SAN FRANCISCO (March 1, 2023) — On Tuesday, March 14 (3.14), 2023, the Exploratorium will celebrate the 36th Pi Day, an annual holiday invented by the museum to honor the mathematical constant and neverending number. Since originating at the Exploratorium in 1988, Pi Day has become an internationally-celebrated event for math lovers, artists, and educators of all ages.
Pi Day celebrations at the museum include a lively parade, free pie slices, and a special Pi Day program.This year, visitors will be treated to performance by Mission Delirium, a local 12-piece brass and percussion band, pie from local bakery, Pietisserie, various Pi-related activities, and demonstrations about what Pi is, why we celebrate it, and how it’s used in science and art today.
Larry Shaw, the late Exploratorium physicist, tinkerer, and media specialist, initiated the first-ever Pi Day in 1988. Shaw also created and installed the “Pi Shrine,” site of the annual Pi procession at the museum where staff and visitors form a line and wind around the museum towards the Shrine. The procession ends with all participants circumnavigating the Pi Shrine 3.14 times while singing “Happy Birthday” to Albert Einstein (and Stephen Curry)!
This year’s celebrations will also honor the late math artist and community builder, John Sims, who wove Pi into his work through music, poetry, film, and textiles, and contributed to the Exploratorium’s Pi Day celebrations in 2020 and 2021. Poets Kim Shuck and Sylvia Blalock will share pi poems and reflections on Sim’s legacy.
“John deeply impacted the museum's commitment to including everyone in arts and math education,” said Sam Sharkland, Senior Program Developer “He embraced the always-growing and evolving Pi community, and worked to ensure that Pi Day was welcoming and open to all.” Visit the Exploratorium’s Pi Day page to learn more about the history of Pi Day and the full list of activities.
