The Fleet Science Center just got a major upgrade

Kate Murphy

A 3x3 science-museum collage of adults and kids exploring exhibits: a grid panel, dry-ice fog, a steering-wheel exhibit, and faces lit by colored lights. — Kids and adults have new science exhibits to explore. Photos: Jennifer Curry Wingrove

Families started exploring the newly expanded Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park over the weekend.

Why it matters: The museum's first major renovation since the 1990s increased exhibit space by 20%, with two new galleries and a cafe.

Fleet sees nearly half a million visitors each year.

Zoom in: The fun now starts before you even buy a ticket, with a free gallery at the entrance highlighting San Diego's environment, science and innovation.

Visitors can solve brainteasers and do hands-on activities in the new Mindbender Mansion exhibit.
Fleet also opened an astronomy photography exhibit in its remodeled basement.

🥗 The new Element 8 Cafe serves sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, salads, bowls and ice cream.

Between the lines: This second phase of the renovation follows the upgrade of the museum's IMAX Giant Dome Theater, which was completed in 2023.

If you go: It's open 10am-5pm daily.

Tickets are $20-$25 and include a movie.
The first Tuesday of each month is free for San Diego residents.

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The Fleet Science Center just got a major upgrade

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