The new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center opens to the public on Friday, November 13, 2026, the only place in the world to see a complete, authentic space shuttle system, with a flown orbiter, solid rocket boosters, and external tank, displayed in a 20-story-tall launch configuration. This transformative 200,000-square-foot expansion of the California Science Center nearly doubles its existing exhibit space, showcasing a diverse collection of 100 artifacts, including rare and historic aerospace objects, as well as 100 new hands-on exhibits, featuring interactive and immersive experiences focused on science and engineering in the Air and Space Center’s three multi-level galleries – the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, the Korean Air Aviation Gallery, and the Kent Kresa Space Gallery.
During the grand opening weekend, from Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15, astronaut and aerospace-related talks will be hosted every half hour through 5:00 p.m. (last talk at 4:00 p.m.). Topics range from “women in space” to specific mission overviews, and other aviation and space themes, given by astronauts and experts from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center.
“Endeavour’s Long Journey,” a photo exhibit documenting Space Shuttle Endeavour’s final flight over California, its 12-mile, 68-hour journey through the streets of Los Angeles and Inglewood to the Science Center, and the complex, six-month, multi-phase process of stacking each of the space shuttle components in vertical configuration during “Go for Stack,” also premieres on Friday, November 13.
Accompanying space-themed large-format movies opening at the California Science Center IMAX Theater on November 13 include The Dream Is Alive, an unprecedented window on board the space shuttle and an inside look at the astronauts’ rigorous training; Journey to Space 3D, revisiting three decades of shuttle-era achievements, culminating in Endeavour’s journey to the California Science Center; Hubble 3D, the story of the Hubble Space Telescope; and A Beautiful Planet 3D, a breathtaking portrait of the Earth from space.
WHERE:
California Science Center
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, children and adults explore the wonders of science through hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs, and awe-inspiring large-format movies. The California Science Center, Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. General admission to the Science Center is FREE. The California Science Center is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Visit at https://californiasciencecenter.org for more information.
WHEN:
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public on Friday, November 13, 2026, and as part of the California Science Center will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day).
ACCESS AND TICKETING:
General admission to the California Science Center, including the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center featuring Space Shuttle Endeavour, is free. Due to anticipated high demand, timed reservations are required for entry to the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which can be made in advance for a small $4 service fee (the fee is waived for members of the California Science Center or for in person, same day reservations). For more information and to make reservations, visit CaliforniaScienceCenter.org. Entry may be limited or unavailable without advance reservations.
The free astronaut talks will be presented in the Donald P. Loker Conference Center, located off the main lobby of the California Science Center, and in the Celestial Ballroom located on level 3 of the new extension. No timed reservations are required for the talks, which are included with the free general admission to the California Science Center and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Full details will be posted across the venue on November 13.
“Endeavour’s Long Journey” will be on view in the Weingart Foundation Special Exhibits Gallery on the 3rd Floor of the California Science Center and the exhibition is accessed with the free general admission to the California Science Center. Timed reservations are not required.
IMAX tickets range from $9.00 for children to $11.00 for adults, a service fee of $4.00 per person will apply to all online or telephone purchases. The fee is waived for California Science Center Members and in-person same day sales.
IMAX run times:
The Dream is Alive – 37 minutes
Journey to Space 3D – 41 minutes
Hubble 3D – 45 minutes
A Beautiful Planet 3D – 45 minutes
Discounted IMAX tickets are available for Members, groups of 20 or more people, and private events. Full details can be found on the website here.
Gift certificates are also available for purchase in any amount by calling 213-744-2019 or by visiting the box office and can be redeemed in person at the Science Center.
The box office is open in-person daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Credit: California Science Center.
