I expected this to be interesting, but seeing the actual Space Shuttle Space Shuttle Endeavour in person was way more impressive than I imagined. The shuttle is absolutely massive, and standing underneath it really gives you a sense of how incredible the engineering behind it was. The hangar itself has a very cool atmosphere, and the exhibits around the shuttle help explain its missions and history without making the experience feel overly technical or overwhelming. What stood out to me most is that it feels inspiring even if you're not a huge space enthusiast. There's just something surreal about being so close to a real spacecraft that traveled into orbit multiple times. Definitely worth visiting if you're in LA, especially if you enjoy science, history, or unique experiences. read more

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Endeavour is no longer display at the California Science Center. It is being moved to a new museum called, Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. We were lucky enough to see it before it was shut down and moved to another museum area that is set to open up in 2025 or can take several years. My dad always wanted to see Endeavour in person for years. I was so glad he was able to see it along with my family. The experience of walking around and under Endeavour has been fantastic I can't wait to see what the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will be like since they started constructing since 2022. If you missed out seeing the Endeavour in the last years, you will be able to see it in the new museum. Note- will post photos once I find it. read more

The Space Shuttle Endeavour is off exhibit currently while its new home is being finished. We followed Endeavour from LAX along the streets of Inglwood and Los Angeles to the California Science Center in 2012. Since then we have enjoyed the temporary space shuttle exhibit many times. The experience of walking around and under Endeavour has been fantastic. I can't wait to see Endeavour displayed in its launch position in its new home. read more

Cool place to take the family. Staff is mostly friendly and helpful. This place e is on the expensive side so be prepared to pay top dollar.

California Science Center The highlight of the California Science Center: The Space Shuttle Endeavour The California Science Center has a nice shop, lobby, and food court. The location is also easy access and simple. Really no traffic. For a place in LA I was surprised no one was really there. Do people in LA not like science? Back home in Michigan, people love science. If we had the space shuttle, the center would be packed daily. So odd to find this place so dead. Of all the places to visit the space shuttle, this shuttle in LA is the loneliest. They need better advertising for sure. Highly Recommended read more

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This exhibit at the CA science center is 100% free and accessible to everyone. We are incredibly lucky to have this piece of history in Los Angeles and represents one of the greatest human accomplishments in our history. Everytime I see it I am overwhelmed with wonder. I can't wait for the permanent exhibit to open in 2024. It looks like it will be amazing. read more

Space Shuttle Endeavour - Museums Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We visited the science center on a whim after being pleasantly surprised it was no cost to views most of their exhibits. The Endeavor was one of them. After getting turned around a bit looking for it we finally found where it was. I guess being a somewhat jaded person I wasn't half expecting to see an actual space shuttle all in one piece, but there it was. It was pretty visually impressive and going in with cold, it was a nice surprise. I'm glad we checked it out along with the rest of the place. I would recommend it for sure to anyone as an interesting piece of history to view read more

This was the second time I saw the space shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center and it was as amazing as the first time I saw it. Added to the exhibit since I was there is an external fuel tank. This is outside and you can get a close view of it. The external fuel tanks were never meant to be reused and this one was built but never used when the shuttle program ended and LA was lucky to get the tank to add to its Endeavour exhibit. Eventually, they'd like to have a building that would display the shuttle and tank in a vertical position like at launch. I missed the flyover of the shuttle by one day. I was content to see it on display. It is a must see when you're in Los Angeles. read more

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It's not everyday that you get to experience something that has been out of this world. Our group of summer camp field trip kids enjoyed the Endeavor exhibit at the California Science Center. Paid admission is required for this permanent special exhibit, though most of the rest of the California Science Center is free. (Even Body Works is now free.) Another special exhibit that requires $ admission is the temporary King Tut exhibit. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time or in-person day of. Docents were stationed throughout the exhibit to answer questions. Our kids were pretty young but the docents were able to entertain their simple questions and offer a bit of their own entertainment as well. Our kids were pretty young, so they got a kick out of the movie-theater-like experience upon entry of the exhibit, to watch the space shuttle make it way via plane, flatbed truck and Toyota truck to this museum. Anything that goes is big entertainment value at this age. Seeing them all in one film was even better. After the field trip was over, they also kept talking about how power lines, trees and houses were in the way. While the exhibit itself was less engaging for the kids -- there are lots of signage for adults and no toddler /kinder friendly graphics -- they took away from it a positive experience. read more

