Stand underneath a space shuttle at the California Science Center
The California Science Center, a merger of two long-running previous facilities, debuted in 1998 in a light, airy structure immediately in front of the Rose Garden in Exposition Park. Endeavour, the museum's most recent acquisition, is definitely a place worth visiting because of its charming beauty. The last space shuttle to be built, Endeavour instills a reach-for-the-stars spirit unlike any other exhibit in the city. Children almost solely like the various interactive exhibits; otherwise, childless adults may find the majority of the museum to be overly crowded, disorganized, and, well, dull.
The Kelp Tank, which is home to 1,500 live fish, kelp, and other marine life, is another exhibit feature; the consistently well-liked High-Wire Bicycle; Tess, the 50-foot body simulator and star of the Body Works performance; and authentic space capsules from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo-Soyuz missions. These attractions serve to highlight the strength of gravity. Temporary displays and an IMAX theater that regularly shows stunning, ostensibly informative, nature-themed movies offer additional amusement.
The fact that the museum's permanent exhibits are free to view may be the reason why a big shop occupies the majority of the ground level.
Avoid missing out: Timed tickets are necessary to enter the museum at this time. If you purchase your ticket at the box office, you can avoid the $3 service charge, but your preferred time will not be confirmed.
