The California Science Center will open a new exhibit on Nov. 13, 2026, featuring the Space Shuttle Endeavour in a vertical position [1].

This display represents a significant shift in how the public interacts with the historic spacecraft. By positioning the shuttle as if it were ready for takeoff, the center provides a rare perspective on the scale and engineering required for NASA missions.

The exhibit is located at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center within Exposition Park in Los Angeles [2]. In this new configuration, the shuttle is mounted vertically alongside its external fuel tank, and solid rocket boosters [3]. This setup allows visitors to see the vehicle in its full launch configuration, a view that differs from the horizontal displays common in most museums [3].

Officials said the project completes the final phase of a master plan that has been in development for 33 years [4]. The long-term strategy aimed to optimize the center's space and enhance the educational impact of the Endeavour exhibit for future generations.

The transition to a vertical display requires specialized structural support to hold the massive weight of the shuttle and its boosters. This installation is part of a broader effort to preserve the spacecraft while making the science of spaceflight more accessible to the public [2].

Visitors will be able to enter the exhibit starting in November 2026 to view the shuttle from multiple angles. The center has positioned the display to emphasize the power and height of the launch vehicle as it would have appeared on the launch pad in Florida [3].

“The California Science Center will open a new exhibit on Nov. 13, 2026”

The shift to a vertical display transforms the Space Shuttle Endeavour from a static museum piece into a dynamic representation of aerospace engineering. By simulating the launch configuration, the California Science Center moves beyond simple preservation to provide an immersive educational experience that illustrates the physics of lift and propulsion.