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An arrangement of diatom on a dark blue background, people making bubbles, explainers talking to guests, a couple interacting with an exihbit together, a group of people using a turntable, a group of people writing with their iPhone flashlights, and a group of people laying down watching a simulation of the sky.

After Dark: Splashdown
This Thursday, July 30 • 6–10 p.m.
Ages 18+

Follow the water—astrobiologists have long pursued this strategy while searching for life beyond Earth. Why is water so important to life, and what can our planet’s aquatic organisms teach us about extraterrestrials?

This Thursday, join biologists and scientists at Pier 15 to uncover the incredible extremophiles right here on Earth, and how they might help us make other planets more habitable.

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Free with museum admission—and it's always free for members and donors. Not a member yet? Join us and get free admission all year long!

After Dark Ages 18+
Meet us at Pier 15. No kids allowed—but you can still act like one.

An illustration of an astronaut helmet with a reflection of earth on the visor.

After Dark: Quantum Leap

August 6 • 6-10 p.m.

Immerse yourself and experience otherworldly soundscapes composed with quantum computers.

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Image Credit: Tiange Wang, I-Yang Huang

A man and a woman interacting with an exhibit.

After Dark: Unplug and Play

August 13 • 6-10 p.m.

Your monthly invitation to hang out and try something new—play science trivia, find your community, and connect deeply.

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A man and woman looking at an collection of aliens in pop culture.

After Dark: Extraterrestrial

August 20 • 6-10 p.m.

Is anyone out there? Decode cosmic signals, imagine alien life, and dive into other possibilities offworld.

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Two women wearing headphones listening to an exhibit.

After Dark: Deep Observations

August 27 • 6-10 p.m.

Slow down and give your attention to transformative experiences, from embodied sensations to deep space to experimental sounds.

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Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Join us at Pier 15 for a live broadcast of the total solar eclipse!

A woman and her son looking at an eclipse.

Wednesday, August 12 • 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Since 1998, the Exploratorium and NASA have worked together to broadcast stunning images of solar eclipses from around the world. This summer, our team of scientists and educators is ready to bring you the latest visuals from Spain.

Look up (safely), dive into the science behind the eclipse, and enjoy special programs for all ages.

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Can’t make it in person? Join us virtually for an exclusive livestream of the eclipse! Don’t miss this celebration of the cosmic wonders all around us.

Free with museum admission—and it's always free for members and donors. Not a member yet? Join us and get free admission all year long!

Life in Space

A child dressed as an astronaut, people sketching aliens, people looking at a projection of an atmosphere, a couple playing a cooperation game, a couple making origami cranes, and people laying down watching a simulated space show.

Now open through September 13

Don’t miss this major exhibition of playful science, intriguing art, and hands-on programs for space fans of all ages. As humans stand on the brink of a new era in space exploration, boldly go beyond the hype with the Exploratorium to discover what it will really take to live in space.

Let's Get Real

Download the New SFGATE App

SFGATE just launched a new membership program and app with ad-free reading, curated maps, story bookmarks, events, audio offerings, and more. It’s a new way for readers to support the newsroom while exploring the Bay Area and beyond, uninterrupted.

Download the App

Life in Space is made possible in part by:

Thank you to our Community Partners:

Museum Hours

Monday • Closed except select holidays
Tuesday–Saturday • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday • 6–10 p.m. (Ages 18+)

Sunday • 10 a.m.–Noon (Daytime members/Donors only)
Sunday • Noon–5 p.m. (General Admission)

Special Museum Hours

Monday, September 7 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Open Monday for Labor Day)

The Exploratorium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit museum, a professional development home for teachers, and a global exhibit-design trailblazer with a mission to transform learning. Support us today.

After Dark: Splashdown This Thursday, July 30 • 6–10 p.m. Ages 18+

After Dark Ages 18+ Meet us at Pier 15. No kids allowed—but you can still act like one.

Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party Join us at Pier 15 for a live broadcast of the total solar eclipse!

Life in Space

Download the New SFGATE App

After Dark: Splashdown
This Thursday, July 30 • 6–10 p.m.
Ages 18+

After Dark Ages 18+
Meet us at Pier 15. No kids allowed—but you can still act like one.

Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Join us at Pier 15 for a live broadcast of the total solar eclipse!