero, San Francisco, California

Description

The Exploratorium is a science and technology museum in San Francisco known for the participatory nature of its exhibits (about 600 on display at any one point). It was founded by Frank Oppenheimer, an American particle physicist (brother of Robert Oppenheimer). There is a broad range of content covering topics such as human behaviour, the physics of seeing and listening, electricity and magnetism, living systems. In addition, there is an outdoor gallery focusing on local environment, weather and landscape.

Access & Transport

Location: Pier 15 on San Francisco's Embarcadero The museum is a 10-minute walk from the Embarcadero BART station and the Light Rail F and L-OWL stop next to it

Instructions & Recommendations

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Meta review

Mixed online reviews - and clearly many that are not genuine. The overall sense is that this is best done with children and adults may find a few interesting and educational exhibits, but probably not worth the steep price. That aside, there is a lot to learn and discover, especially on the topic of physics. Expect a lot of sensorial simulation, including from noisy children.

Environmental & Social

The Exploratorium building goal is to become the largest net-zero museum in the country. Inspired an international network of participatory museums working to engage the public with general science education

Conclusion

Best for families looking for educational content, especially on a rainy day but we strongly question the pricing policy for such a cultural activity. Fun and interesting but entirely optional for first time travellers to the city.

Key positive

Educational and original exhibits

Centrally located

Key negative

Very expensive for a museum (price has been ramping up recently)

Can be crowded and noisy

Suitability

For all ages and fully wheelchair accessible

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
After dark Thursdays: 18h-22h for adults only

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:2h 15m

Regulated hours

Monday -

Tuesday10:00 - 17:00

Wednesday10:00 - 17:00

Thursday10:00 - 17:00

Friday10:00 - 17:00

Saturday10:00 - 17:00

Sunday12:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$30
Adult
18 - 64
US$40
Child
4 - 17
US$30
Infant
0 - 3
US$0

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