Lawrence Hall of Science - Berkeley, California - Place for Science and Math Explorations

Apart from its role as the University of California, Berkeley's public science center, the Lawrence Hall of Science has also served as a destination for science fun for more than four decades. It is open to the public and visitors of all ages.

The hall was established in 1968, dedicated to the memory of Ernest O. Lawrence, winner of the 1939 Nobel Prize in Physics. Lawrence conducted work on the first cyclotron and went on to build the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, one of the world's greatest scientific laboratories.

The original 65-ton electromagnet that provided the magnetic field for Lawrence's 27-inch cyclotron is located on Centennial Drive, just outside the hall. Other "scientific works of art'' displayed on the grounds include an 18-foot granite sculpture on the back lawn called "Sunstones,'' which can function as an astronomical tool. There is a model of a fin whale know as "Pheena'' that children can climb on, and a huge DNA sculpture big enough to walk through.

Inside the Lawrence Hall of Science are several permanent interactive displays. KidsLab gives children an opportunity to play with huge blocks and shapes, crawl through a kaleidoscope, hang out at the Gravity Wall, or enjoy a puppet show. The world of the ultra-small can be explored in nanoZone, with demonstrations daily at noon and 2pm. And the exhibit called "Math Around the World'' presents the history of numbers from a multicultural perspective.

The Animal Discovery Room allows visitors to hold and touch gentle animals, while learning about their behaviors and habitats. The outdoor section entitled "Forces That Shape the Bay'' has earthquake simulators, telescopes, and hands-on displays of soil erosion, plus a native plant collection. And the hall also organizes outings for star-gazing and other educational activities as part of its mission "to inspire and foster learning of science and mathematics for all.''

One of the hall's most popular attractions is the Planetarium. Seating up to 45 persons and wheelchair accessible, it is contained within a brand-new geodesic dome and equipped with a state-of-the-art projection system. Interactive public programs are presented on Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm, lasting 40 minutes. Daily programs are offered during the summer and special holiday weeks.

When it is time for some food, the Bay Caf, offers a selection of salads, soups, sandwiches, desserts, and beverages, accompanied by a panoramic view. Drinks and snacks are served from 10am to 11am and 3pm to 4pm. The full menu is available from 11am to 3pm. There are also several vending machines with food and drink items on the premises.

The hall's operating hours are 10am to 5pm daily. The cost of general admission is $12 for adults aged 19 to 61, $9 for disabled persons, students, and seniors aged 62 and above, and $6 for children aged 3 to 6 years. Children under 3 are admitted free of charge, as are LHS members, UC Berkeley students, and staff.

The Lawrence Hall of Science is located above the UC Botanical Gardens in the hills to the east of the main campus. The address is 1 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, California 94720-5200. By car, take Highway 101 to Interstate 80 over the Bay Bridge and exit at University Avenue. Follow University for about two miles and turn left onto Oxford Street at the stoplight. Take a right on Hearst Avenue, a right on Gayley Road, and a left on Stadium Rimway past the Greek Theater. Turn left at the next stop sign onto Centennial Drive. The Lawrence Hall of Science is uphill about one mile on the left. Metered parking lots can be found on both sides of the hall.