About Exploratorium
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Message from Exploratorium
The Museum of Science, Art, and Human Perception\n\nOpen Selected Holiday Mondays
The Exploratorium is an experimental, hands-on museum designed to spark curiosity ? regardless of your age or familiarity with science. With hundreds of exhibits to touch, look through, pick up, and tinker with, let curiosity be your compass to endless discoveries! Located in San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, near the Golden Gate Bridge.
*Explore the science of music, through online exhibits, movies, and questions.
*Cassini-Huygens Mission: Explore Saturn, its rings and moons, and see the latest images. New in our online store! Saturn Cassini Poster.
*Sports Science: Get into gear for the Summer Olympics and Tour de France with The Science of Cycling
*Microscope Imaging Station: Explore living cells and embryos at our Microscope Imaging Station!
*Origins: Explore the places, people, tools, and ideas behind the origins of matter, the universe, and life itself.
Informal Learning and Schools
The Center for Informal Learning and Sch ools (CILS) supports the improvement of K-12 science education through the study of informal science learning. A collaboration of the Exploratorium, King's College London, and the University of California Santa Cruz, CILS offers Master's, Doctoral, and Post-Doctoral Programs, as well as an Informal Learning Certificate Program for Museum Educators.
Become a Museum Partner and reap the benefits of our innovative exhibitry and educational expertise. Exploratorium Partners share ideas and innovations, promoting a culture of learning that crisscrosses the United States and the world.
About the Exploratorium
Housed within the walls of San Francisco's landmark Palace of Fine Arts, the Exploratorium is a collage of over 650 science, art, and human perception exhibits. The Exploratorium is a leader in the movement to promote museums as educational centers.
Editorial from Yellowpages.com
In ShortThis playground provides a fun, interactive way to learn about the mysteries of science. Part of the Palace of Fine Arts, it's also a great chance to see some of San Francisco's...
Key Points
- For The Curious Ones
Insider Pages Reviews for Exploratorium
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it is really interesting and i learn something new everytime i go there. its really interactive and all of the little experiments are neato. where else can you drink form a toilet and dissect a cow's eyeball?
October 10, 2006Was this review helpful to you?
In March, I had 2 Japanese foreign exchange students staying with me, and was supposed to show them around San Francisco and entertain them for a few days. My friend and I took them to the exploratorium, and they had just as much fun as we did! There was no language barrier at all, and it was really cool trying all the sound and light experiments together. I defintely reccomend that everyone take at least one trip to the exploratorium in their lifetime!
PROS: educational, fun, very hands-on, many different crazy experiements
CONS: none
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Insider Guru
| Rank: 130
Even I love to go this place. I take my children here alot specially when there is a new exhibit. They love to play with all the different gadgets and we love to go see the stars. This place is also a wonderful place just to walk around on a nice sunny day
October 03, 2006Was this review helpful to you?
This place is great. Even though I've been going here since I was a child myself, I'm never bored when I take my own children. It's got something to amaze everyone in the family, all age groups. A must!!
July 25, 2011Was this review helpful to you?
This is always an enjoyment to go here. It is a great place for your children to learn science. I do get discouraged when some exhibits are not open or are not operating. Been going since I was young and will continue to go as I age.
October 02, 2006Was this review helpful to you?
the exploratorium was fun when i went in fourth grade. it had cool stuff their. has a great gift shop. when i went their they were diesecting a cows eye ball it was cool and discuting.
October 01, 2006Was this review helpful to you?
This is a great place for kids to get hands on experiences with a ton of exhibits. It does get a little bit crowded especially on the free days(1st Wednesday of the month ) but the kids do enjoy is. It is a great plsce togo on school field trips.
July 25, 2011Was this review helpful to you?
What a great place to watch the kids interact with different science projects..The kids always seem entertained and talk about the Exploratorium for days after...
September 29, 2006Was this review helpful to you?
This has been a favorite of mine since I was a boy. Amazing science exhibits with stun you time and time again. They also have the textile dome... a left over from those wild early days of the 70's. Super fun to do with a group or just with you and your kids.
September 29, 2006Was this review helpful to you?
the exploratorium is great place for kids to learn about science and have fun at the same time. very reasonable to get in and tons of stuff to do and learn.
September 29, 2006Was this review helpful to you?
This is a wonderful place to take children they have a little bit of everything and it is educational as well. Though the parking is a little difficult its well worth it.
PROS: Very Educational...
CONS: The Parking..
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I used to take my kids that I was a nanny here all the time because you can buy a year round pass and on a rainy day you can come and explore the exciting things to see.
