24th Annual Pi Day

Pi Day, now celebrated by number lovers around the world, originated in 1988 at the Exploratorium. Join us as we celebrate the never-ending number 3.14159 . . . (and Einstein's birthday) at our last pi celebration at the Palace of Fine Arts.

Pi Day Schedule:

1 p.m.: Meet Pi Day founder, Larry Shaw, and learn what's so special about pi, the irrational number resulting from dividing the circumference of a circle by its diameter. Talks by Exploratorium staff members Lori Lambertson and Ron Hipschman.

1:30 p.m.: Pi Procession gathers at the McBean Theater where everyone is assigned a digit of pi.

1:50 p.m.: Pi Procession, a lineup of pi numerals, heads to the Pi Shrine while chanting the Pi Day song.

1:59 p.m.: Pi Procession arrives at Pi Shrine, circles it 3.14 times, and sings a birthday song in honor of Albert Einstein.

2:15 p.m.: Pi(e) Serving!
Have a slice of pie on us-while it lasts (some pie is not infinite).

3 p.m.: Ceremonial removal of the brass Pi Shrine for future installation at our new home at Pier 15.

Ongoing Afternoon Activities: Cutting Pi and Pi String Beading-our high-school Explainers and volunteers offer a hands-on pi experience.