The mission of The Exploratorium, brainchild of rogue physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer, is to change the way the world learns. Described as the most important science museum to open in the 20th century and characterized as “a mad man’s penny arcade, scientific funhouse and experimental lab rolled into one,” the Exploratorium, today is an out-of-this-world, 21st century fun factory and learning laboratory! The groundbreaking nature of its hundreds of hands-on exhibits and self-identification as a center for informal learning has earned the Exploratorium the great distinction of being recognized as a prototype for participatory museums the world over. Originally located at the Palace of Fine Arts, in 2013 Exploratorium reopened at extensively remodeled Pier 15 on San Francisco’s Embarcadero. Indulge your curiosity and learn as you play – gawk, fiddle and tinker your way through six fantastic galleries full of engaging interactive exhibits – come prepared to play, explore and experiment your way to a fresh understanding of the utterly amazing world we live in! Discover “triboluminescence” and accompany Sun Artist Bob Miller on a light walk; recreate a rainstorm, explore the cold, briny deep, dissect an actual cow’s eye, interpret ancient text and search for life in distant galaxies! When you’ve fed your inquiring mind ‘til your lonely stomach grumbles in neglect, beat feet to the delightful Seaglass Café, a casual waterfront venue featuring a fresh, creative, organic and locally sourced menu of deliciously “upscale” cafeteria and diner favorites certain to satisfy hungry explorers of ALL ages.