PROS: Good deal for hours of entertainment
CONS: Parking is rough during the mid-day time
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Top100
| Rank: 30
Where else can you find a place where it is educational as well as a fun place to visit. The 1st Wednesday of every month is free so if you want to save a few bucks try to go on Wednesdays. There are different exhibits and they are usually hands on. They have exhibits for all ages. Very fun place to learn. Food inside isn't bad either.
PROS:
CONS: Take Muni .. NO PARKING
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This is a great place to go when they are slow. I went on free day with a fieldtrip and it was one of the worse days of my life. kids everywhere. I reallylike all the exhibits they offer although it always seems like some are broken or out of service when we are there.
July 25, 2011Was this review helpful to you?
The Exploratorium is a Great place to spend a few hours having fun. This place has many exhibits that are inactive and informative for both the young and old alike. You can get a annual family membership that will entitle you to free admission and special events for members only. They have a gift shop that is full of fun and interesting things. There is plenty of parking and it is free. Friendly, Helpful, and Informative Staff. Check it out.
July 25, 2011Was this review helpful to you?
This is a great science museum. I went here when I visited California and found it more impressive than other museums I've been to. The exhibits are cool and always interactive. Especially memorable was the animal eye dissection, which you can learn about the different parts of the eyes and see them for yourself. It's unforgettable. Something more fun was the shadow box room, where you jump and your image is captured on the wall. Very cool.
November 26, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
If you or a friend thinks science is boring, then you or your friend needs to come to the Exploratorium. There are exhibits that demonstrate or manipulate how the five senses interpret the world. Why can you lie down on a sheet of nails, but one nail alone will impale you? How does a baseball curve? These questions can be explained by the many docents waiting to answer your questions. There is a cafeteria in case you didn't bring your own lunch. There is a gift shop for momentos too. My favorite is the Tactile Dome. You get to experience what a blind person goes through each day. Advance reservations are needed. The only drawback is that it gets crowded when many teachers schedule field trips on the same day.
November 26, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
My kids love visiting the Exploritorium in San Francisco. I think they go there more than I do because of fieldtrips from school. Its a great way for kids to learn about science by being interactive with all the exhibits. I highly reccommend visiting this place. They also have a lake beside it and the Palace of Fine Arts.
November 18, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
I went here for the first time while I was studying in the Bay Area. I was tired from finals and needed a break from the monotonous life of studying and college life. So my friends took me to the Exploratorium. WIth a million different experiements to play with and to discover, there's no question as to why this place is called the exploratorium. It's a fantastic place to let your kids run free and learn by doing.
November 17, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
The Exploratorium is probably the coolest hands on museum I have ever been to... and my parents took us to a lot growing up. There are hundreds of exhibits, all hands on, and all kept in pretty good shape. It is expensive to get in but you can easily spend all day here. The tactile dome is especially cool, if you want to realize how important your vision is, try this experience!
November 14, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
Insider
| Rank: 18,610
The Explortorium is a good place for kids and adults to learn about science and technology. There are a lot of models and most of them are hands on. There is a lot of school children visting and it's a fun place for them to experience and gain knowledge. A fun interacting museum with some new things you will come out as you leave the Explortorium.
November 09, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
The Exploratorium is a not only a tourist attraction but also a great science museum. It has a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. The building itself is a famous San Francisco landmark. The museum within contains a great many exhibits are great fun for adults and kids alike. I definitely would recommend a visit to anyone visiting San Francisco or even those that live in the Bay area.
November 07, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
I've gone here on several occassions. Once just to visit, and a couple of times for company holiday parties. Every time, it's been a lot of fun. They have a lot of good activities for kids that make science interesting. And going in big groups like for a company party is also great, even for adults!
November 03, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
There are not many museums around that allow you to actually play around with all of the exhibits. The exploratorium is one ofthose museums. It make children have fun while learning. The museum is science based but more geared towards physics. My neice hated physics in school, but after visiting teh museum a few times, she leraned to understand concepts and now she relates everything she learns to the exploratorium. Its a wonderful educational experince in which you have a great time.
November 03, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
I can't wait to go back. It's an awesome learning experince for kids and adults of all ages. I remember back in middle school when I first went to the exploratorium. Everything is so interesting and fun, you also learn at the same time. Just Great!
November 02, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
Even when you get older this place is still pretty cool. I came here with my family a couple of times and it was fun for everyone. I really like the fact that its very hands on and you get to do everything yourself, you dont even really realize you're learning. Kids always really like the experiment with the bubble where you get to soak your hands in saop and then put them inside the bubble. There are fun spinny ones and lots to do with magnets. The place gets pretty crowded sometimes so you might have to wait a couple of minutes for some of the most popular ones to open up (like the one where you stand holding on the a pole and spin around.) Some of the stations are getting pretty worn though. Parking is tight, I would suggest parking on a side street.
