The California Science Center will open its 200,000-square-foot Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center on November 13, 2026, featuring the Space Shuttle Endeavour in a vertical launch configuration. According to museum officials, the expansion creates the only venue globally where visitors can view a complete, authentic space shuttle system, including the orbiter, solid rocket boosters, and external fuel tank.
How the Endeavour Display Redefines Museum Exhibits
The centerpiece of the expansion is the 185-foot-tall space shuttle stack, which was installed in its permanent home in January 2024. California Science Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rudolph stated during a media preview that the vertical configuration provides a “greater platform than ever before” to inspire science learning. Unlike the previous horizontal display, which allowed visitors to view the orbiter at eye level, the new gallery offers multi-level observation points. Guests can walk beneath the orbiter on the ground floor or view the payload bay from the museum’s upper levels.
What Features Are Included in the New Expansion?
Beyond the shuttle stack, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center incorporates three distinct galleries: the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, the Kent Kresa Space Gallery, and the Korean Air Aviation Gallery. According to museum documentation, these spaces include an interactive replica flight deck, computer consoles salvaged from the Kennedy Space Center’s firing room, and a 140-foot-tall glass elevator. This elevator is designed to replicate the experience of astronauts entering the shuttle, providing a clear view into the hatch.
How Does This Expansion Compare to Other L.A. Cultural Openings?
The Science Center’s debut follows the opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, which is also located in Exposition Park. While the Lucas Museum focuses on cinematic history and art, the Science Center expansion represents a shift toward immersive, large-scale aerospace engineering displays. The two projects are set to open within two months of each other, marking a significant period of growth for the Exposition Park cultural district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be an admission fee for the new gallery?
General admission to the California Science Center remains free. However, the museum will implement a timed reservation system for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which will require a small service fee.
Can visitors walk underneath the space shuttle?
Yes. The gallery design allows guests to view the orbiter from multiple levels, including the ground floor, where visitors can walk directly underneath the shuttle stack.
What is the total height of the Endeavour display?
The space shuttle stack, including the orbiter, fuel tank, and solid rocket boosters, stands approximately 185 feet tall. The building itself reaches nearly 200 feet to accommodate the structure.
Are you planning to visit the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center when it opens in 2026? Share your thoughts on the new vertical display in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Southern California museum developments.
