Located in San Francisco, California, the Exploratorium is a science museum and wedding venue that offers something different for your “I dos.” The museum was founded by Frank Oppenheimer, a physicist, who was inspired to create a science museum after seeing the quality of European institutions. His personality inspires much of how the museum is run, which seeks to be a place of learning and exploration without pomp. In all, the location provides you and your sweetheart a dynamic place full of possibilities for you to celebrate and showcase your love.
Facilities and Capacity
At this museum, you can choose from a number of galleries for your special day, or you can combine multiple galleries at once. The latter option allows you to host different parts of your wedding in different rooms. You can also rent the entire museum, giving your guests the chance to discover the many exhibitions. One of the popular spaces at the Exploratorium to host your wedding is the Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery & Terrace. This area affords you views of both the bay and the city. Inside there is a seated capacity for 150. The outside can accommodate 100 guests. This area features an understated design that is angular and contemporary. The simplicity of the space along with the neutral hues makes it the ideal canvas for a variety of decor. This design extends throughout the building. There are also other galleries suited for events, such as Osher West, East, and Bechtal Central. These many options offer versatility and work for gatherings of between 40 and more than 400 people.
Services Offered
The Exploratorium employs a team of professionals to work the events at the museum. These individuals use their skills to help make your wedding a success. The museum provides the catering for your event as well, crafting dishes and culinary treats to delight your loved ones. You also get access to classrooms for use as dressing rooms, providing convenience to you and your wedding entourage. A gallery can also be closed off for an hour so you may use the space for your wedding photographs. As a bonus, the rental packages also include a one-year membership to the museum.
4 Reviews for Exploratorium
Recommended by 97% of couples
Kate Moses · Married on 01/08/2021
Looking for a wedding venue? Explor(atorium) no further!
Our wedding at the Exploratorium was absolutely perfect! We knew we were looking for a unique wedding venue that let our personalities shine through and we found just that in the Exploratorium’s quirky vibe and spectacular views. After our initial tour, Katie and the rest of the staff really went above and beyond to make sure our event was everything we hoped it would be and more. Everyone on staff was incredibly responsive and communicative throughout our planning process. Katie recommended excellent catering and planning professionals that worked flawlessly with the venue and staff. As our date approached, we were able to tour our rental space with our planning crew multiple times so we knew everything would run smoothly. To top it off, Katie arranged for some of our favorite exhibits from around the Exploratorium to be brought into our reception space. The exhibits were a hit with the guests and got people talking who would otherwise never have struck up a conversation. We have heard from several guests that our wedding is now the gold-standard and that’s because the entire Exploratorium crew worked tirelessly to make our night magical. Thank you so much for an unforgettable wedding!
Sent on 09/21/2020
Exploratorium's reply:
Kate - thank you so much! You and Steve were a perfect couple and hosted the most beautiful wedding. I loved working with you both and watching your guests interact with and enjoy the Exploratorium to the fullest! The ceremony set up in the Observatory was stunning and those dancing photos in the East Gallery were too fun. Thank you for sharing your special day with us and hope to see you both back at the museum next year!
Michaela O'shea · Married on 03/02/2020
A One-of-a-kind Masterpiece
My husband and I have had the pleasure of being a part of several events at The Exploratorium. The absolute care and attention to detail is second-to-none. We are actually wedding photographers in real-life, and are fortunate to be a part of some very special gatherings around the Bay Area. The Exploratorium and its staff are something special. Not only is the location unique and one-of-a-kind, it is also located in one of the most convenient parts of San Francisco. The ability to have your guests arrive by Ferry, train, car, bus, or maybe even a rickshaw? It's one of those things that some couples overlook when they decide on a venue. On the Embarcadero you have all of these options at your disposal.
Sent on 05/28/2020
Another incredible plus is the preferred vendors they have access to. During every event we have attended, the catering has been superb, the decor trendy, yet classic, the florals stunning, and the entertainment top flight.
We encourage every couple considering a one-of-a-kind wedding to really explore everything these folks have to offer.
Exploratorium's reply:
Michaela, you are too kind. We absolutely loved working with you and Tim and it was so fun to watch a talented photography vendor couple get in front of the camera. You both were a dream and we are so happy you have been to so many Exploratorium events. We hope to see you in museum again soon. Thank you both!Shannon · Married on 07/14/2018
Perfect reception at the Exploratorium
My husband and I threw a wedding reception at the Exploratorium. We couldn’t have been more happy with the experience. Our guests still mention how extraordinary it was to be drinking and dancing at the museum, along with so many incredible interactive exhibits. When it came to logistics the Exploratorium team was so helpful and accommodating. We would recommend this as a wedding venue without reservations.
Sent on 10/15/2020
The Exploratorium offers two outdoor spaces perfect for intimate wedding ceremonies and proposals.
The Fisher Bay Observatory Terrace and the Outdoor Gallery feature breathtaking views of the city and Bay in private open-air settings.
We now offer a special package featuring a one-hour rental for $1,000 for just these occasions.
Team of Exploratorium
Katie Brauer
Event Sales Supervisor
I am the Event Sales Supervisor in the Museum Rental Department at the Exploratorium. I started at the Exploratorium in 2017 and had been working in Lake Tahoe for five years exclusively in weddings. I absolutely love weddings and plan for friends and family whenever I can. The Exploratorium is such a hidden gem for weddings in San Francisco and definitely a unique venue that your guests won't forget! I look forward to working with you to create a special day celebrating your love and allowing your friends and family to relax, enjoy and experience the historic Pier 15.
Destiny Pai
Sales and Event Coordinator
I've been with the Exploratorium for over a year and I absolutely love what it has to offer! I enjoy being able to help couples make their wedding dreams become a reality. The best part about having your wedding here at the Exploratorium is that it supports the non-profit educational mission and programs we have. Our team is ready and can't wait for you to celebrate your special day here with your friends and family!
