Exploratorium

Palace of Fine Arts

The Exploratorium is located in the Palace of Fine Arts, very close to the Golden Gate Bridge. Much more than just a museum, it is a place in which old and young will be able to learn by experiencing and being entertained with science.

This interactive museum is divided into sections where you will be able to investigate the how a car works, the life of insects, how much noise we make when walking or why certain weather phenomena occur.

Hours of entertainment

The hundreds of experiments that you will find in the Exploratorium will make the time fly while you satisfy your curiosity. The visit to the museum will take you at least a whole morning.

A fairytale environment

Inspired by Roman and Greek architecture, the Palace of Fine Arts was designed for the Panama-Pacific International Exhibition that took place in the year 1915.

The great central lake acts as a mirror reflecting the harmonious forms of the palace, creating a romantic environment that is a chosen wedding venue for many residents of San Francisco.

Location

3601 Lyon Street.

Hours

Open Tuesday through Sunday: 10am to 5pm.
Closed Mondays (except certain holidays).
Closed Thanksgiving.
Closed Christmas Day.

Admission

Adult (18-64): $15.
Student (18+ with ID): $12.
Seniors (65+): $12.
Youth (ages 13-17): $12.
People with Disabilities: $12.
Children (ages 4-12): $10.
Children (3 and under): Free.

Transport

Muni buses 30, 43, 28, and 29 stop nearby.
Muni bus lines 22, 41, and 45 stop in the vicinity.

Map

Closest attractions

Fillmore Street (1.29 miles)
San Francisco Japantown (1.62 miles)
Lombard Street (1.64 miles)
SS Jeremiah O'Brien (1.76 miles)
USS Pampanito (1.81 miles)

Hotels nearby

Travelodge at the Presidio
(0.41 miles)
Country Hearth Inn
(0.4 miles)
La Luna Inn, a C-Two Hotel
(0.43 miles)
Economy Inn - San Francisco
(0.39 miles)