California Science Center Adds Massive Space Gallery
A new 200,000-square-foot expansion debuts November 13, 2026, featuring 100 hands-on aerospace exhibits and flight hardware.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Space
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The California Science Center and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory have announced a partnership to feature space exploration artifacts and research in a new gallery. This collaboration will debut within the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which is set to open to the public on November 13, 2026.
Why it matters
This partnership formalizes a four-decade relationship, aiming to provide institutionalized space science education to the public. The expansion significantly increases the museum's capacity to host hands-on aerospace exhibits in Los Angeles.
The new 200,000-square-foot expansion will house 100 aerospace artifacts and 100 hands-on exhibits. This addition represents a near-doubling of the museum's total current exhibit space.
The players
California Science Center
A public-private educational institution in Los Angeles that hosts large-scale scientific exhibits and aerospace displays.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
A research and development center managed by Caltech that designs and operates robotic spacecraft for planetary exploration.
The details
The Kent Kresa Space Gallery will integrate authentic flight hardware and physical models that illustrate six decades of NASA JPL exploration. Visitors can engage with laboratory-derived research through interactive terminals that allow for the programming of miniature Mars rovers and the virtual assembly of robotic spacecraft designs.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: The partnership was officially announced.
October 28, 2026: A scheduled media preview of the new space exhibits occurs.
November 13, 2026: The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public.
The Tech Race
This project represents the latest milestone in the forty-year history of cooperation between the California Science Center and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. It formalizes a long-term research dissemination effort that bridges the gap between planetary exploration hardware and public science education.
Residents and visitors can access the new expansion starting November 13, 2026, for a $4 reservation service fee per person. Science Center members will have the reservation fee waived for entry to the new facility.
The takeaway
The California Science Center is positioned to become a major hub for public-facing aerospace research in Los Angeles. Residents should watch for ticket reservation portal updates on the museum's website as the November 13, 2026, opening date approaches.
What happens next
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will open its doors to the public on November 13, 2026.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in Space to see how regional institutions are showcasing aerospace technology.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My News LA.
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