About Exploratorium
Founded by physicist Frank Oppenheimer in 1969, the Exploratorium pioneered the participatory science museum. It now occupies Pier 15 with 600+ interactive exhibits along the Embarcadero.
Founded in 1969, Exploratorium has been welcoming visitors for over 57 years. Today it draws approximately 1,100,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited science & industry museums in the world. Located in San Francisco, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 9,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Exploratorium ranks #110
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #110 in our composite ranking, Exploratorium represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3 hours, planning your route through Exploratorium is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Tactile Dome
- ◆Tinkering Studio
- ◆Bay Observatory Gallery
- ◆Outdoor exhibits
- ◆Bay views
Recognition & awards
Exploratorium has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00. Closed Mon.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Exploratorium is located in San Francisco, United States at coordinates 37.8017°N, -122.3974°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Exploratorium
Exploratorium was established in 1969, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in San Francisco. With 1,100,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important science & industry museums in the Americas region.
Other top science & industry museums
If you enjoy science & industry museums like Exploratorium, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #27Smithsonian National Air and Space MuseumWashington, United States
- #42Science MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #43Deutsches MuseumMunich, Germany
- #62Cité des Sciences et de l'IndustrieParis, France
- #97MUSE – Museo delle ScienzeTrento, Italy
More museums in San Francisco
San Francisco is home to 4 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Exploratorium with these nearby institutions:
- #70Asian Art Museum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #71SFMOMA🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #111California Academy of Sciences🦖 Natural History
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Exploratorium?
Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00. Closed Mon. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Exploratorium?
Most visitors recommend spending 3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Exploratorium located?
Exploratorium is located in San Francisco, United States. The exact coordinates are 37.8017°, -122.3974°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Exploratorium known for?
The original hands-on science museum. Key highlights include Tactile Dome, Tinkering Studio, Bay Observatory Gallery. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 9,000 reviews.
How many people visit Exploratorium each year?
Exploratorium receives approximately 1,100,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was Exploratorium founded?
Exploratorium was founded in 1969, making it 57 years old. It is categorised as a science & industry museum in our directory.