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I have now seen Space Shuttles on both sides of the country - Smithsonian and California Exposition Center. As much as I hate to admit, the overall shuttle experience is better in CA and it will be terrific when they complete the vertical exhibit. Many, many things located all around the shuttle to keep me, and my grandson occupied - to include a rather poorly placed gift shop (in my humble opinion). Well worth the trip to see an amazing piece of engineering. You actually walk around and under the shuttle and it is amazing to think that this vehicle was once in space and then landed back on earth - multiple times. The PICKUP TRUCK (modified, perhaps) that towed the shuttle to this spot is parked outside the Science Center. read more

Space Shuttle Endeavour - External fuel tank - Museums Near Me - Los Angeles, California

An actual, bonafide Space Shuttle! What else do you need to know! Actually there are many other space and air craft to see and learn about. You'll have to read other reviews for details. I was here primarily for the Endeavor. read more

Have you seen the images and video footage of the Space Shuttle Endeavour making its trip from LAX to the California Science Center? I remember the day that they flew it. I watched it fly overhead from our house in Downey. My husband watched it and got lots of cool images from the rooftop of his workplace in Vernon. It was so special. I had the news channels in the background. The people involved in its navigation through the narrow streets have quite a story to tell their grandchildren. Seeing it in person was just plain and simple cool. Plenty of timeline information about the Endeavour and other missions. A short video up front to watch. Our 3-year-old watched it three different times and almost had a hissy fit going out the door because she wanted to watch it again. Nice little gift shop. One day the Endeavour will sit upright. I don't know when that will be. What plans they have. If you'll ever get to walk-through or sit inside of it... It's worthy of a bucket list trip to L.A. 2018 Yelp challenge #148 read more

YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2017: 27/100 I have visited this space shuttle many MANY times and it NEVER GETS OLD! How lucky we Angelenos are to have this in our back yard. I also got to experience it zoom overhead during its final flight before settling to its permanent home. And the idea of being in the presence of this authentic aircraft that's been to outer space multiple times just blows my mind! California Science Center is always a great idea for out-of-town friends or family, especially ones with kids. I can spend all day here. So much to see! Unless you take a cab, Uber, Lyft, public transportation: bring cash for parking. But it is a cool experience! Bring the kids! read more

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When I was invited to a birthday party at the California Science Center, I never imagined that the celebration would include BEING IN THE SAME ROOM as the Space Shuttle Endeavor! All I was thinking was, "Wow! You Californians throw extravagant parties"! I was just told to go to the Science Center. For $2 more, we were given the option of viewing the Space Shuttle. Not really knowing what this entailed, I joined in... and WHOA! When I entered the gigantic hangar, I almost fell down in awe. IT'S MASSIVE! My friend, Lyla, said that when she happened to be in town, the trees along the route to the California Science Center had to be cut (and some trees were even removed) to make a path for the Space Shuttle! It's that wide! There was a docent who had some of the materials from the Endeavor. It was such a treat to see the tiles up close and touch them! It's so amazing to think that this structure defied gravity and traveled outside of our atmosphere! Mind-blowing! If you get a chance to go, you may want to go soon before the exhibit changes. They are in the process of building a structure so that visitors can climb up and view the Space Shuttle in an upright position as if ready for launching. I'd like to see that, too! read more

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I was excited to find that my ticket for the Pixar Exhibit (now closed) included admission to view the Endeavor! So, there's actually a build-up to the shuttle. I thought once you enter the exhibit, bam, there the shuttle will be. Nope. They slowly introduce you to bits and parts of the history and background, the ancillary equipment, before taking you to the main hanger with the shuttle inside. You'll first see equipment from the shuttle, like the space toilet, and watch some videos about life on the shuttle and the preparations before the shuttle launches off. The actual Endeavor shuttle is housed in a large building with a built-in gift shop towards one side of the large building. Outside of the building is the orange fuel tank. There are plans to construct and open a larger Oschin pavilion for this shuttle. In the meantime, catch them in their temporary home! read more

