The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, at the California Science Center in Exposition Park. Its centerpiece is the space shuttle Endeavour, which will stand upright in launch position.
The center nearly doubles the museum’s exhibit space, so crowds are likely. For that reason, the museum uses timed entry, and visitors need a reservation.
What the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center adds
The new building is a 200,000-square-foot expansion. According to the California Science Center announcement, Endeavour’s full stack stands 185 feet tall inside a gallery of nearly 200 feet. That makes it a 20-story display.
The museum says the center holds three multi-level galleries: the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, the Korean Air Aviation Gallery and the Kent Kresa Space Gallery. Together they include about 100 artifacts and about 100 new hands-on exhibits.
The shuttle gallery also has a 140-foot gantry-style elevator ride, a 115-foot tubular descent slide and a replica flight deck. In addition, it covers all 135 shuttle missions.
Tickets, reservations and costs
General admission to the Science Center remains free, and that includes the new center. However, the museum requires timed-entry reservations because it expects high demand. Reservations carry a small service fee, but the announcement does not state the amount, so check the museum’s booking page for the current price.
Advance reservations opened on Oct. 21 for the general public, after an early window for members. Because opening weekend is likely to book quickly, visitors without a slot may need to pick a later date.
The museum’s general hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to the announcement. It does not say whether the new center follows the same schedule, so confirm hours before you go.
Why it matters for Los Angeles
Endeavour flew 25 missions before it came to Los Angeles in 2012. Since then, it has sat in a temporary hangar while the museum raised money and built the new home. Governor Gavin Newsom attended a public preview on June 24, 2026, as the governor’s office reported.
The opening also adds a long-term draw for Exposition Park, which will host Olympic events in 2028. For other places to visit, see our guide to Los Angeles museums, prices and hours, or browse the Los Angeles and California hub.
Exposition Park parking and Metro access can be busy on event days. As a result, plan extra travel time on opening weekend.