MOXI Santa Barbara

Pacific Coast Highway Travel describes MOXI in Santa Barbara, also known as the The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, including its main exhibits.

Inside MOXI in Santa Barbara

Located in the heart of Santa Barbara, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, is a dynamic, interactive museum designed to spark curiosity and creativity through science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).

Since opening in 2017, MOXI has become a prime attraction for families, students, and lifelong learners, offering hands-on exhibits that encourage exploration, experimentation, and discovery. With its vibrant, modern design and engaging activities, MOXI provides a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

MOXI in Santa Barbara

MOXI Santa Barbara
A Museum Built for Exploration

MOXI spans 17,000 square feet across three floors, each filled with interactive exhibits that blend play with learning. The museum’s mission is to ignite the innovator in everyone, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills through immersive experiences.

Inside MOXI in Santa Barbara

Key Exhibits and Experiences

1. Speed Track

One of the most popular exhibits, the Speed Track, allows visitors to design, build, and test their own race cars. Using foam blocks, wheels, and other materials, guests experiment with aerodynamics and physics to see which designs go the fastest down a multi-lane track.

2. Fantastic Forces

This exhibit explores the physics of motion, gravity, and energy. Visitors can launch rockets, manipulate air currents to keep objects floating, and experiment with pendulums and spinning wheels to understand fundamental scientific principles.

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3. Light & Sound

In this sensory-rich area, guests engage with exhibits that demonstrate the properties of light and sound waves. Highlights include a theremin (an electronic musical instrument played without touch), a giant kaleidoscope, and interactive displays where visitors can manipulate light reflections and sound frequencies.

4. Sky Garden

Kids playing in The Sky Garden at MOXI in Santa Barbara

Located on the rooftop, the Sky Garden offers stunning views of Santa Barbara’s coastline and mountains. This outdoor space features a water-play area, wind tubes for testing flying objects, and a giant periscope that lets visitors see distant landmarks.

5. Innovation Workshop

A maker-space where creativity meets engineering, the Innovation Workshop provides tools and materials for visitors to build their own inventions. From circuit boards to 3D printing demonstrations, this space encourages hands-on tinkering and prototyping.

Kids having fun at MOXI in Santa Barbara

6. Interactive Media & Technology

MOXI incorporates cutting-edge technology with exhibits like "Tech Track", where visitors can experiment with coding, robotics, and digital animation. The "Sound Scape" exhibit lets guests compose music using touch-sensitive panels, blending art and technology.

Inside MOXI in Santa Barbara

Special Programs and Events

MOXI offers a variety of programs to enhance the visitor experience:

MOXI After Dark: An adults-only evening event featuring themed activities, live music, and drinks.
Camps and Workshops: STEM-focused programs for kids during school breaks.
Field Trips & School Programs: Educational group visits aligned with school curricula.

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Why Visit MOXI in Santa Barbara?

MOXI stands out for its hands-on, experiential approach to learning. Unlike traditional museums where exhibits are behind glass, MOXI encourages touching, building, and experimenting. The museum’s design—featuring bright, open spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows—creates an inviting atmosphere that stimulates curiosity.

Kids having fun at MOXI in Santa Barbara

Whether you're a child building a race car, a teen coding a robot, or an adult rediscovering the joy of scientific discovery, MOXI offers something for everyone. Its prime location near Stearns Wharf and downtown Santa Barbara makes it a perfect addition to a day of exploring the city.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally).

Admission: Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, with discounts for members, seniors, and military personnel.

Accessibility: The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with sensory-friendly resources available.

Location and Contact Information

MOXI is conveniently situated near Santa Barbara’s waterfront, a 5-minute walk straight back from Stearns Wharf, making it an ideal stop for tourists and locals alike.

Address: 125 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Phone: (805) 770-5000

Website: https://moxi.org

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