Glow

About This Event

Step into the art and science of light at Glow, an immersive exhibition at the Exploratorium. Discover luminous artworks that dazzle and surprise, from experimental LED games to optical illusion sculptures and a breaking ocean wave made of light and sound. This exhibition offers a unique way to explore color, shadow, and perception, making it a captivating experience for all ages.

Features

• Step into a world of luminous artworks that explore the art and science of light.
• Discover dazzling and surprising light installations from various artists.
• Recharge your winter wonder with a unique, immersive light experience.
• Marvel at an optical illusion sculpture that challenges your perception of light and structure.
• Bask in the glow of an artificial Sun created from moving mirrors.
• Be mesmerized by an ever-shifting landscape composed with unique materials and textures.
• Experience nearly 500 suspended orbs forming a breaking ocean wave, brought to life with light and sound.
• Wander through a sculptural city built from found objects.

Parking Information

The Exploratorium partners with SP+ to offer a discount at the Pier 15 parking lot. To get your discount, use the payment kiosk in the parking lot to pay and enter discount code 4302100. If you need assistance, please call SP+ Parking directly at (628) 400-8020. Lots are not owned or operated by the Exploratorium. All parking is subject to availability. Please check the hours of operation and rates directly with the lots. As in other urban areas, removing all valuables from your vehicle, including the trunk, is very important. Don't tempt a thief by leaving cell phones, sunglasses, luggage, shopping bags, passports, or other items in your car. The Exploratorium offers lockers just past the ticket scanning station (small) and outside the Information Desk (large). Small lockers are 11.5" w x 13" h x 17.5" d; large lockers are 23.5" w x 29" h x 23" d. Metered parking is available along the Embarcadero and on side streets. There is a white-curbed loading zone on the Embarcadero just south of the museum where you can drop people off or pick them up.

Tip: Muni's F Market streetcar stops in front of the Exploratorium at Embarcadero and Green Street. Muni bus lines 2, 6, 14, 21, 31, and metro rail lines J, K, L, M, N stop within walking distance. Bus lines 1, 10, 12, 41, and 38 also stop in the vicinity. Embarcadero BART, Muni stations, and ferry terminals at the Ferry Building are all a 10- to 15-minute walk away. Numerous AC Transit lines terminate at the Transbay Temporary Terminal, a 20-minute walk away. The San Francisco Bay Ferry departs from Alameda Main Street, Harbor Bay, and Jack London Square in Oakland and arrives at the Ferry Building, a 10-minute walk away. Golden Gate Transit bus lines 10, 70, 80, 101, and 101x terminate at the Transbay Temporary Terminal, a 20-minute walk away. Golden Gate Ferry offers ferry service from Larkspur and Sausalito and arrives at the Ferry Building, a 10-minute walk away. Blue and Gold Fleet offers ferry service from Tiburon and Sausalito and arrives at the Ferry Building, a 10-minute walk away. The San Francisco Bay Ferry provides service from Vallejo and arrives at the Ferry Building, a 10-minute walk away. All BART lines stop at the Embarcadero Station, a 10- to 15-minute walk north along the Embarcadero to Pier 15. Take Caltrain to the San Francisco station at Fourth and King streets, then transfer to Muni Metro Lines N or T. Exit at Embarcadero station, a 10- to 15-minute walk from the Exploratorium. SamTrans route 292 (weekday and weekend) to the Temporary Transbay Terminal, a 20-minute walk away. The San Francisco Bay Ferry departs from the South San Francisco/Oyster Point ferry terminal (Wednesdays and Fridays only) and arrives at the Ferry Building, a 10-minute walk away. Take the Capitol Corridor train to Richmond. Transfer to BART toward San Francisco, and get off at the Embarcadero station, a 10- to 15-minute walk from the Exploratorium. Take the Capitol Corridor train with bus connection to San Francisco. Disembark the train in Emeryville, and take the connecting bus to the Financial District/Hyatt stop, at the corner of California and Drumm streets, a 10- to 15-minute walk from the Exploratorium. Take the Capitol Corridor train to Oakland's Jack London Square. Take a 10-minute walk through Jack London Square to the San Francisco Bay Ferry. Ride the ferry across the Bay to the Ferry Building, a 10-minute walk from the Exploratorium.

Tips for Visiting

• Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon, after 3:00 PM, or on a weekend morning between 10:00 AM and noon for a less crowded experience.
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as the Exploratorium campus is large and San Francisco weather can be unpredictable.
• Take advantage of the on-site lockers to store belongings, especially if you plan to explore the many interactive exhibits.
• While the main exhibition is included with admission, the Tactile Dome requires separate ticketing, so plan accordingly if you wish to experience it.
• Check the Exploratorium's website for specific program schedules during your visit, as illuminating live programs are offered for both adults and children.