Awesome experience! Definite must for all that live in LA or have kids that are visiting! Environment: the California Science Center. I think there is a fee for the endeavor unless you go to another paid exhibit (not sure). It used to be $2, but was free for us as we went to the King Tut exhibit. Verdict: definite must see for all... it will get even better once the new Museum gets built. Take your time and read all the information about the shuttles. Tip #1: go to the Endeavor Experience first. Tip #2: the huge underwater exhibit is great to see next and then go up the stairs to see the top of it as well. Next Time: can't wait until the future Air & Space Museum opens! The drawings look amazing to see the whole shuttle upright. read more

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I got in for free since I bought a ticket for the Pompeii exhibit. So glad that I finally got to see it in person since I remember watching the ordeal of them moving it in LA a few years ago and seeing it fly overhead. Though the exhibit was organized a bit weird since the first part is on the second floor that had the time-lapsed film of the Endeavor last mission through LA and how astronauts use the toilet in space video. Then you have to go back downstairs to see the shuttle. The time I went, it didn't seem crowded to me though there was plenty of people. It was pretty cool being able to not only see the space shuttle up close, but to walk all around and even underneath it though they ask not to touch the tiles since they're fragile and a single one costs $2000. On the surrounding walls they have a lot of information about the space shuttle program history and you can also see the engines and the science behind it. Additionally there are design concept models for the expansion of the center which they hope to have the Endeavor be set up like it was going on lift-off. Parking is $10 cash. read more

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What a beautiful sight to see. I just love LA and all the beauty and culture it has to offer and it's right down the street only well not down the street but a good hour from the Valley. Anyhow I had the pleasure to finally get to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour up close and personal. I even got to experience this with my 2 year old. We went on a Wednesday afternoon, no wait, no admission fee, no reserving, nothing. Just walked right in and Walaahhh this beautiful Space Shuttle. I would've liked to stay longer but I didn't want my 2 year old running around and touching things and being the curious lil boy that he is. The shuttle is just a great site to see and they have a nice lil gift shop to purchase nice things from. I totally recommend seeing this! read more

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This exhibit has special meaning for me, due to the fact that my recently deceased dad, was hands on, a part of its manufacturing. Before his retirement, dad worked heat treatment for Rocketdyne; a rocket engine design division of North American, later Rockwell, in Canoga Park, CA. From the 1950s until the 1990s, before being bought by Boeing. During his over 35 year career, dad worked on virtually every major NASA aerospace program; including Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and the Space Shuttle Mission. I was delighted to hear during his last few months, that he was able to see this exhibit before his passing. Those engine displays touched him deeply, so I thought this only fitting as my 200th review. One is in awe when seeing the sheer size of the Endeavour up close, located in the California Science Center in Exposition Park. You can even walk under it. When its permanent home is completed, hopefully we'll be able to see inside and maybe even walk through parts of it. But until then, still a pretty inspiring and moving experience. A triumph for Los Angeles, to win out over other cities to make it the Endeavour's final home. And quite fitting, being America's second largest city and an historic aerospace hub. I even got to witness its grand flyover of the Greater Los Angeles area before its much publicized parade through our streets. I was standing on Los Feliz Blvd, as it buzzed the Griffith Observatory multiple times atop a 747, surrounded by fighter jets. Welcome home Endeavour! read more

