The Hall of Health, sponsored by Children's Hospital & Research Center at Oakland, is a community health-education museum and science center dedicated to promoting wellness and individual responsibility for health. The philosophy of the Hall of Health is that health and human biology go hand in hand: an understanding of how the body works provides a meaningful context for all of the practices that promote good health. More than 350,000 visitors of all ages have used the Hall's interactive, hands-on exhibits to learn about the workings of the body, the value of sound diet and exercise, and the destructive effects of smoking and drug abuse.

Each year more than 12,000 children visit the Hall of Health on classroom field trips or with other organized groups, such as Scout troops. Docents give presentations, lead discussions, and help visitors use the exhibits. Worksheets are available to reinforce the visual and experiential lessons.

The Hall of Health sponsors special events for educators, children, and families. These include health and science festivals, an open house for educators, quarterly lectures suitable for the whole family, and other exciting, interactive programs.

Since 2004, in collaboration with Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI), the Hall of Health has run the project “Health and Biomedical Science for a Diverse Community,” funded by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The project has included development and implementation of (1) an innovative 4th and 5th grade curriculum in health and biomedical science, (2) an exhibit on social and genetic factors in health, (3) teacher workshops, and (4) family science festivals. Additionally, the grant has funded dissemination of the curriculum and a traveling replica of the exhibit. For more information, click here.