About

Before you brush this attraction off as another artifact-filled stuffy hall with "be quiet" and "do not touch" signs, let us explain. The MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, was designed to engage children (and those young at heart) with touching, jumping, thinking, and creating.

MOXI, a play on Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, was the brainchild of local volunteers and professionals. After 20 years of development, it opened in 2017 with perseverance and help from the Santa Barbara government.

The core philosophy at MOXI is based on the STEAM teaching technique. Furthermore, it draws from the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and technology) model, with the "A" added to include the arts.

Everything at MOXI is designed to inspire curiosity and ignite the imagination of all ages. Here, children can explore through touch, sound, and creativity to learn about the world around them. Moreover, the museum's design is as impressive as its mission.

Located near the Funk Zone, MOXI's striking architecture is a work of art designed by the late Barry Berkus. The building exudes a modern flare with clean lines and style that resemble a Spanish castle.

The exhibits span everything from physics to environmental science, ensuring there's something for everyone. Visit the kinetic gallery and manipulate objects to learn about motion and energy, or explore the rooftop sunset terrace with stunning views and activities emphasizing renewable energy.

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, also hosts seasonal events and workshops that engage all ages and communities. Adults will enjoy the MOXI Happy Hour, which caters to a 21-and-over crowd with beer, wine, and three floors of fun!

Visit the MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, for a unique day of exploration that will appeal to "pre-K through gray. "

MOXI - The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation: Fun Facts & Cool Features

Where does one begin describing three floors with over 17,000 square feet filled with fun, interactive, and inventive displays? While the question was rhetorical, it is rooted in the reality that there's so much to see and experience at MOXI!

Take the Speed Track, for example. This room lets kids build their own race car and then race down an elevated track. They can also construct a marble roller coaster and take home DIY experiments and science-inspired projects.

The Sound Track is a must-visit if you have a music lover in your group or family. A 24' long guitar, big enough for kids to enter, demonstrates how music is made on this instrument. The Reactable is another interactive display that is part DJ table and instrument and lets children explore creating beats and music.

The third floor is the rooftop Sky Garden, which offers spectacular views of Santa Barbara, the mountains, and Stearns Wharf. Be sure to check out the Lookout Tower, which features five ways to view the cityscape through different scopes: a telescope, a thermal-imaging scope, a kaleidoscope, a periscope, and a LIDAR that detects speed and distance.

MOXI is your go-to for programs for families and individuals and special events like birthday parties and camps. Its central location makes it perfect for grabbing a meal at popular eateries like Reunion Kitchen + Drink.

Visiting MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation offers an enriching Santa Barbara experience where learning is fun and adventurous.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation from Santa Barbara:

Start by heading north on State Street.
Continue straight onto Carrillo Street.
Turn left onto Garden Street.
Merge onto the US-101 N ramp toward Santa Maria.
Take exit 95B for Cabrillo Blvd.
Merge onto Cabrillo Blvd and continue until you reach the museum.
Address: 125 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Local Tips

Purchase tickets online to avoid long lines.
Arrive early to secure parking near the museum.
Plan your visit on a weekday for a quieter experience.
Check the website for special events or workshops.

Staging environment