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Wow, just wow. Endeavour is one of the greatest engineering achievements of the past half century and it was proudly made in Southern California (parts built in Downey and assembled in Palmdale). As for the admission to the Endeavour exhibit, you HAVE to make an online reservation ($2 service fee per ticket) if you are planning to visit here on weekends and holiday seasons. If you purchase an IMAX ticket ($8.50 per adult, 45-minute film) AND/OR admission to the special exhibit (Journey to Space, $9.75 per adult), then it also comes with the admission to the Endeavour exhibit (no need to make a separate reservation). *** 2nd Level - Endeavour: The California Story *** Before you rush to see the actual space shuttle, there's a small exhibit on the 2nd floor called "Endeavour: The California Story". You will get to see a replica of the Rocketdyne Operations Support Center (ROSC) [remotely monitored the shuttle status], space potty, space shuttle tires, galleries, Endeavour simulation experience ($6 per ride), and a short film about the Endeavour's final journey from LAX to the California Science Center (last 5~10 minutes). *** 1st Level - The Samuel Oschin Pavilion *** This is where you see the actual Endeavour. I mean holy cow - it is one thing to see it on TV, but you just cannot replace the feeling of awe you get from seeing it in person. You'll also find a gift shop, SPACEHAB (astronauts' workshop), and space shuttle main engine (SSME). Few random facts about the Endeavour: * The space shuttle arrived to LAX on Sept 21st, 2012 and it took 68 hours to transport the space shuttle from LAX to the California Science Center. * It completed 25 missions (from May 1992 to May 2011). * It cost approximately $1.7 billion. The Samuel Oschin Pavilion will eventually become the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center (coming soon in 2018) and recently NASA decided to donate the last space shuttle external tank to the California Science Center (http://californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/air-space/space-shuttle-endeavour/external-tank). This is the BIGGEST reason to visit the California Science Center and this is something to check out at least once in your lifetime. P.S. - $12 parking fee (cash only) if you want to park in the Exposition Park. If you don't care about homeless folks in the area, then you might be able to find free street parking spots on Flower Dr (one block away from Figueroa Philly Cheese Steak). read more

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Finally we got to see this space shuttle! She is spectacular and legendary! The entire exhibit is huge and informative, two sections, upstairs and downstairs. We got to know everything about Endeavour, there was a film about how she was transported to California science center, it was very interesting to watch! After watching the film, we took time to see all the displays and informations about this space shuttle, they were so amazing and interesting! The actual thing is downstairs, this exhibit room is enormous! Took some skills to take a few good photos, but it was fun. We went on the space shuttle simulator ride, $5 per person, it was a little claustrophobic, and I got a little bit of motion sick too, but it was still worth it to give it a try! A great museum date, educational yet still so much fun! Ps. It's free, parking is $10. read more

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Came here for the first time while visiting from SD, the exhibit itself is pretty big and for $3 admission it's well worth it. The shuttle is amazing to look at and take pictures in front of. I would say about 80% of people go just to take a photo in front of it! All of the educational stuff and hands on stuff I really didn't do because of our 2 year old. But just the history of the space shuttle and the movie upstairs is pretty damn cool! I would definitely come back here when in the area! read more

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You can't go to the California Science Center and not stop by to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour! Well, actually you can, since they have it tucked away in the separate Samuel Oschin Pavilion, but you shouldn't. It was huge! I had trouble fitting it on my camera screen, so if you have wide screen - bring that. read more

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The event was hosted by City National Bank. Very organized event. Since it was not opened to the public so the crowd is small. Have a chance to see the exhibit and the Endeavour in person... amazing!! They have private reception with food & drinks. The best part is they have photo booth taken picture with Endeavour as backgroud!! Admission: FREE Parking: FREE read more

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" When You Enter The Door You Get A Chill " We went to the California Science Center to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour Exhibit. When you go through the door to the exhibit, you get a chill. It is breath taking to see this huge Space Shuttle above you head. I found out a lot of fact including the 24,210 small black tiles under the shuttle. Each one of those tile cost $2,000 each. That's right $2,000 each. This exhibit is mandatory when you come to visit the California Science Center. read more

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I've seen this 3x and my fave part is the video showing how it took 3 days for the shuttle to make it from LAX to the museum. If you ever get a chance to come to a charity event in the hangar, go! I went to an event last year and it was beautiful to spend the night under the shuttle in a private setting. I came when it first arrived, last year, and last week and even to only see it for 5 min after seeing a different exhibit is nice. Such an inspiring part of Scientific American history. I am sure I will come to see the shuttle again. There are 2 rooms to see/read/touch/do things so if you read/do everything you might need 2 hours minimum to experience it all. They also have a gift shop in the hangar under the shuttle. Parking is $12 per car. read more

