California Science Center opens $450M wing featuring vertical Space Shuttle Endeavour

Key points

• The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opened to the public on November 13, 2026, at the California Science Center in Exposition Park, Los Angeles.
• Space Shuttle Endeavour is displayed vertically in a launch configuration, standing nearly 200 feet tall with authentic solid rocket boosters and an external tank.
• The 200,000-square-foot expansion nearly doubles the Science Center’s exhibit space and includes 100 aerospace artifacts and 100 hands-on exhibits.
• The center features three galleries: the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, the Korean Air Aviation Gallery, and the Kent Kresa Space Gallery.
• General admission is free, but timed reservations are required for the new center, with a $4 service fee waived for members and in-person same-day reservations.
• The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Background

The California Science Center had been developing the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center for over three decades as part of its long-term transformation in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park. The project, which cost $450 million, was unveiled in late October 2026, with the public opening scheduled for November 13. The center’s design, led by Arup and ZGF Architects, focused on creating a column-free structure to display Endeavour vertically while ensuring seismic resilience and visitor comfort. The shuttle’s final mission, STS-134, was commanded by now-Sen. Mark Kelly, who attended the opening.

How outlets are covering it

ABC7 Los Angeles emphasized the public opening and the presence of astronauts, including all six crew members from Endeavour’s final mission, STS-134, commanded by Sen. Mark Kelly. Kelly highlighted the inspirational impact of the exhibit on young visitors. NASA focused on the historical significance of Endeavour’s final ferry flight in 2012, detailing the efforts of NASA Armstrong’s photographers and videographers to capture iconic images of the shuttle’s journey to Los Angeles. Space.com highlighted the interactive and immersive nature of the exhibit, noting the emotional response of former astronaut Garrett Reisman, who flew on two Endeavour missions. Arup, the engineering firm, detailed the technical challenges of designing a column-free, base-isolated structure to protect the shuttle from earthquakes while maintaining clear views for visitors. The perspectives vary from the public and emotional impact (ABC7, Space.com) to the historical and technical aspects (NASA, Arup).

Why it matters

The opening of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center marks a significant milestone for the California Science Center, offering the public a unique opportunity to see Space Shuttle Endeavour in a vertical launch configuration. The exhibit, described as the only complete, authentic shuttle system on public display, aims to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers. The center’s design, which addresses seismic and environmental challenges, sets a new standard for museum exhibits of large-scale artifacts. The free admission, despite the need for timed reservations, ensures broad public access to this historic and educational resource.

What to watch

The California Science Center will continue to offer free admission to the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, with timed reservations required due to high demand. The center will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Future exhibits are planned to focus on humans and robots in space, as well as the rockets that enable space exploration. The center will also host free astronaut and aerospace talks every half-hour during the grand opening weekend, with topics including women in space and mission overviews.