What to KnowThe opening of the California Science Center’s Samuel Oschin Air and Space CenterThe massive state-of-the-art building was constructed to display the Space Shuttle Endeavour — standing “20 stories tall” — in launch positionNov. 13, 2026 is the opening date for the centerKeep an eye on the California Science Center site for information about timed reservations and when they will open; center members will enjoy priority access to reservations

To say the exciting countdown has begun for the opening of the California Science Center’s Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center isn’t quite accurate: The truly epic building, created to house the space shuttle Endeavour, has been in the works for several planning-heavy, design-forward years.

But the clock is tick, tick, ticking down to the dazzling debut of the Exposition Park pavilion, which will boast quite the “world’s only” title: “The California Science Center’s Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will showcase Endeavour in the world’s only complete, authentic space shuttle system, displayed 20 stories tall in launch position.”

The California Science Center announced on June 24 that the already-celebrated center, a capacious space measuring 200,000 square feet, will open to the public on Nov. 13, 2026.

Besides admiring the shuttle has it stands tall — very, very tall — the center will offer a host of engaging and immersive activities, exhibits, and sights.

“In addition to the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, you’ll investigate scientific and engineering principles of atmospheric flight in the Korean Air Aviation Gallery and launch into the universe of space exploration in the Kent Kresa Space Gallery,” shared the center’s staff.

A replica flight deck, one that visitors can interact with, will surely be a popular draw, along with the Shuttle Descent Slide, which invites guests to “(p)lunge 45 feet in elevation” while “experiencing the sights and sounds of a space shuttle landing.”

And going up, up, up in a gantry-style lift, an elevator that moves higher along a space shuttle stack? That, too, will give visitors to the educational destination a “you are there” feeling of what an astronaut experienced ahead of boarding hte space shuttle.

“With its display of Endeavour in launch position, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will give us a greater platform than ever to accomplish our mission, to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone,” said Jeffrey Rudolph, President and CEO, California Science Center.

The iconic orbiter first flew in 1992 and fulfilled 25 missions. After being decommissioned, Endeavour arrived in Los Angeles in 2012, with an on-the-streets, slow-rolling journey from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center that thrilled millions around Southern California and watching from afar.

Not long after its arrival at the museum, the space shuttle went on temporary horizontal display, with a promise nearby of what was to come: A model revealing Endeavour in its magnificent launch position, and the futuristic, space-championing center that would one day rise around it.

“One day” now has a fast-approaching date: Nov. 13, 2026: Find out more about Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center’s opening, and what to know about tickets, at the California Science Center site.