REVIEW #800!!! Since I was a young boy I have always been intrigued by outer space, the planets and stars, missions to the moon, etc. Three and a half years ago, about a year after the space shuttle program was shut down and Endeavour decommissioned, the orbiter came to Los Angeles for display at its new home. The morning of Sept 21, 2012, radio stations were buzzing about the low altitude flyovers as it circled all around the LA basin, giving everyone the chance to see it before eventually landing at LAX. We heard it was headed our direction, so my coworkers and I went outside and searched the sky.... a few minutes later... there she was, riding on the back of her NASA 747 transport. They ended up flying DIRECTLY over our heads, SO FRIKKIN COOL!!! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/space-shuttle-endeavour-los-angeles?select=DeDj0kW5G7jUrtEHfoiXfQ https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/space-shuttle-endeavour-los-angeles?select=kHhaC2w2KReICD4XW5_DYA https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/space-shuttle-endeavour-los-angeles?select=uZNFnni1B8853hCAscAmOw https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/space-shuttle-endeavour-los-angeles?select=zN5iUMporXukqaCgyWeqvw Which brings us to last weekend. 3 1/2 years after watching it fly above us, I finally made it to the California Science Center to get a closer look at the vehicle that flew nearly 123 million miles, during it's 25 missions and 19 years of service. I was in awe! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/space-shuttle-endeavour-los-angeles?select=I7DsohQiXspNczd3_dJD_w https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/space-shuttle-endeavour-los-angeles?select=tT69FZ-WoC0Zgv029P-SRQ Among many other informative and educational displays, there's also a live video display showing 4 views of the interior of Endeavour. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/space-shuttle-endeavour-los-angeles?select=pcMVq5p003rVyWqFpwElfg This is a temporary display however, as once the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center building is completed, the orbiter will be displayed vertically, attached to the large external fuel tank and a pair of solid rocket boosters, as if it were being readied to launch into space. I can not wait to see that!! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/space-shuttle-endeavour-los-angeles?select=NpWxfj3mjhRW9Bf86vv-tA https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/space-shuttle-endeavour-los-angeles?select=q4Yp0FNpmcYCkogu4UKlQA https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/space-shuttle-endeavour-los-angeles?select=dW8ewCpXfNcWiPiFBfkTYw OVERALL: Completely awesome to see it and learn more about it! HIGHLY recommended! read more

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This is one of those things that you just have to do whether you live in LA or you're visiting. It's cheap, a unique experience and the rest of the Science Center is free to explore! Seriously, the Endeavour exhibit is cheap. It's only $2 if you just want to see the shuttle or it's free if you purchase a ticket to whatever special exhibit they have going on at the moment. It changes every few months and they're always pretty cool. I think it gets pretty busy in the summer but when I went most recently during June, there was no wait. We didn't have to register before or anything. Before you see the actual shuttle, you get to walk through an exhibit that shows the size of the wheels, the engine, the missions it went on, its final mission to LA, etc. And then you walk into the hangar that has the shuttle! It's so big. Seriously, it's huge. They have it propped up so that you can walk underneath it. It's so big it's nearly impossible to get it in an entire photo. Definitely come visit this at some point and then explore the rest of the Science Center afterward. It's such a great experience! read more

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So awesome! Inside the California space center. Fun to see even if you aren't a die hard space fan. If you visit the science center this is a must see exhibit. read more

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Can you just say amazing!! It's so mind blowing to have actually seen the endeavor up close and personal I'm just thinking back on how this Endeavor has History. This Shuttle has travel all through the beautiful streets of Los Angeles to get to the science center so if you haven't already check it out make sure that you do it's amazing you won't regret it. read more

