California Science Center Will Open Shuttle Gallery
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center begins accepting public reservations for its November 13 opening.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Space
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The California Science Center will open reservations for its new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center on Oct. 21 at 9:30 a.m. This 200,000-square-foot expansion in Los Angeles will officially open to the public on Nov. 13.
Why it matters
The new facility serves as the permanent home for the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which is now displayed vertically with its solid rocket boosters and external tank. The expansion adds three multilevel galleries to the campus in Exposition Park.
The $450 million expansion project encompasses 200,000 square feet and features a 20-story building to house the shuttle. The orbiter itself successfully completed 25 missions between 1992 and 2011.
The players
California Science Center
This educational institution located in Los Angeles hosts the permanent display of the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center
This new 200,000-square-foot wing is a major expansion of the existing museum campus in Exposition Park.
The details
The facility includes three new multilevel galleries featuring numerous artifacts and hands-on exhibits. Reservations for the grand opening can be secured through the museum website or by phone.
Timeline
1992 to 2011: The Space Shuttle Endeavour completed 25 missions.
April 2026: Construction of the shuttle center concluded.
Oct. 19, 2026: California Science Center members receive early reservation access.
Oct. 21, 2026: General public reservations open at 9:30 a.m.
Nov. 13, 2026: The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center officially opens to the public.
The Big Picture
This facility marks the transition of the Space Shuttle Endeavour from active aerospace hardware to a permanent museum centerpiece. It fundamentally alters the museum's role in preserving the legacy of the national shuttle program.
Visitors can access the new galleries for free as part of general admission to the California Science Center. Residents should plan to book their time slots early, as reservations are required for the new exhibit space.
The takeaway
The opening of this massive new gallery offers local residents a permanent look at a key piece of national space history. Those planning to visit are encouraged to act quickly on the reservation portal to ensure access during the opening weeks.
What happens next
General public reservations for the museum expansion will open on Oct. 21 at 9:30 a.m., followed by the official grand opening on Nov. 13.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Space exploration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Times.
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