Created "to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone", the California Science Center has certainly accomplished that mission, judging by the many awards it has received—three as recently as 2008. Billed as "the West Coast's largest hands-on science center", it was founded in 1951 as the California Center of Science and Industry, then was redesigned, renovated and renamed in 1998. It currently consists of an IMAX theater, two exhibit galleries and the science center itself.
Before you even enter the center, its Science Plaza welcomes you with an array of artistically scientific displays: "discovery pavers", a scattered set of 74 slabs of granite that have stenciled designs of insects and such; California Bench and Gate are, respectively, a granite slab and remaining gap outline of the state; a DNA Bench emits fog and mimics the double helix molecular structure of DNA; an Aerial has 1578 hanging spheres; and a Dichrotic Skylight of oxided glass changes colors throughout the day.
Just inside, you are further greeted by Science Court, a space of special exhibits in three courts—one on each floor of the building. High Wire Bicycle on the 3rd floor is the highlight. Brave souls can perform this circus act, sit inside the Motion-Based Simulator, and do an indoor rock wall Cliff Climb (the latter two located in other regions of the center) together as a $7 Adventure Pack. Fully inside the center, you can have the best of both "worlds", so to speak. Creative World illustrates the technological advances in communication, architecture, and transportation, with a supplementary tech lab to learn more about these subjects. World of Life covers life forms' commonalities. An introductory tunnel takes you to five "life process" galleries, and an oversized body simulator, microscopic cell lab and discovery room round out the exhibit. Ecosystems, the center's newest gallery, is an environmental exploration in eight "zones" that span the globe, including a local "LA Zone." The Family Discovery Room homes in on our own homes' habitats. The Sketch Foundation Gallery houses Air and Space Exhibits, a collection and hub of activity dedicated to aircraft, spacecraft and solar system studies.
IMAX films are presented inside the California Science Center on the largest screen in Los Angeles—seven stories high! Purchasing movie tickets helps fund the many fun and educational exhibits and programs of this non-profit organization.
At the end of your tour, you can stop by the ExploraStore. Mirroring the center, it is divided into four theme worlds, so you can shop for souvenirs by category. In addition, special exhibits and programs run throughout the year on varying subjects. The California Science Center is open 10am-5pm every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, but the IMAX theater is open daily. Admission is free for the science center's permanent exhibition galleries, and parking is $8 per car.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- Monday through Thursday: 10am to 9pm
- Friday through Sunday: 10am to 12am
- Museum Admission:
- Free
- IMAX Admission:
- Adult (age 18-59): $8
- Child (age 4-12): $4
- Student (age 13-17 and college students with valid ID) and Senior (age 60+): $5.75
- Contact:
- Location: 700 Exposition Park Drive Los Angeles, CA
- Phone: 323-724-3623
- Website: http://www.californiasciencecenter.org
