California Science Center Completes Construction on New Space Shuttle Endeavour Exhibit

The $450 million Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will house the iconic shuttle in a one-of-a-kind vertical display.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:29pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the towering vertical display of the Space Shuttle Endeavour within the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.The California Science Center's ambitious new exhibit space will showcase the iconic Space Shuttle Endeavour in a never-before-seen vertical display, inspiring visitors with the grandeur of human space exploration.Los Angeles Today

After years of planning and construction, the California Science Center has announced the completion of its new $450 million Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. The 200,000-square-foot expansion will become the permanent home of Space Shuttle Endeavour, displayed in a towering vertical position with its solid rocket boosters and external tank.

Why it matters

The new exhibit space will allow the California Science Center to showcase the iconic Space Shuttle Endeavour in a never-before-seen vertical display, providing unobstructed views for visitors. This ambitious project is the culmination of the museum's three-decade master plan to expand its educational offerings and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

The details

Designed by ZGF Architects, the new building features a curvilinear stainless-steel exterior and will house three multi-level galleries: the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, the Korean Air Aviation Gallery, and the Kent Kresa Space Gallery. The 20-story-tall space will allow the full space shuttle stack to be displayed without any obstructions, giving visitors a one-of-a-kind experience.

  • The California Science Center broke ground on the $450 million project in June 2022.
  • The external fuel tank for the Space Shuttle Endeavour was moved to the new facility in January 2024 after being on display at the California Science Center for a decade.
  • Construction on the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center was completed in April 2026.

The players

Jeff Rudolph

President and CEO of the California Science Center.

ZGF Architects

The architectural firm that designed the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center building.

Ted Hyman

Partner at ZGF Architects, who called the project the California Science Center's 'moonshot ambition'.

Space Shuttle Endeavour

The iconic space shuttle that completed 25 missions, including the first service mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, and will be the centerpiece of the new exhibit.

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What’s next

The California Science Center will continue outfitting the new facility with 100 historic aerospace artifacts and 100 hands-on exhibits over the next several months before announcing an official opening date for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.

The takeaway

The completion of the California Science Center's ambitious $450 million expansion project represents a major milestone in the museum's efforts to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. By housing the iconic Space Shuttle Endeavour in a one-of-a-kind vertical display, the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will provide visitors with an unparalleled educational and immersive experience.