New & Temporary Science Exhibits

Resource Name	Link	Abstract
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.
TapeScape	Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose	(Open September 5 – January 10) An extraordinary experience made from ordinary materials is coming back to the Purple Museum! Created by Minnesota artist and architect Eric Lennartson, TapeScape transforms more than 10 miles of clear packing tape into a one-of-a-kind landscape of tunnels, bridges, and slides. Inspired by his passion for art, architecture, and hands-on play, Lennartson designed TapeScape to spark curiosity and bring families together through shared adventure. Returning to Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose with an all-new design, this immersive experience invites visitors of all ages to climb, crawl, slide, and discover STEAM concepts through unforgettable play.
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.
Art Exhibit: Nature’s Palette: Northern California’s Flora and Skies, paintings	Gardens of Golden Gate Park	(June 2026 through September 2026) Nature’s Palette: Northern California’s Flora and Skies, paintings by Sheila Finch. Sheila Finch is captivated by the raw strength and quiet elegance of the land and sea. Her latest works reflect the untamed beauty of Northern California and the Bay Area, capturing serene, expansive moments from nature’s most peaceful corners.
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.