The Exploratorium’s mission is to create a culture of learning through innovative environments, programs, and tools that help people nurture their curiosity about the world around them.
The museum’s first responsibility is to support this mission. All Sponsors holding events at the Exploratorium, including Sponsor’s subcontractors, are required to respect the museum’s policies and procedures.
The following types of events are not consistent with the identified primary use of the building and are not allowed:
- Fundraising events (including any event where guests contribute monies on an optional basis or are solicited after the event).
- Political events or celebrations of any kind, including but not limited to fundraising events and rallies.
- Auctions.
- Events where entrance to the event requires the advance or on-site purchase of a ticket (i.e. events advertised to the general public).
Facility Capacity
The Exploratorium is available for rental events during nonpublic hours. Events may begin no earlier than one hour past closing time to allow for proper preparation and setup. The maximum capacities (for safety and fire regulations) are: 2,500 people for standing receptions and parties, 400 people for sit-down dinners.
Museum Availability
The Exploratorium is available for pre-event setup 15 minutes after the museum closes to the general public. Our normal hours of operation are as follows: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A standard contract for full-facility rental includes six hours of rental time (5:15 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.). This time frame includes pre-event load-in, the event, and post-event load-out. Additional hours are available at an additional cost.
Pre-event setup time the night before an event to install lighting rigs, hang non-helium balloons, etc., is often available and must be arranged in advance. Fees are determined on an individual basis, and all decor must be preapproved by the Facilities & Rentals Program Associate.
Event Staff
We provide an event coordinator, security monitor, office receptionist, operations technician, and Explainers for all rental events. The event coordinator will assist you with logistics during load-in, and will approve the satisfactory cleanup of food and beverage stations and decor . The operations technician will be on hand to help with power and other facility needs. Our docents, called Explainers, are here to facilitate the guests' interactions with the exhibits.
Outside Vendors
Before the event, all outside vendors are required to schedule a walk through with the Facilities & Rentals Program Associate to make arrangements regarding deliveries, power needs, floor plan, loading areas, and pickup times. All decorations, promotional materials, supplies, balloons, etc. must be removed immediately following the event. The museum does not have available storage areas, so rental deliveries and pickup must be made the same day as the event unless previously arranged with the Facilities & Rentals Program Associate. There will be a charge for equipment that is not removed from the museum after the event. The Exploratorium is not responsible for any materials left behind.
Exhibit Moves
We feel that the value of an event experience at the Exploratorium lies in the integrity of our exhibits. Many of our exhibits are delicately balanced, difficult to move, or permanently placed. For these reasons, we hesitate to move exhibits. Nothing should be taped, tied, nailed, or otherwise attached to or in front of the exhibits, graphics, walls, floor, or furniture.
Power
Much of the available electricity in the museum is used to power our exhibits. All lighting and sound personnel must notify the Facilities & Rentals Program Associate of their power needs prior to the event. While we can accommodate most requests, we may ask that you provide a generator. The museum does not provide extension cords or other equipment, and we require that any cables on the floor be safely covered and taped.
Music
Because the Exploratorium shares our building with the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, all entertainment, stage, and speaker placement must be approved by the Facilities & Rentals Program Associate at least two weeks prior to the event. If the theater is booked on the night of your event, it may be necessary for the Exploratorium to minimize any potential acoustical disruptions in the spirit of being good neighbors. Any amplified music may be subject to volume control at the discretion of the Event Coordinator.
Decor Restrictions
Helium balloons are not permitted because they present a danger to the radiant heating system mounted on the ceiling of the building. Hanging fruit used as decoration, such as grapes, is not permitted as it jeopardizes safety. Glitter and confetti are not permitted as both are difficult to clean up from the museum floor and our exhibits. Fog Machines are not permitted, as they interfere with the museum’s smoke beam detectors. |
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