October 23, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
The Exploratorium is a great place to take the children and for adults in general. You'll learn at least something every time that you go. There are many, many exhibits that are hands on, and you'll be amazed about the world of science. There's also a gift shop that offers a wide range of products. One of the better museums in the City.
October 07, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
This museum is great for children, in fact it's designed with them in mind! Nearly all the exhibits feature something to push, pull, touch, turn, feel, or explore. There are many different exhibits, so many that children may even feel overwhelemed, wanting to see everything at once.
The staff are friendly and helpful, and enjoy entertaining school groups for field trips, as well as daycamps, and other groups. There is nearby park where people can eat lunch, or you can grab lunch at their snack bar inside.
If you decide to take your children, it would be smart to set aside an afternoon, as it may take awhile to see and do everything that is available inside.
September 23, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
i have been to the exploratorium three times, twice as field trips as a kid, and once with friends and each time i went, it has been better and better. maybe it's the age but i was more fascinated with everything each time i went. i would definitely recommend checking this place out if you're in san francisco.
September 21, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
If science was never your subject of interest, the exploratorium is one place that will change your mind. They make learning fun and amusing. They have several interactive exhibits available for you to fool around with. If you have kids this would be a great place to take them as a learning experience for the family.
September 15, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
Leona C.
| 
Insider Expert
| Rank: 13,017
After going to a similar place in San Diego as a kid, I decided to check out the Exploratorium in SF as an adult. There was a good mix of kids and adults there - and after my visit, I agree that it's a great place to take kids or to even enjoy as an adult!
I recommend getting there early. I went sometime after lunch on a Saturday, and I ran out of time. I spent several hours on the first floor and was disappointed at closing time about completely missing the second floor! I've always enjoyed science, and this is a great way to explore scientific theories and principles. Lots of interactive and informative exhibits - great for hands-on people like me! Admission was definitely reasonable, although the prices of the food there were high, as expected of museums and similar attractions.
The plus is, after the Exploratorium closed, I took a nice half-hour walk around the building. What a lovely locale! Definitely a must see, whether you are a resident or tourist!
PROS: Fun, entertaining, educational, great for kids and adults! Great location!
CONS: Food expensive.
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This place answers most of your scientific questions about life. They have numerous areas of interactive displays. Readings along the side that describes the whole purpose which makes things more understanding. Some displays have audio and video which makes it even more interesting. There are a lot of kids here so prepare to wait a few minutes to check out a display or come back to them when free.
September 13, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
The Exploratorium is a science museum that both kids and adults will enjoy. Outside, surrounded by Golden Gate Park, the museum is idyllic and tranquil. Inside, there are over 600 displays, ranging from an exhibit on optical illusions to a giant tube that carries sound. The displays are interactive, so kids learn about science while they have fun.
September 09, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
I still remember going to this place as a 3rd grader on a field trip. It is still fresh in my memory how great this place is. The thing that makes it so great is that the museum understands science isn't always presented in entertaining ways. The fact that the exhibits are hands on makes adults and kids enjoy the experience. I can still remember the cow eye dissection as a child like it happend yesterday. I don't have kids yet but when I do, I will bring them here because I don't see how any kid can't enjoy this place.
September 06, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
With admission free on the first Wed of each month, this is an excellent place to bring people of all ages to. Not only is it an educational place, but it is very interactive.
I especially enjoyed how, despite the potential of being crowded, there is always an exhibit where space is available for a person to view and enjoy.
Admission is fair.
September 05, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
Exploratorium is such a great place to learn about science. Exploratorium is for all ages and has many exhibits to look at. My friends and I come here very often when I was in high school to learn more about chemistry and physics. It helped me passed both class in flying colors. There are a lot of kids coming here to help broaden their imagination with science.
September 04, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
I loved visiting the Exploratorium as a kid, and still make time to visit every once in a while nowadays. Even as an adult, I'm still fascinated by the old and new science exhibits; I still enjoy checking out the optical illusion-themed room and the Earthquake exhibit, which gives an in depth look into the cause of earthquakes and their storied history in California. Kids will have a great time here, as there are many interactive exhibits which provides an opportunity to actively learn more about the world of science.
