Back

Exploratorium

  • Address:
    Pier 15
    San Francisco, CA 94111-1456

and

About

The Exploratorium isn't just a museum; it's an ongoing exploration of science, art and human perception—a vast collection of experiences that have fed curiosity for over 45 years. There are more than 650 exhibits on display created by staff scientists, artists and designers, with new exhibits always in development. Visit our new home at Pier 15, which has three times as much space, 1.5 acres of free outdoor space, and easy access from Bay Area public transit.

Every Thursday night, savor unique, thought-provoking series for adults at After Dark. Grab dinner and drinks by the Bay, play with hundreds of hands-on exhibits, crawl through our pitch-black Tactile Dome, and explore. (The Tactile Dome is closed for routine maintenance through September 30, 2017.)

Plan your next private event at the Exploratorium!

The galleries at the Exploratorium are available for rent individually or in combination. Additional early access hours and extended hours are available for an additional fee and may need approval. Access to interactive exhibits in the gallery rented (indoors), along with professional event explainer staff is provided for your guests during the event.

Looking for outdoor options?

The Bechtel Central Gallery and Outdoor Gallery is our largest gallery, featuring classic Exploratorium exhibits that showcase perception, color,  light, sound, vision, and hearing.



Meanwhile, the Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery & Terrace is a 2nd-floor glass box, featuring floor to ceiling windows, with sweeping views of the city and bay, and includes an attached outdoor terrace!



The health and safety of your guests are one of our top priorities. We have created and implemented safety protocols for all of our events here at the Exploratorium. Things may certainly change, but we want to assure you that we will be following the guidelines for gatherings listed by the city of San Francisco and the state of California.

All proceeds from Museum Rental events go to support the non-profit educational mission and programs of the Exploratorium. Learn more at Our Story.

Meeting Facilities
Facility Info
Meeting Rooms
  • Description The winner of SF Magazine’s 2018 “Best Museum Party” award, our sustainably designed facility—located in the vibrant heart of the historic Embarcadero—is an unforgettable venue for everything from intimate gatherings to large events. With spectacular views of both city and Bay—plus access to our lively landscape of hundreds of interactive exhibits—the Exploratorium’s waterfront home offers an exciting, imaginative setting for just about anything you can dream up.
  • Floorplan File Floorplan File
  • Largest Room 20,000
  • Total Sq. Ft. 100,000
  • Reception Capacity 1,200
  • Space Notes In its home on Pier 15, the 100,000 sq. ft. venue (including 25,000 sq. ft. of outdoor gallery space), is perfect for unique and unforgettable formal dinners (1,600 seated), cocktail receptions, launch parties, (4,000 standing) or just about anything you can dream up. Guests are immersed in a vibrant landscape of sights, sounds and curiosities, with hundreds of engaging hands-on exhibits. Galleries are available to rent either individually or in combination.
  • A/V (In-house) true
  • Outdoor Capacity 125
  • WiFi true
  • Banquet Capacity 350
  • Number of Rooms 6
Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery & Terrace (INDOOR)
  • Total Sq. Ft.: 3500
  • Banquet Capacity: 150
  • Reception Capacity: 200
Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery & Terrace (OUTDOOR)
  • Total Sq. Ft.: 2500
  • Banquet Capacity: 100
  • Reception Capacity: 125
East Gallery
  • Total Sq. Ft.: 7000
  • Banquet Capacity: 200
  • Reception Capacity: 450
Bechtel Central Gallery
  • Total Sq. Ft.: 20000
  • Banquet Capacity: 350
  • Reception Capacity: 1200
Osher West Gallery
  • Total Sq. Ft.: 16000
  • Banquet Capacity: 200
  • Reception Capacity: 600
Kanbar Forum
  • Total Sq. Ft.: 3600
  • Banquet Capacity: 200
  • Reception Capacity: 250
Full Building
  • Total Sq. Ft.: 100000
  • Banquet Capacity: 1100
  • Reception Capacity: 3500
Events