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MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

Ignite your curiosity at Santa Barbara's MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, where hands-on exhibits blend science, technology, and art for an unforgettable learning experience.

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MOXI, located in Santa Barbara's vibrant Funk Zone, is a hands-on science and innovation museum that ignites curiosity in visitors of all ages. With over 17,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits spread across three floors, MOXI encourages learning through play and experimentation. From building race cars and testing aerodynamics to composing wind-powered symphonies on the rooftop Sky Garden, the museum offers a dynamic and engaging experience. MOXI's approach to STEAM education makes it a must-visit destination for families and anyone seeking a fun and educational adventure. The museum's location near the train station and Stearns Wharf adds to its accessibility and appeal, making it a central point for exploration in Santa Barbara.

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Local tips

  • Visit during off-peak hours (weekdays or late afternoons) for a less crowded experience, allowing for more interaction with exhibits.
  • Check the museum's daily activity calendar online to plan your visit around specific workshops, demonstrations, or special events.
  • Take advantage of the alternative transportation discount by showing your bus or train ticket from the day of your visit for $1 off regular admission.
  • Don't miss the rooftop Sky Garden for panoramic views of Santa Barbara and unique wind-powered musical instruments.
  • If you plan to visit multiple times a year, consider purchasing a family membership for cost savings and exclusive benefits.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Santa Barbara Amtrak Station, MOXI is a short and easy walk across the railroad tracks on State Street. Head north towards the main street, and the museum will be directly in front of you, about a 3-minute walk. Pedestrian pathways on both sides of the building provide access to the main entrance.

  • Public Transport

    Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) buses serve the area. Check the MTD website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the MTD Transit Center, various bus lines will take you close to State Street. From there, it's a short walk to MOXI. A single ride fare is around $1.75. Guests who use the bus to get to MOXI may be eligible for a $1 discount off regular general admission ticket prices. To receive discount, guest must present valid bus ticket from day-of visit at MOXI.

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, exit at Garden Street and turn left. Then, turn right onto Yanonali Street, which leads to State Street, where you'll find MOXI. Parking is available in several City of Santa Barbara parking lots within walking distance, including City Lot #13 adjacent to the train station. Parking fees typically range from $2.50 per hour, with a daily maximum of around $20.

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MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, stands as a beacon of interactive learning and creative exploration in the heart of Santa Barbara's Funk Zone. Since opening its doors in 2017, MOXI has captivated visitors with its innovative approach to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), offering a unique blend of education and entertainment for all ages. Spanning three floors and boasting over 17,000 square feet of exhibit space, MOXI is designed to ignite curiosity and foster a spirit of discovery. Unlike traditional museums with a hands-off approach, MOXI encourages visitors to actively engage with its exhibits, touching, building, and experimenting to their heart's content. This immersive experience makes learning fun and accessible, inspiring critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The museum's exhibits are organized into seven themed tracks, allowing visitors to customize their experience and explore areas that pique their interest. The Tech Track delves into the world of technology and innovation, while the Sound Track explores the science of acoustics and music. The Fantastic Forces Track showcases the principles of physics, and the Speed Track challenges visitors to design and build their own race cars. The Light Track illuminates the properties of light and color, and the Interactive Media Track explores the intersection of technology and art. Finally, the outdoor Sky Garden offers a unique space to connect with nature and technology. One of MOXI's most popular exhibits is the Speed Track, where visitors can unleash their inner engineer and design, build, and test their own race cars. Using a variety of materials, including foam blocks, wheels, and axles, visitors experiment with aerodynamics and physics to see which designs achieve the fastest speeds. The multi-lane track provides a competitive environment for friendly races and encourages collaboration and problem-solving. In the Fantastic Forces Track, visitors can explore the principles of motion, gravity, and energy through a series of interactive exhibits. Launching rockets, manipulating air currents to keep objects afloat, and experimenting with pendulums and spinning wheels are just a few of the ways visitors can engage with fundamental scientific concepts. The Light & Sound Track offers a sensory-rich experience, with exhibits that demonstrate the properties of light and sound waves. Visitors can play a theremin, an electronic musical instrument played without touch, create patterns with a giant kaleidoscope, and manipulate light reflections and sound frequencies to create unique visual and auditory effects. No visit to MOXI is complete without a trip to the rooftop Sky Garden, a unique outdoor space that blends nature and technology. Here, visitors can compose wind- and sun-powered symphonies, walk across a glass Sky Deck for panoramic views of Santa Barbara, and explore exhibits that showcase the power of renewable energy. MOXI is committed to providing educational programs and outreach initiatives that inspire the innovators of tomorrow. The museum partners with local schools and community organizations to offer field trips, workshops, and camps that promote STEAM education. MOXI also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including MOXI After Dark, an adults-only evening event featuring themed activities, live music, and drinks. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara's Funk Zone, MOXI is easily accessible by car, bus, and train. The museum is adjacent to the Santa Barbara Amtrak station and within walking distance of many downtown attractions, including Stearns Wharf and State Street. With its engaging exhibits, educational programs, and convenient location, MOXI is a must-visit destination for families, students, and anyone seeking a fun and educational adventure.

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