We finally have an opening date for the California Science Center’s space shuttle-centric expansion
The California Science Center will open the 200,000-square-foot Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center on November 13, 2026. The expansion features Space Shuttle Endeavour in a vertical launch position, making it the only location globally to display a complete, authentic space shuttle system, according to museum officials.
When does the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center open?
The museum announced the opening date as November 13, 2026. This timeline places the debut less than two months after the opening of the nearby Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Exposition Park.
The facility represents a four-year construction project designed to house aerospace artifacts and hands-on exhibits. According to California Science Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rudolph, the center provides a platform to “stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone.”
What makes the Space Shuttle Endeavour display unique?
The centerpiece of the expansion is the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, where Space Shuttle Endeavour stands 185 feet tall. It’s the only place in the world where visitors can see a complete shuttle system, including the winged orbiter, two solid rocket boosters, and the ET-94 fuel tank.
This vertical display marks a significant shift from the shuttle’s previous presentation. From 2012 until the end of 2023, the museum displayed Endeavour horizontally, similar to an airplane. In January 2024, crews moved and lifted the orbiter into its current launch position.
Comparison: Horizontal vs. Vertical Display
| Feature | Previous Display (2012-2023) | New Display (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation | Horizontal | Vertical (Launch Position) |
| Components | Orbiter only | Orbiter, Boosters, and Fuel Tank |
| Viewing Angle | Side-profile | Multi-level, including underneath |
Which interactive exhibits are included in the expansion?
Beyond the shuttle, the expansion includes the Kent Kresa Space Gallery and the Korean Air Aviation Gallery. These spaces feature interactive draws designed to simulate the astronaut experience.
Key highlights include:
- The Glass Elevator: A 140-foot-tall elevator that travels alongside the shuttle stack, allowing visitors to see inside the hatch.
- The Shuttle Descent Slide: A 45-foot-tall, 115-foot-long slide that mimics the S-turn a shuttle makes during landing, complete with sound effects mimicking the sonic boom.
- Flight Simulation: An interactive replica of the flight deck and a visual timeline of the 135 missions completed by the space shuttle program.
- Tactile Artifacts: Computer consoles from the Kennedy Space Center firing room and components removed from the orbiter for close-up inspection.
How do visitors access the new aerospace galleries?
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 to manage expected crowds.
Reservations can be made in advance via CaliforniaScienceCenter.org. While entry is free, the museum may charge a small service fee for these bookings. For more information on visiting other Los Angeles cultural landmarks, check our city guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new shuttle exhibit open?
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public on November 13, 2026.
Is the California Science Center free?
Yes, general admission is free, though the new expansion will require timed reservations.
Where is Space Shuttle Endeavour located?
It is located at the California Science Center in Exposition Park, Los Angeles.
Can you see the shuttle in its launch position?
Yes, the new gallery displays Endeavour vertically with its fuel tank and rocket boosters.
What part of the space program interests you most—the engineering of the shuttle or the experience of the astronauts? Let us know in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on LA’s evolving museum scene.