The Science Center, the Office of Exposition Park Management and the California African American Museum (CAAM), are located in Exposition Park, a 160-acre tract in south Los Angeles, which is owned by the state. For budget purposes, these three departments are collectively known as the California Science Center.

The mission of the Science Center is to stimulate curiosity and inspire science related learning. The Office of Exposition Park Management provides long-term leadership in the development and implementation of park usage policy and day-to-day management, operation and promotion of the park for its tenants and the public. The mission of CAAM is to research, collect, preserve and interpret for public enrichment, the history, art and culture of African Americans with a multi-layered focus that is global, national, and local with special emphasis on California and the western United States.