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Lawrence Hall of Science: A STEM Wonderland

Explore hands-on science exhibits, catch a planetarium show, and discover the wonders of STEM at Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science.

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Perched in the Berkeley Hills, the Lawrence Hall of Science is a leading science center offering hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and 3D theater. Founded in honor of Nobel laureate Ernest Orlando Lawrence, it inspires curiosity and learning for all ages.

A brief summary to The Lawrence Hall of Science

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Reserve tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure entry.
  • Check the Hall's website for daily activities, showtimes, and any closures due to weather or special events.
  • Take advantage of the free UC Berkeley shuttle or AC Transit bus #65 on weekdays to avoid parking hassles.
  • Bring your own food and enjoy a picnic at the outdoor tables with bay views.
  • Consider a family membership if you plan to visit multiple times a year; it pays for itself in just a few visits and offers reciprocal discounts at other museums.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Downtown Berkeley BART, take AC Transit bus #65 directly to the Lawrence Hall of Science on weekdays. The bus runs hourly. A single ride costs $2.25. Alternatively, take the UC Berkeley Shuttle (Bear Transit Hill Line) on weekdays. Check the Bear Transit website for the schedule. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the entrance.

  • Driving

    From I-80, exit at University Avenue in Berkeley and follow signs towards the UC Berkeley campus. Turn left onto Oxford Street, right onto Hearst Avenue, and right onto Gayley Road. Turn left onto Stadium Rim Way, then left onto Centennial Drive. The Lawrence Hall of Science is about a mile uphill on the left. Parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Hall and costs $1 per hour. Payment is accepted via cash or credit card at the parking machines. Note your stall number before paying.

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Discover more about The Lawrence Hall of Science

The Lawrence Hall of Science, established in 1968, stands as a beacon of science education in the Berkeley Hills. Founded in memory of Ernest Orlando Lawrence, UC Berkeley's first Nobel laureate, the Hall offers a unique blend of hands-on exhibits, interactive programs, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Inside, visitors can explore a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits. These exhibits cover diverse scientific disciplines, including physics, biology, chemistry, and astronomy, all designed to make learning accessible and engaging. The Holt Planetarium offers live, interactive shows about the universe, while the 3D Theater screens films, often featuring nature photography. Outside, the Hall features the "Forces That Shape the Bay" outdoor science park, exploring the geological, climatic, and marine forces that have shaped the San Francisco Bay Area. Don't miss the iconic DNA sculpture and Pheena the Fin Whale, popular attractions for kids. The Lawrence Hall of Science is not just a museum; it's a hub for science education, curriculum development, and teacher training. It embodies a guided discovery approach, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.

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