The Exploratorium is a science and technology museum located on Pier 15 in San Francisco, California. Frank Oppenheimer (the brother of Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb) built this museum in 1969. Oppenheimer, a former physicist, cattle rancher, and high school teacher, created the Exploratorium as a hands-on way for visitors to learn about science. He led the museum until his retirement in 1985. During the 1980s, the Exploratorium grew significantly under Oppenheimer and his successor Dr. Robert L. White’s leadership. Today, Chris Fink is the head of the Exploratorium. To teach science, the Exploratorium takes a very hands-on approach. The museum’s six galleries display over 600 exhibits covering topics such as engineering, geography, and psychology. The most prominent attractions include the tactile dome (a dark room that visitors use their sense of touch to navigate) and the South gallery’s tinkering studio, which allows visits to build and experiment with the Exploratorium’s staff. While hands-on science museums typically target children, the Exploratorium is a fun science-learning environment for all ages.
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