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California Science Center

Photo Credit: California Science Center/LACVB

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Science gives man knowledge, which is power." If that's the case, one of the most powerful places in this country is the California Science Center, which uses exhibits, interactive displays, and experiments to teach and excite children of all ages about science and technology.

The center provides a never-ending stream of educational entertainment. More than 100 interactive exhibits showcase the importance of science in everyday life. For instance, visitors can pedal on a bicycle across a 43-foot wire suspended high above the floor. Or an intriguing moment can be had with Tess, a 50-foot animatronic figure that appears to come alive to explain how the human body works. Or how about building your own structure and subjecting it to an earthquake to see if it remains standing?

There are several major exhibits, including Creative World, World of Life, Weingart Exhibit Gallery, and Science Court and Plaza. Also within the Science Center is the Air and Space Gallery, which explores the many wonders of airplanes, outer space, and the solar system. The Gallery’s exhibits include Sputnik (the first man-made object to orbit the earth) and various satellites.

An added attraction is the IMAX theater, home to a seven-story-high, 90-foot-wide screen that shows educational films for a mesmerizing experience.

Location
The Science Center is located at 700 State Drive, south of downtown Los Angeles. Driving directions, public transportation information, and maps are available at the Science Center Web site. Parking is available in the visitor lot, located on Figueroa and 39th Street, for $6 per car.

Hours of operation

• The Science Center is open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
• The Air and Space Gallery within the Science Center is open weekdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 11 a.m-4 p.m.

Cost
Admission is free to the California Science Museum. Prices for the Imax theater are based on age group. You can find the prices on the Web site.

Contact information
Call (323) SCIENCE.

Disabled access
The Science Museum and IMAX theater are accessible to people with disabilities.

Additional information

• Discounts are given for groups of 15 or more. Call (213) 744-2019 to make reservations.
• The Science Center offers amenities such as lockers, an ATM, and food services.
• Visit the California Science Center Web site.

Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.