Gateway Science Museum, California State University, Chico

Gateway Science Museum, California State University, Chico 🌎 We inspire the exploration of science and natural history in our region and beyond.
☀️ Est. 2010
⏰ Hours: Thurs-Sat | 11am-4pm
CLOSED: June 5-6

Supported by our many community partners, we provide stimulating science exhibits and engaging informal learning experiences for the general public and visitors of all ages! Our STEM programming and outreach activities serve a seven to nine county region in the North State. The museum also serves as an interdisciplinary training ground for university students and a showcase for faculty and undergr

aduate STEM research. The synergy between campus and community resources and expertise drive our success as a partnership, with a shared mission, to inspire science and enthusiasm toward exploration and discovery, while nurturing appreciation for our natural environment.

05/30/2026

Presenting… A-MAZE-D — an art meets science Summer Experience! 🎨🔍

This cave-themed walkthrough maze was specially designed by Dave Phillips and painted by Chico State art students & alumni. Exploration and discovery for all ages around every corner!

On view through August 1, 2026 ☀️

📚 The next Community Science Book Club meets on Saturday, June 13, at 11am in Gateway Science Museum’s Weibel Community ...
05/13/2026

📚 The next Community Science Book Club meets on Saturday, June 13, at 11am in Gateway Science Museum’s Weibel Community Room. Participate in a lively discussion of “Entangled Life” by Merlin Sheldrake.

Please RSVP via email to [email protected] if you plan to attend!

📖 Previous Book Club picks include:
- Turning to Stone by Marcia Bjornerud
- Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
- Why We Remember by Charan Ranganath
- California Against the Sea by Rosanna Xia
- The Science of Interstellar by Kip Thorne
- Becoming Earth by Ferris Jabr

🌍 We're excited for another fun summer of hands-on exhibits, science, and exploration! Visitors, please take note of the...
05/09/2026

🌍 We're excited for another fun summer of hands-on exhibits, science, and exploration! Visitors, please take note of these summer dates and hours of operation:

✨ Gateway's normal open hours continue to be 11:00am - 4:00pm, Thursday-Saturday.

Additionally, our special open Wednesdays been extended into July! If you're looking for bonus time at the museum, drop by on these dates from 3:00 - 7:00pm:
🌟 May 13,
🌟 June 10
🌟 July 8

__

The museum will be CLOSED on the following dates, so please plan your visit accordingly:
May 21, May 22 and May 23
June 5 and 6
July 4

💥 Mark your calendars for the last day to view our exhibits: Motion Mania and TinkerTopia — both close Saturday, May 16....
05/02/2026

💥 Mark your calendars for the last day to view our exhibits: Motion Mania and TinkerTopia — both close Saturday, May 16.

On the way is A-MAZE-D — a cave-themed walkthrough maze designed exclusively by Dave Phillips, acclaimed puzzle designer, and painted by Chico State art students and alumni.

A-MAZE-D officially opens on May 28, with a special Members Only preview on May 27 from 4-6pm! For more information on how to become a member, visit our website. ✨

Please note the museum will be closed May 21-23 to prepare for this exciting exhibit change.

All of May, join us for activities centered around experiments! Free with admission.🧲 May 2: Get Magnetic - Chico State ...
05/01/2026

All of May, join us for activities centered around experiments! Free with admission.

🧲 May 2: Get Magnetic - Chico State 204B students showcase their final projects! Event begins at 11am.

🪥 May 9: Elephant Toothpaste - A fun chemistry experiment!

🌋 May 16: Lava Lamp - Create a homemade lava lamp.

🐟 May 30: Floating Fish - Can drawings of fish still swim?

Please note there is no activity on May 23 due to the museum being closed for exhibit change.

Soon-to-be Chico State graduate and current Gateway Field Trip Guide and Curiosity Guide, Trynnitty has evolved through ...
04/30/2026

Soon-to-be Chico State graduate and current Gateway Field Trip Guide and Curiosity Guide, Trynnitty has evolved through the years right alongside Gateway. From visiting the museum as a kid during class field trips, to now leading kids in their own exploration– she has really carved out a special place for herself at Gateway.

“My favorite memory from Gateway as a kid was visiting on a field trip! When I was in fifth grade, my class came and learned about the Earth, the water cycle, and fossils! Back then, I remember how tall the short face bear was, which still fascinates me till this day.

From visiting as a kid to now working as a guide, it has been the best experience I could ask for. It’s so fun to work behind the scenes and see new visitors enjoy our exhibits. Sometimes kids are curious about the same things I was as a kid, and it feels very full circle to me.

The biggest thing I try to do is remember the field trip guides before me. Guides are a huge part of the experience! Being a behavioral and social science major now, seeing people like you in STEM really matters. I love it when kids take an interest in science because it was made fun for them, and now I get to be part of that process!” –Trynnitty

Meet the Gateway team… as kids. ✨Day in and day out, this group brings so much life and energy to the museum, keeping al...
04/25/2026

Meet the Gateway team… as kids. ✨

Day in and day out, this group brings so much life and energy to the museum, keeping all our activities and programming running. As the semester comes to a close, some will be graduating and moving on so be sure to say hi 👋 next time you visit!

Happy Earth Day! 🌱Recently, we partnered once again with Golden State Linen to harvest flax from our gardens and create ...
04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! 🌱

Recently, we partnered once again with Golden State Linen to harvest flax from our gardens and create these beautiful bundles. It’s a slow, methodical and intentional process — much like stewarding our planet. We all have a part to play, and every small action has a big impact, here on campus and beyond. 🌎

Address

625 Esplanade
Chico, CA
95929

Opening Hours

Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+15308984121

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