San Francisco’s Exploratorium presents a new temporary exhibition titled Life in Space, opening on Thursday, June 11 and welcoming visitors all summer long until September 13, 2026.
The installation will focus on the scientific realities of living in extraterrestrial environments, addressing topics from basic sustenance to the psychological effects of space travel.
Developed by the museum’s internal team, the exhibition is designed to move beyond common depictions of space exploration. According to Allison Roach, Director of Temporary Exhibitions, the project confronts “the realities of life beyond Earth” and examines “the challenges of living in space, from the harsh conditions the human body must endure to the subtle signs of life scientists are actually searching for.”
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation provided support for the exhibition.
Thematic areas and experiences
The exhibition’s more than 50 displays will be organized into four distinct sections:
- Can I Survive This?: This area will explore the fundamental requirements for life to endure in space. It will feature replicas of spacesuits on loan from designer Adam Savage and an audio experience that simulates how sound travels in different planetary atmospheres.
- Oops—There Goes Gravity…: A second section will address the physical effects of zero gravity on daily tasks. A hands-on activity, the Floating Puzzle, will allow participants to experience how simple actions become complex without gravity
- Is Anyone Out There?: This part of the exhibition will focus on the methods scientists use to find evidence of life on other planets. An interactive display will show how variations in a star’s light can indicate the presence of an exoplanet.
- Should We, Would You?: The final section will reflect on the human aspects of space missions. An activity focused on communication will require collaboration to solve a puzzle while contending with a simulated time delay between planets.
In addition to the scientific displays, Life in Space will include commissioned artworks from artists including Luke Jerram, Suzanne Anker, and Simon Faithfull.
The exhibition will be included with general admission to the museum. You can get tickets here.
