OAKLAND — Chabot Space & Science Center, the city’s landmark facility for science education since 1883, announced plans Monday to reopen to the public in June 2021.
“After much consideration, we decided that this was the safest and most secure path forward for the health of our community and the center,” Chabot Space & Science Center said in a statement. “Although our doors are not open for general admission, our work continues as we provide engaging and accessible learning opportunities for our community. This strategic move allows us to prepare for a strong reopening with exceptional new experiences for our visitors.”
Located in the Oakland hills, Chabot Space and Science Center shut down March 13 because of the statewide shelter-in-place order. The facility features interactive exhibits, planetariums, a large screen theater, hands-on activities and three powerful telescopes.
The center said it is working on a variety of virtual and outdoor experiences for the summer and upcoming school year with live STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) content and virtual field trips, workshops and more. Live programming will include its virtual telescope viewings and talks, and the center will provide science activities that can be done at home.
Chabot is currently working with community organizations, including the Oakland Boys & Girls Club, to plan future STEM workshops and other pop-up learning opportunities.
“It is essential that our work continues,” Chabot Space & Science Center stated. “Chabot’s dedicated board, staff and volunteers are committed to our vision of making science education accessible to all.”
In addition, Chabot is coming up with educational projects for small groups in outdoor spaces, including the courtyard, observation deck and surrounding forests.
“We recognize that right now, STEM education is more important than ever,” the news release stated. “This crisis has exposed the severe inequity in many of our educational structures. The audiences we serve have been hard hit by this disruption to education. Our role in STEM education is vital to our community.
“We will keep our community included and updated as we work towards our grand reopening next June. We look forward to welcoming you back to a center filled with exciting new exhibitions, experiences and programs.”
