L.A. is going through a major wave of openings, from large infrastructure works like Metro extensions to urban developments such as the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing. In the field of arts and science institutions, few projects have generated as much anticipation as this one.
The California Science Center reached a major milestone as construction of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center has just been completed, marking the end of a four-year expansion project.
The new 200,000-square-foot addition significantly increases the museum’s exhibit space and will house Space Shuttle Endeavour in a vertical, launch-ready configuration. Once open, the center will feature 100 artifacts and 100 hands-on exhibits designed to explore flight, engineering, and space exploration.
The experience will be organized into three main galleries covering the Space Shuttle program, aviation history, and space science.
Architecturally, the building features a curved stainless-steel exterior inspired by aerospace design and rises to 200 feet, making it a new landmark on the L.A. skyline. While the brand new building is finally ready, an official opening date has yet to be announced, though organizers have said they expect to share timing details in early summer.
The EndeavourLA campaign
The construction of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center was made possible thanks to the EndeavourLA campaign. The project funded its creation and continues to support its completion, enabling the installation of Space Shuttle and the development of upcoming exhibits.
The campaign has raised more than $390 million toward a $450 million goal, with support from foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