Space Shuttle Endeavour - Museums Near Me - Los Angeles, California

If you're planning a visit to SoCal, put the Endeavour on your itinerary. It's located in the California Science Center in the larger Exposition Park. The Calif Sci Center is more for school age kids with hands on exhibits and displays, but still interesting for adults to browse. We were here for the Endeavour and spent most of our time there. To see the Endeavour, you must make reservations. And although it's free, online reservations have a service fee of $2 per person. Parking is $12. The online system was glitchy and I ended up calling. Print out at home or download tix to your device. Entry to the museum is free, these tix are to get into the line for the Endeavour. Line up at your reserved time and you can spend as long as you like in the exhibit. You will first go through the space exhibit where you will see the popular space toilet (very complicated business in space), astronaut memorabilia and control center and I think there's a space shuttle simulator for a fee. Follow the arrows out to view the Endeavour and show your ticket to the attendant. The huge shuttle sits in the middle of a large building, raised enough to enable visitors to walk under and see things close up. Around the room are smaller displays and lots of info. Read the timeline along the wall to learn about the history of all the shuttles. Very interesting. You can also purchase shuttle/space related souvenirs here. More items are in the main museum gift shop. The fuel tank is located outside in the adjacent courtyard- you can view that close up on your way out. The museum also has a coffee/snack shop (yummy cookies and brownies!), a lunch cafe and a small market. All are located in the spacious first floor seating area. Exit thru glass doors to see the Rose garden behind the center and more outdoor seating. read more

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Amazing! This is a must for every single person! We paid $8 per adult and our kids were free. Parking costs $10. The Space Shuttle Endeavour was absolutely amazing to see. The details of the shuttle, the tiles, engine, wheels etc. I was blown away to learn so many amazing facts about the shuttle and how it endured thousands of degrees of heat during it's decent, how much energy it takes to leave our Earth's gravitiational pull. The shuttle was built for 100 missions and has flown 25. It's possible that they may take it out of retirement one day and you will have missed your chance to see it in person. I highly recommend you go. If you have kids, there is a lot to do and mostly in doors. They have varrious rooms where kids to can learn about the different climates around Earth: Dessert, Artic Poles, Oceans etc. Many things are intereactive and will keep the kids entertained. Outdoors, they have a large water fountain and a rose garden you can walk around in. They have a basic food court and gift shop as well. read more

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"To Infinity and Beyond !" Space Shuttle Endevour Exhibition is the latest addition to the California Science Center. The Exhibitions separate into two sections. "California Story" ROSC - The Rocktdyne Operations Support Center, which monitor the space shuttle launch, also is from So-Cal. Space Potty - Not your typical toilet. Galley - List of photos taken from the mission. Tires - The only object from the Space Shuttle, you can physically touch. "Samuel Oschin Pavilion" The Space Shuttle Endevour http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=6wTH7wBBimjsZVB2ktqLzg&userid=IS9yw8P2uAPBX6FNLLX4KA Spacehab - Space workshop. SSME - the engine that power the Endevour http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=2YLqboTU2o5rWskeNakyOw&userid=IS9yw8P2uAPBX6FNLLX4KA Tips: * Highly suggest watch the Hubble IMAX if you have not done it so already * Reserve a specific time spot in online cost $2 but if you go to box office, ticket is free. * The Space Shuttle * In order to take good picture of the space shuttle, you need a very wide angles. My Two Cents If you like never been here, seriously consider come here. After all is this plane truly remarkable stuff, the last space shuttle from NASA ! read more

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It was cool to see the process documented in the Science Center of how it arrived and was transported through the streets. I am sure that had to be an amazing experience to view this machine that went into outer space and now cruising through the streets of LA. I am grateful that this structure is being preserved and we all can see how grand it is today. read more

