ZGF Wraps Space Shuttle in Stainless-Steel Tower, California Science Center

The following post delves into the completion of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center expansion in Los Angeles. It was designed by ZGF Architects and built by MATT Construction.

The new 200,000-square-foot addition to the California Science Center creates a dramatic architectural identity. It centers the Space Shuttle Endeavour in a vertical launch position and expands the facility’s three-gallery program with a tailored aerospace artefact collection.

A transformative addition to the California Science Center

The four-storey wing doubles the complex’s exhibition space. It introduces a landmark that communicates a “moonshot” ambition in a public-facing form.

The extension features a 200-foot-tall, curvilinear stainless-steel tower that wraps the full-size Space Shuttle Endeavour in a vertical launch configuration. This striking feature anchors the center’s new identity.

Architectural concept and shuttle-inspired form

The design team drew inspiration from the shuttle’s aerodynamic geometry for the new wing’s shape and materials. The extension is clad in textured metal tiers and cantilevers over the entrance to create a dynamic threshold and a sense of forward momentum.

ZGF Architects established a distinct architectural identity separate from the original sandy red-brick California Science Center. The shuttle enclosure, renewed with solid rocket boosters and the flight-qualified external tank ET‑94, was carefully coordinated and installed after a six‑month process.

• 200-foot-tall curvilinear stainless-steel tower housing Endeavour in a vertical launch position
• Textured metal tiers that cantilever over the entrance, creating a dramatic new façade
• A four-storey addition totaling around 200,000 sq ft to expand exhibits
• Formations informed by the shuttle’s aerodynamic geometry to guide visitor flow

Exhibition program and artefacts

The updated complex will house 100 aerospace artefacts across 100 new exhibits, distributed across three galleries. The project offers a curated look at spaceflight history, from aircraft heritage to new space technologies, all within an accessible public experience.

What visitors can expect

• Hawker Siddeley Harrier T.4 fighter jet as a bold early‑fighter display
• Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle to illustrate contemporary small-launch capabilities
• Segment of a solid rocket booster to illuminate propulsion technology
• A curated selection of other aerospace artefacts that reflect the breadth of human spaceflight

The expansion aligns with renewed public interest in space exploration, prompted by missions such as Artemis II. The building and exhibition spaces are largely complete, with the final step being the installation of artefacts before the formal opening date is announced.

Construction, collaborators, and timing

Construction involved collaboration across engineering, fabrication, scaffolding, and exhibit design. The project stands as a landmark addition to Los Angeles’ cultural landscape and aims to engage a wide audience with aerospace history and future exploration.

Project partners and fabrication

• Arup – structural and engineering support
• Plas‑Tal Manufacturing – steel fabrication
• BrandSafway – scaffold and shuttle protection systems
• Evidence Design – exhibit design consultancy

The California Science Center is expanding its public program. The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center demonstrates how modern architecture can showcase historic technology in an accessible way.

 
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