The Exploratorium is located in San Francisco, California, USA. It lies between the Embarcadero and Pier 15 and is situated along the San Francisco waterfront. It is famous for its interactive science and art exhibits for all ages.
The Exploratorium Location Map,San Francisco, California

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Top Attractions Inside The Exploratorium
- Tactile Dome – Interactive experience navigating a dark maze using touch alone.
- Living Roof – Eco-friendly rooftop with plant displays and educational exhibits.
- Physics and Light Exhibits – Hands-on stations demonstrating optical illusions and scientific principles.
- Marine Science Gallery – Interactive displays featuring marine life and aquatic ecosystems.
- Human Phenomena Exhibits – Engaging experiments exploring perception, senses, and cognition.
- Outdoor Exhibits & Terraces – Science demonstrations and activities with views of the San Francisco Bay.
The Exploratorium Facts
| Official Name | The Exploratorium |
| Location | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 37.8008° N, 122.3989° W |
| Total Area | 330,000 sq ft (≈30,660 m²) science museum and exhibit space |
| Established / Opened | Founded 1969; Current location at Pier 15 opened 2013 |
| Managed By | The Exploratorium (Nonprofit Organization) |
| Region | Embarcadero / San Francisco waterfront, California |
| Address | Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA |
| Zip Code | 94111 |
| Area Code | 415 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Interactive science, technology, art, human perception, hands-on learning, STEAM education |
| Main Sections / Exhibits | Human Phenomena, Tinkering Studio, Living Systems, Outdoor Exploratorium Exhibits, Observation Deck, Special Exhibitions |
| Famous Attractions | Interactive science exhibits, Fog Bridge, Tactile Dome, Kinetic Art Installations, Pendulum Waves |
| Annual Visitors | 1 million visitors |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Admission – Ticket Required |
| Ticket Price Range | Adults $29.95; Youth (4–17) $19.95; Seniors $24.95; Children under 4 Free; Memberships available |
| Ticket Options | General Admission, Membership, Group Tickets, Special Events, Educational Programs |
| Best Time to Visit | Weekdays, mornings, and off-peak seasons (Fall & Spring) to avoid crowds |
| Nearby Airport | San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 14 miles (23 km) |
| Transportation | Car / Parking, Muni Streetcars & Buses, BART (Embarcadero Station), Ride-share, Walking along Embarcadero |
| Official Website | https://www.exploratorium.edu |
Distances from The Exploratorium to Nearby Landmarks
- Ferry Building – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Embarcadero – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Pier 39 – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
- Coit Tower – 1.8 km (1.1 mi)
- Alcatraz Island Ferry Terminal – 2.8 km (1.7 mi)
- Bay Bridge – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Union Square – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Ghirardelli Square – 4 km (2.5 mi)
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
- Palace of Fine Arts – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Golden Gate Bridge – 7.5 km (4.7 mi)
- Chinatown – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
- Lombard Street – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- AT&T Park / Oracle Park – 3.5 km (2.2 mi)
- North Beach – 2 km (1.2 mi)
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