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Gateway Science Museum

Gateway Science Museum is Chico State's science museum at 625 Esplanade. It is open Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with changing exhibits and the permanent Gateway Gardens. Adult admission is $10 and youth admission is $5. Checked October 29, 2026 on the operator’s own pages.

In Chico

$10.00Adults
$5.00Youth (3-17)
Thu-SatOpen
11 a.m.-4 p.m.Hours

Key Facts

  • The museum is at 625 Esplanade, near Bidwell Mansion.[1]
  • Regular hours are Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.[2]
  • The museum is closed November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving) and December 20, 2026 through January 1, 2027.[2]
  • An exhibit on bones and fossils of giant creatures runs August 14, 2026 to January 2, 2027.[1]
  • Gateway Gardens is a permanent garden exhibit with native and edible plants, student projects and wildlife habitat.[1]
  • Saturday drop-in activities run 12:00-2:00 pm and are free with admission.[1]
  • Chico State and Butte College students and Gateway members get free admission.[2]
  • Through Museums for All, visitors with SNAP EBT cards and photo ID pay $3.00 each, up to four per card.[2]
  • Groups of 15 or more pay $5 per person.[2]

Areas Inside Gateway Science Museum

  • Gateway Gardens

    Permanent garden exhibits featuring native and edible plants, student projects and wildlife habitat.[1]

Plan Your Visit

WhatAs the operator states it
Run byCalifornia State University, Chico
Address625 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95929
Drive from ChicoIn Chico
HoursThursday – Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.[2]
FeesAdults $10.00; Youth (ages 3-17) $5.00; Chico State and Butte College students and members free; Museums for All $3.00; groups $5 per person (15 minimum).[2]
ReservationsSelf-guided class visits need an appointment at least 2 weeks ahead, Thursdays and Fridays 11:30 AM-3:00 PM.[2]
Phone530-898-4121[1]
Official pageCalifornia State University, Chico

Not confirmedThe official pages we read do not publish dogs, restrooms, accessibility for this place.

Map of Gateway Science Museum

The pin is approximate, placed from the address or place name. © OpenStreetMap contributors. Directions

What We Could Not Verify

These items were not on an official page we could open on October 29, 2026, or two official pages disagree. Check with the operator before you rely on them.

  • Not confirmedParking details (page only links a parking map)
  • Not confirmedTitle of the current fossil exhibit
  • Not confirmedAccessibility details
  • Not confirmedAdmission for children under 3

More in Chico

All of ChicoBidwell ParkChico State CampusDowntown ChicoBidwell-Sacramento River State ParkChico History MuseumLaxson AuditoriumSilver Dollar FairgroundsAll Places

Coming Up in Chico

32 events are on our calendar for Chico from today on. 2 are listed as free by the organizer. This list rebuilds itself every day at midnight, Pacific time.

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Gateway Science Museum open?

Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.[2]

How much is admission?

Adults $10.00 and youth ages 3-17 $5.00; Chico State and Butte College students get in free.[2]

Can school groups visit?

Yes. Self-guided class visits run Thursdays and Fridays and must be booked at least 2 weeks ahead by emailing gateway@csuchico.edu.[2]

Sources

  1. Gateway Science Museum – Chico State, California State University, Chico. Read October 29, 2026.
  2. Hours & Admission – Gateway Science Museum, California State University, Chico. Read October 29, 2026.

Cite this page: “Gateway Science Museum.” It’s Chico, checked October 29, 2026. https://itschico.com/chico/gateway-science-museum/