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California Science Center

Museum
In Los Angeles, California
3.9 mi from Route 66

The California Science Center is a hands-on science museum in Exposition Park in Los Angeles, CA, about 5 miles off the old road. Its best-known exhibit is Space Shuttle Endeavour, shown alongside other aircraft and spacecraft, plus interactive galleries and an IMAX theater. It is free to visit and works well for families. For Route 66 travelers ending the trip in Los Angeles, it is a fun, easy stop with kids in the car.

What is California Science Center?

The center bills itself as the largest hands-on science center on the West Coast. Its galleries invite visitors to touch, try and experiment rather than just look. Flight is a big theme: several aircraft and spacecraft are on show, headlined by Space Shuttle Endeavour. Special exhibitions come and go, and IMAX films round out a visit.

It is also a state agency. It runs as a partnership between the state and the nonprofit California Science Center Foundation, and oversight of both this museum and its neighbor, the California African American Museum, falls to the state's Natural Resources Agency.

History of California Science Center

The museum began in 1951 as California's Museum of Science and Industry. In 1998 it was remodeled and given its current name. Its neighbors include the University of Southern California campus as well as the Natural History Museum. Every year the California State Science Fair is held here, a showcase for student science projects from across the state.

Visiting California Science Center: tips

The center is about 5 miles from the old road. It is free to visit, with restrooms and wheelchair access on site, and it is well suited to children. Allow two to three hours, longer with an IMAX film.

Exposition Park makes it easy to add more. Los Angeles County's Natural History Museum, the California African American Museum and the Wallis Annenberg Building are each about 0.2 miles away. Chick-fil-A is also about 0.2 miles off for a quick meal.

Practical info

Address: 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Phone: +1 323-724-3623
Website: californiasciencecenter.org
Hours: Daily 10–5
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

Where to eat near California Science Center

All diners →

Diner & restaurant
Philippe's
Los Angeles, CA · 4.1 mi from California Science Center
A downtown Los Angeles restaurant running since 1908 that claims to have invented the French dip sandwich.
Diner & restaurant
Pink's Hot Dogs
Los Angeles, CA · 5.7 mi from California Science Center
A Los Angeles hot dog stand on North La Brea Avenue, serving since 1939 at the edge of Hollywood.
Diner & restaurant
Formosa Cafe
West Hollywood, CA · 6.2 mi from California Science Center
A West Hollywood restaurant and bar from 1925, long a hangout for film stars from the studio lot nearby.