When something of massive scale that you only see or read about in textbooks is actually in front of you...and no less has done much to advance our understanding of science and space travel, you have no option than to stand in awe in reverent acknowledgement and wonder. Either that, or you're a 7-year-old kid on a field trip from one of the local schools and you don't quite appreciate it on the same level as someone four or five times your age. Yup, I was seven years old once. It's somewhat serendipitous if you go during the weekday mornings and there's a bunch of field trips coinciding with your visit. The kids help induce a long lost child-like wonder in most adults that's only enhanced by actually laying eyes on something that's been in space. In space! (I actually admire the teachers and parents who try to inspire awe, despite some children's short attention spans and sole concern with socializing with their friends). Because most adults can only really experience a child-like wonder in front of something as massive or historic like the Space Shuttle Endeavour, coming to the exhibit for only a couple of bucks is totally worth it. (Really, a ticket to see it up close and just about touch it is only USD $2 at this time). You can splurge and do an IMAX special on it as well, but for me, just visiting this famous spacecraft, with its heavily documented construction, missions, retirement and ultimate delivery to Los Angeles's California Science Center was enough to make me wonder why I never pursued my dream to be an astronaut, as about half of the school kids say they ultimately want to do (the other half want to look for dinosaurs). As far as logistics in getting here (this is a science museum, and logistics are important for a well-executed experience after all), I recommend you use the new Expo Line train to get to the museum. It's cheaper than driving and you help out congestion/the environment. The stop would be Vermont/Exposition Park or anywhere near USC. If you use the Metro Rail, you'll also qualify for a 10% discount for tickets to the Science Center (however, the $2.00 to see Endeavour is a flat rate applicable to everyone, despite AAA membership, student status, seniority, or military service. Believe me, I asked). Parking would be at your own expense and risk on site. The Space Shuttle Endeavour is the hot ticket item right now. If you can possibly delay your visit to after 1pm, it would save you from having to queue up with the many schools that visit here during the morning hours. Though walk-ins are acceptable, you probably should consider reserving a visit time and buying tickets online, so that that's one less line to wait in during your visit to the museum, and more time enjoying the exhibit. There is a McDonald's and a café on site, so be sure to eat ahead of time or plan for that accordingly if you're visiting early or need to kill some time before your appointment. On the way to the Endeavour pavilion, there is an interesting pre-exhibit area with videos of getting the shuttle to the Science Center, simulators and artifacts of items that the astronauts and scientists took with them on board the shuttle. It's totally informal, but this serves as a good prelude to the actual ship in the adjacent pavilion. If you spend adequate time here, you'll be well equipped to take it all in at the end when you see it up close. The shuttle is currently being housed in a temporary pavilion (warehouse or hangar, more like it) with a gift shop on site. There are models in the hangar of the proposed expansion and final exposition of the shuttle. The leading proposed suggestion is to have a huge pavilion with other air and space exhibits, with the space shuttle as the centerpiece. The Endeavour would be positioned as if it were about to be launched into orbit. Currently people cannot enter the shuttle, but that's not to say that it can't happen when the final construction of the new pavilion is completed and tour routes are finalized. The models of the expanded museum sure offer an up-close and personal proposal, I must say. Honestly, seeing it for yourself is probably the best way to explain the initial "woah" feeling that you get upon entering the hangar. The scorch marks from re-entry into the atmosphere is very visible and the thrusters are massive. I recommend reading up on it or viewing the preview material first instead of just bee-lining it for the end. Like what your teachers said, you'll get more out of it if you do the reading beforehand. In short, if you're visiting Southern California, and you're a fan of history, science and technology, I definitely would include a visit to Exposition Park and the museums here, particularly the Endeavour exhibit at the California Science Center. If you have kids, definitely bring them too. It just might be the impetus or tipping point to inspire another great future person of science who'll do much to advance us technologically as a civilization. read more

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If you have only see these shuttles on TV, then you need to come and see one of the shuttles close to you. I had the opportunity to see this shuttle fly over the house on the way to it final resting home, We were in the area and decided to drop by and see the shuttle, which was a great idea. We came here asking how much it was just to see the shuttle, and we were told it was two dollars per person just to see the shuttle, of course that is a great value (do not know if it is still the same cost, need to check first). When we walked in the first thing you see it the massive size of the shuttle and can only image how many man hours it took to build this as well as fly them from mission to mission. The coolest thing in my book, was on the side wall are a plaque of all the shuttle mission and you will notice the 2 shuttle we lost on their mission, are a different color plaque, and get memory (I had the opportunity to see the head store at Arlington National Cemetery). This is one of those stop you need to make, if you have seen these on TV or even if you want to see an incredible vehicle this is a great stop, with plenty of other things to do especially for the kids. read more

