Glow: The Art of Light
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Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Glow: The Art of Light

Step into a world of wonder at Glow, the Exploratorium's annual celebration of light art. Artists transform Pier 15 into a luminous wonderland with dazzling sculptures and interactive installations. Experience the magic of light and sound, from relaxing under giant bubbles to exploring a city of shadows. This beloved exhibition is a must-see winter attraction.

What to Expect

Artist-created light sculptures illuminating Pier 15

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $$ โ€“ Get tickets
  • Parking: Discounted parking is available at the Pier 15 parking lot with code 4302100. Metered parking is also available along the Embarcadero and side streets. Valuables should not be left in vehicles.
  • Accessibility: The Exploratorium is committed to accessibility. Please check their website for detailed information.
  • Pets: Service animals only

Other Christmas Events Near San Francisco

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Art enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a unique winter experience

Vibe

Immersive, wondrous, artistic, engaging

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Special Events & Promotions

  • Free with museum admission
  • Free for Daytime members
  • Free for After Dark members
  • Free for donors

Tags

light displaysinteractive displaysfamily friendlyseasonal activitieswinter activitiesartmuseum eventfestive atmosphere

Location

Exploratorium
Pier 15
San Francisco, CA
94111

Event Details

Duration

All day

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Embarcadero

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Exploratorium

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and have a more intimate experience with the light installations.
  • Check the Exploratorium's website for any special programming or artist talks related to Glow during your visit.
  • Allow ample time to explore the entire exhibition, as the immersive nature of the light art can be captivating.
  • If visiting with children, engage them by asking them to describe the colors and shapes they see in the light art.
  • Take advantage of the discounted parking offered at the Pier 15 lot by using the provided discount code.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glow?

Glow is the Exploratorium's annual winter exhibition that transforms Pier 15 with stunning light sculptures and interactive art installations created by various artists.

Is Glow included with museum admission?

Yes, Glow is free with museum admission. It is also free for Daytime members, After Dark members, and donors.

What are the operating hours for Glow?

Glow follows the Exploratorium's regular operating hours, which are typically 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended hours for After Dark events.

Can I bring my pet to Glow?

Only service animals are permitted at the Exploratorium. Pets are not allowed.

What kind of art can I expect to see?

You can expect to see a variety of light-based art, including sculptures, interactive displays, and installations that play with color, shadow, and sound.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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