September 03, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
I always go back here at least once or twice a year just to see what new things they added to the place. I used to take field trips out the Exploratorium when I was younger and it brings back so many memories. They have so many scientific things that will make your mind boggle. Fascination and excitements lies within each step you take. Beware, going here during school sessions will bring you in contact with hundreds of kids occupying each station. Check out theyre site for discounts.
September 02, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
The Exploratorium is a great hands-on science museum for kids of all ages. It's actually pretty interesting for adults too! Kids won't even realize they're learning so much because they'll be having fun too. Lots of great exhibits and they always have something new.
Save money by going on the first Tuesday of the month, when admission is free.
August 30, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
This place is fun for everyone! it's a hand on museum. Not only do you learn how things work, but you also get to try them out. It's like a playground for people of all ages that's also scientific and educational with things like optical illusion experiments, and a thermal camera. The admission is very cheap
August 20, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
This place is the best place in the city to go on a first date. It is entertaining and really funny. The exhibits are all hands-on and really keep all ages engaged. The store isn't that great, but it has that good astronaut ice cream that you ate when you were a kit. Also, I would recommend checking out the Tactile Dome
August 23, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
If you're looking for something fantastically fun to do in the city by the bay, look no further!!! The Exploratorium in San Francisco, California is one of the most fun places I have ever visited!!! Remember all of those science classes? Now you can see science in action!! This is a totally kid friendly venue that people of all ages can learn from and enjoy!! The Exploratorium is one of the best places to visit - both for fun and educational purposes!! I highly recommend the Exploratorium to anyone!!!
August 12, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
This is a great place to go with the family. Kids and adults alike will enjoy browsing all the science exhibits because almost everything is interactive, you can touch, smell and try many of them. The admission fee is reasonable and parking is easy to acquire. Outside is also very beautiful and picturesque. The building and columns are just breathtaking. Many wedding pictures have been taken on the Exploratorium's grounds because of it.
August 04, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
Almost every year, my school would take our class to the San Francisco Exploratorium. If you haven't been there about a bilion times, it's really fun. The main highlight of the museum (they even have a commercial for it) is the cow's eye dissection (everybody's so engrossed with the eye, they don't llisten to the person who's describing what he's doing and why he's doing what he's doing). It's pretty hideous- last year a boy even fainted. They have some pretty fun displays (I love the hands on projects the best).
August 03, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
This is e very fun place especially for children. They get to discover so many things that they had never even thought of before. They usually don't even realize they are learning, its a day of fun. Adults can have a good time here too, they won't learn as much but they will get to experience all the hands on stuff. My favorite (and i think most people's) is the thing where you turn on a post like thing and to you it seems like you're going a million miles an hour, but others around you see you going incredibly slow. Another one of my favorites is the one where with some kind of energy you can make coins stick together, you can take them home like that if you're careful (they do fall apart eventually.)
August 03, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
I had to go the Exploratorium for my high school Physics class. Even though I did not like Physics, it was a different experience than the classroom. I feel as though I learned the most from the exploratorium because I was ble to actually see the Physics concepts behind things. Although some of the exhibits were repetitve, I learned a plethora of things. I would recommend it to anyone who likes to learn.
July 28, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
The exploratorium is really for people of all ages! My favorite thing was always the room where you jump in front of that screen and the light flashes and it leaves the image of you in mid air doing air guitar or something less geeky : ) . But really, this place is thriving with cool scientific stuff. Bring your kids andf they will have a great day and you will too!!
July 25, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
I love the Exploratorium!! Even though I wasn't much of a physics fan back in school, this place is the best. There are so many exhibits to look at. And the best part about the exploratorium is that almost everything is a hands on expereince. Thats what makes this place unique and interesting. I would recommend this place for all people. You learn alot and have fun too.
July 19, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
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I went there this past Sunday with my family.
There were lots of stuff to see, however I thought there was too much going on at such small space. No elevators, so not very family friendly either.
One negative experience we had, when we went to a kids section with lots of cool stuff for my kid to try (I forgot what it was called). My 2 year old was just being a kid and playing with the ball, right next to some guy with the uniform (he worked there). And he just took the ball she was trying to throw, and said "STOP!" to her. My husband and I were like... what?! So I told the guy not to be so impatient because she's only being a kid, he had the nerve to respond with "I'm not being impatient, just STOP." wth?!? That one thing didn't spoil our day, but I would've prefered spending the day+ money at California academy of sciences. Much more interesting things to do, and not so overwhelming as this place was...
I wouldn't want to go back there again.
For a fun, out of ordinary date, I went to the Tactile Dome and had a great time. I've been to the Exploratorium many times and always enjoyed myself. So if you're into science and discovery and learning, this is a great place to spend an afternoon.
