New and Temporary Science Exhibits
Wondering what new exhibits are coming to the museums and science centers around the Bay Area? Find out here. We update the list whenever we find out about a new exhibit or temporary program.
New & Temporary Science Exhibits
| Resource Name | Link | Abstract |
|---|---|---|
| Vivid: Immerse Your Senses | California Academy of Sciences | (Opens May 22, 2026) Take your senses on an all-natural trip. Vivid is a new Academy experience that transports you to six unique ecosystems through ultra-HD video projections, nature-inspired scents, and lush ambient soundscapes. Zoom in on the underground world of insects, bliss out among giant icebergs, and feel your connection to our planet grow. |
| 2026 Plants Illustrated Virtual Exhibition | UC Botanical Garden | In partnership with Northern California Society of Botanical Artists. Immerse yourself in a world where botanical beauty meets creative brilliance, where each illustration captures a unique dialogue between artist and plant. |
| Virtually Human | The Lawrence | Face to Face With AI - Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere: in our homes, phones, and cars. How can these AIs act like humans, and how are they different? Engage in an interactive artificial intelligence experience to explore how computers can interpret facial expressions just like humans do. Experiment with the AI to see how it is—and isn’t!—smart. |
| Bubble Bash | Bay Area Discovery Museum | From giant bubbles to joyful foam parties, the Bubble Bash is a limited-time summer celebration at the Bay Area Discovery Museum! June 6 – September 7. |
| Coastal Art & Poetry Contest Exhibition | California Coastal Commission | View the 2025 Coastal Art & Poetry Contest online and on exhibit at the following locations: Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center (Ventura) in May and June Ford House Museum (Mendocino) in July and August Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center (Newport Beach) in September and October Bear Valley Visitor Center (Point Reyes National Seashore) in November and December |
| Life in Space | Exploratorium | (June 11 - September 13, 2026) Let’s get real. Deadly rays, harsh temperatures, near-total vacuum, no pizza delivery… will you survive living in space? This summer, explore the science of how life—human or extraterrestrial—might (just maybe) stay alive in the extreme conditions beyond Earth. 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. |
| Bay Area Science Festival 2026 | Bay Area Science | (October 17, 2026, 11am-4pm) - UCSF Mission Bay Campus, Koret Quad, Northern California's Largest Free celebration of Science - Bring the whole family to experience 100+ jaw-dropping demonstrations, hands-on experiments, astounding games, behind the scenes lab tours, film screenings and science talks. Inspire future scientists. Experience how STEM shapes the way we live. |