San Francisco’s Exploratorium celebrates 40 years of making science fun

Posted by admin on Sep 29, 2009

Say the name "Oppenheimer," and what comes to most people’s minds is the father of the atomic bomb. However, that name is also linked with a beloved San Francisco institution that’s been inspiring a love — rather than fear — of science and its wonders for four decades.

The Exploratorium has come a long way since 1968, when noted physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer (J. Robert’s younger brother) proposed that the cavernous Palace of Fine Arts house a science museum. In 1969, with no publicity or fanfare, the Exploratorium opened its doors to display a few exhibits. Today, the Exploratorium is considered the prototype for hands-on museums around the world, and a leader in the movement for museums as educational centers.

40th anniversary

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Exploratorium is hosting an "electrifying, evanescent, and enlightening" series of events, including a free admission weekend on November 7-8.

In addition to having access to the museum’s 400+ hands-on exhibits, guests are treated to behind-the-scenes tours, crafts, DIY demonstrations, film screenings, and the "bubble magic" of Tom Noddy. On Saturday, a special "stranger-than-friction" exhibit will have skeptics scratching their heads as they watch a wire suspending a motorcycle slice through a block of ice…without cutting the ice in two pieces.

For adults who prefer to take their science with a twist of lime, the Exploratorium After Dark series presents a special anniversary performance by Dr. MegaVolt on November 5. Watch as the good doctor jousts with 14-foot electrical arcs from his high voltage Tesla Coil, with nothing between him and the bolts but a metal suit. Sip cocktails from the cash bar while you mix and mingle with scientists, artists, musicians, programmers, designers, and the merely curious for the cost of regular museum admission ($14, doesn’t include daytime museum access).

The festivities extend throughout November, with special programs that are included in the cost of regular admission. For a full schedule of events happening throughout the month, check out the 40th anniversary website.

Looking to the Future

If there’s a side effect to the Exploratorium’s success, it’s that it’s finally outgrown the facilities that have housed it for 40 years. At this time, the museum is in the planning phase of a massive relocation to San Francisco’s waterfront, to Piers 15 and 17 on the Embarcadero.

Once renovated, the historic piers will house the Exploratorium’s public exhibitions, classrooms, programs, a restaurant and cafe, a museum store, a national center for teacher development, event space, and offices.

Not only will this give the Exploratorium 38% more breathing room, but the central location will make it easier for guests to visit the museum via public transportation.

The new Exploratorium is slated for opening in 2012. You can read more here.