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"Man, you know I really like Jasmine. You know that, right? Man, you are never gonna get to fly the space shuttle if you marry a stripper." -- Independence Day (1996) I always wanted to go to Space Camp. I wanted to be an astronaut since I was very little and have been an avid watcher and lover of the Shuttle Program from its inception. When I recently visited my best friend in LA, she surprised me by taking me to the California Science Center to check out Endeavour. I was like a kid in a candy store. So much to take in and I was quote emotional going through the exhibit. Thank goodness I had tissues in my purse - I couldn't help myself. First, we got to walk through the see all sorts of artifacts from the program - items taken up in missions, an actual toilet from a shuttle, an art installation of all the shuttle take-offs playing on one screen at ones (okay Challenger's was not playing). There was a mock-up Mission Control showing their view of a take-off. So cool! They even had a simulator you could pay $5 to ride in. Otherwise, the exhibit was FREE. After you take in all the pieces and parts, they direct you to a a shed - you walk in and there she is... the most beautiful sight ever. All around the ship were small displays showing the history of the program - some of which had pieces of information I did not know. They had one of the engines at eye level for us to look at. But the ship itself was the real, jaw-dropping, eye-catching piece to see. A-Mazing! They did have a model of what the permanent exhibit will look like, and that seems like you wouldn't be able to get as close to the Shuttle in the future. So glad I got to see it now versus later. A definite must-see for any space program lover, fan, or avionics geek. I wouldn't miss this. read more

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Your whole reason for going to the California Science Center should be to go to the Space shuttle Endeavour! At least the first time. Make a reservation! We could not get in without one and there was a line to get into it. You will get as much time as you like in there, but keep in mind, once you leave you CANNOT go back in. I would say bring a camera but, its so massive up in person I had to take three pictures to make the whole shuttle. You will get some fantastic pictures though, and just seeing that up close is really a experience to remember. I won't get into the side exhibits there, but there are IMAX movies there, and of course there is a gift shop just for this exibit. TIP - Bring cash to park $12.00 they do not except anything else. We had to drive to the bank 1/2 a mile away to get cash to park. Enjoy! read more

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A cool piece of history and at only $3 you can't go wrong. Recommend to anyone wanting to see the shuttle up close. read more

How cool is it to see the Space Shuttle Endeavor up close? 25 missions accomplished during its 19 years of operation, over 150 crew members have lived and worked in its close confines, and over 296 days in space! SS Endeavour was commissioned by Congress after the US lost the Space Shuttle Challenger on that fateful day in 1986. Who can forget that day? I remember that moment so clearly. I was in high school in my English class and I just remember how shocked and sad we all were when the principal announced on the PA that this tragic event has happened. If you're at all interested in Science and the US Space Shuttle Program, this is a great exhibit to see. Luckily, this is now a permanent exhibit in the California Science Center, so you don't have to rush to see it. We came during spring break on a weekday, so the crowds weren't too bad. Timed entry is enforced during weekends, holidays, and certain time periods like Thanksgiving Break, Spring Break, and etc. Check their website for more info. $2 is charged for timed entry reservations. My husband and I bought tickets to the center's Galapagos IMAX movie and Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit (timed entry), and so we did not have to get a timed reservation for Endeavour. We could go see the Endeavour at any time, as it was included with those tickets. The first part of the Endeavour: The California Story Exhibit will take you to a gallery with images, facts, and artifacts such as the Space Potty, Tires, Galley, and the Rocketdyne Operations Support Center. There is also a space shuttle simulator that you can ride for $5 per person per ride. The short movie by the exit shows how Endeavor was transferred from the airport to its home in the CSC and what the city had to do for the shuttle to travel though the streets of Los Angeles. It would have have been fun indeed to be one of the thousands of spectators watching the space shuttle being driven through the streets. The second part will take you to the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. There you will see the actual Space Shuttle. In order to preserve the Space Shuttle, people are not allowed to go inside the space shuttle, but plans are underway to allow people to examine the shuttle from different elevations and perspectives. The SPACEHAB (workshop and extra living space for the astronauts) and the space shuttle's main engine are also on display. Along the wall of the building is a timeline of the all NASA's missions. Go see it! read more

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