The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, a new addition to the California Science Center, opens to the public Friday, Nov. 13, with a grand opening weekend that includes astronaut talks and four space-themed IMAX movies.
The center is billed as 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. The 200,000-square-foot expansion nearly doubles the Science Center’s existing exhibit space and showcases 100 artifacts, including rare and historic aerospace objects, as well as 100 new hands-on exhibits. It features three multi-level galleries: the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, the Korean Air Aviation Gallery and the Kent Kresa Space Gallery.
During the opening weekend, Friday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Nov. 15, astronaut and aerospace-related talks will be hosted every half hour through 5 p.m., with the last talk at 4 p.m. Speakers include astronauts and experts from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, and topics include mission overviews and other aviation and space themes.
The free 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 on level 3 of the new extension. No timed reservations are required for the talks, which are included with free general admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Full details will be posted across the venue on Nov. 13.
Four space-themed large-format movies also open Nov. 13 at the California Science Center IMAX Theater: “The Dream Is Alive” (37 minutes), an inside look at the space shuttle and astronaut training; “Journey to Space 3D” (41 minutes), revisiting three decades of shuttle-era achievements; “Hubble 3D” (45 minutes), the story of the Hubble Space Telescope; and “A Beautiful Planet 3D” (45 minutes), a portrait of Earth from space.
IMAX tickets range from $9 for children to $11 for adults. A $4-per-person service fee applies to online and telephone purchases and is waived for California Science Center members and for in-person, same-day sales. Discounted tickets are available for members, groups of 20 or more people and private events.
General admission to the California Science Center, including the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center featuring Space Shuttle Endeavour, is free. Because of anticipated high demand, timed reservations are required for entry to the Oschin Center. They can be made in advance for a $4 service fee, which is waived for members and for in-person, same-day reservations. Entry may be limited or unavailable without advance reservations. Reservations are available at CaliforniaScienceCenter.org.
The California Science Center is located at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The box office is open in person daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Gift certificates are available in any amount by calling 213-744-2019 or at the box office.
