Exploratorium After Dark – Date Night with Swing and Virtual Reality

Armando and I returned from Italy and had the chance to do some exploring a little closer to home.

I received an invite to check out the Exploratorium AFTER DARK and to experience an upcoming virtual reality film and series for Fall. AFTER DARK is Exploratorium’s Adults Only (18+) program that happens every Thursday night, from 6-10pm. I’ve lived in the Bay Area for 8 years and never had the opportunity to visit the Exploratorium, so I gladly accepted the invitation to explore the space and to have a fun date night with Armando.

Armando and I started our date with a stop for ice cream from Humphrey Slocombe in the Ferry Building. We both grabbed a double scoop and walked towards Pier 15. We arrived 30 minutes before the museum opened and had a chance to walk through the museum before the virtual reality demonstration began.

Using the Virtual Reality (VR) headsets was another first for Armando and me. We watched a virtual reality film titled “Collisions” directed by artist and filmmaker Lynette Wallworth. The intimate setting and swivel chairs allowed for us to really turn our heads and experience the world we were transported to, a remote area in Western Australia. Wearing headphones, you connect to your surroundings immediately, almost like you are within a dream. It was fun being able to really explore the world and connect to the film’s narrative.

After the demonstration, we set out to explore more exhibits and while enjoying a few drinks. Some of my favorite exhibits included: the large-scale kaleidoscope, the self-centered mirror, the monochromatic room, soap film painting, and the giant mirror. We ended the night by attending a lecture from a guest speaker from UC Berkeley. There were a few others scheduled throughout the night related to the topic of Swing, and the one we attended was “Shoelace Knots Untied” with Christopher Daily-Diamond. 

Something I did not anticipate about the space: it was bigger than I had expected. There was plenty to do with the exhibits indoors (and outdoors) but AFTER DARK also has some adult-only programming like guest speakers, music (in this case Swing music) and one-of-a-kind activities, like swing dance lessons. We definitely missed some exhibits, like the Tactile Dome and fog bridge, but Armando and I are already planning our next visit! 

If you are in the area, make sure to check the Exploratorium out during AFTER DARK on Thursdays and don’t miss out the chance to experience a virtual reality film. The Exploratorium’s new series, Field of View, which focuses on innovations and art in virtual reality and emerging technologies, will be running until Sunday, October 22, 2017. The VR film “Collisions” is the core of the program, with showings every Thursday night at AFTER DARK and Saturdays and Sundays. Showings are included with your ticket price, but reservations are required as space is limited. Grab your tickets for AFTER DARK and for a screening of “Collisions” here.