A little over two years have passed since we last saw the massive Space Shuttle Endeavour make its way through the city streets, leaving us with the iconic postcard-worthy scene in front of Randy’s Donuts. Today, we’re just a few weeks away from seeing the space giant in all its glory again, as the shuttle will be back on public display at the California Science Center next month.
The spacecraft returns on November 13, 2026, alongside a new space gallery showcasing decades of collaboration among NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Caltech, and the California Science Center. And the best part? General admission is free.
Space Shuttle Endeavour’s new 200,000-square-foot home
The new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is a 200,000-square-foot expansion that will nearly double the California Science Center’s exhibition space. Its centerpiece is, of course, the Space Shuttle Endeavour, displayed vertically alongside authentic solid rocket boosters and ET-94, the last remaining flight-qualified external tank.
The display brings together a complete space shuttle system with authentic flight hardware, making it the only place in the world where visitors can see the full configuration.
The expansion will feature three multilevel galleries: the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, the Korean Air Aviation Gallery, and the Kent Kresa Space Gallery.
Explore 60 years of space exploration
Developed in collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Caltech, the Kent Kresa Space Gallery will explore how robotic missions have expanded our understanding of Earth, the Moon, and the wider solar system.
The collection includes a restored Ranger lunar probe and full-scale models and replicas representing six decades of JPL exploration. You’ll find spacecraft such as Mariner IV, the Viking lander, the Sojourner Mars rover, the Mars Exploration rover, the Perseverance Mars rover, and the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter.
How to visit the Space Shuttle Endeavour for free
General admission to the museum is free, and reservations are available through the California Science Center’s official website or by calling 213-744-2019. Visitors can make up to 19 individual reservations per entry time, while groups of 20 or more must book through the museum’s group reservation line.
