Construction of the California Science Center’s Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is now complete. A new architectural landmark, the 200,000-square-foot project expands the California Science Center’s educational mission to inspire science learning and delivers on a three-decade master plan to create an iconic educational destination for the Los Angeles region. The museum serves as the permanent home for space shuttle Endeavour – making it the only place in the world where the public can see a complete shuttle system exhibited in a towering vertical display as if ready-for-launch.                             

The future Air and Space center significantly adds to the California Science Center’s footprint through three new multi-level galleries. The Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, the Korean Air Aviation Gallery, and the Kent Kresa Space Gallery will focus on the science and engineering principles behind atmospheric flight and space exploration. It will showcase 100 authentic aerospace artifacts with 100 new hands-on exhibits that encourage active learning through discovery for visitors of all ages.

“Through the development of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, the California Science Center is fulfilling a decades-long dream. This amazing project significantly expands our ability to accomplish our mission, to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone, on a scale and with an impact unlike anything in our history.  It is the culmination of our ambitious three-decade master plan” said Jeffrey Rudolph, President and CEO. “The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will stand as an enduring source of inspiration for generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers – and we cannot wait to share it with the world.”

A curvilinear stainless-steel exterior inspired by the fluid geometry of the space shuttle establishes a bold architectural identity for this major expansion of the California Science Center, and serves as a new futuristic landmark for the city skyline. The centerpiece of the building is the 200-foot-tall Shuttle Gallery, a presence Angelenos and visitors can spot from vantage points across town. Engineered by Arup and built by MATT Construction, the building is a feat of engineering that brings the form and scale of Endeavour’s forever home to life.