SAMUEL OSCHIN AIR AND SPACE CENTER
WORK IN PROGRESS GALLERY
at the
California Science Center
Exhibit Updates
WHAT:
Launched in June 2024, the Work in Progress Gallery offers a sneak peek at new exhibits and space artifacts planned for the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center. Large colorful renderings show how space artifacts in the Work in Progress Gallery will look when placed in their new locations alongside hands-on exhibits.
December updates to the Work in Progress Gallery include the relocation of the Mercury-Redstone 2 Capsule* (1961), the Gemini 11 Capsule* (1966), and the Apollo Soyuz Command Module* (1975). All three capsules have previously flown to space. A full-scale engineering model of the Viking Lander**, the first ever U.S. spacecraft to successfully land on Mars (1976) joined the newly located collection in November.
These artifacts were previously exhibited on the second floor of the Science Center, but their new temporary location provides the rare opportunity to display the capsules to the public outside of their traditional display cases due to the optimal levels of light, temperature, and humidity inside the Work in Progress Gallery.
The Work in Progress Gallery continues to feature exciting video and time-lapse media celebrating important milestones including Space Shuttle Endeavour’s historic arrival, the journey of External Tank ET-94, the transport of two solid rocket motors (SRMs), and the stacking process to assemble the complete Space Shuttle System in launch position (Go for Stack); along with time-lapse construction progress, and a detailed scale model of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
Photo shows L-R: Mercury-Redstone 2 Capsule*, Gemini 11 Capsule* and Apollo Soyuz Command Module*
* All three capsules are on loan from the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
** On loan from Lockheed Martin Corporation
WHERE:
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Drive
Los Angeles
CA 90037
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults, and children can explore the wonders of science through hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs, and awe-inspiring large-format movies. The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission to the Science Center is FREE. The California Science Center is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Visit at https://californiasciencecenter.org for more information.
WHEN:
The California Science Center is open daily from 10am-5pm (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day).
ENDEAVOURLA CAMPAIGN:
EndeavourLA is the California Science Center Foundation’s fundraising campaign that enabled the acquisition and previous temporary display of space shuttle Endeavour and supports our plans to build the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center and sustain ongoing exhibits, programs, and operations. The project’s lead donors are the Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Oschin Family Foundation and the State of California, joined by principal donors Korean Air and the Kresa Family Foundation, along with numerous individuals, foundations, and corporate supporters.
The California Science Center Foundation is actively fundraising to complete this ambitious project with $370 million raised toward the $425 million total project budget. Everyone can help realize this exciting vision for the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, and donations at any level are welcomed. To contribute or learn more, go to EndeavourLA.org.
Media Contacts:
Kristina Kurasz Cutting | Director of Communications | California Science Center
[email protected] | 213-744-7446
Sophie Jefferies | Communications Specialist | California Science Center
[email protected] | 213-744-7491