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Membership FAQ
Can I apply general admission tickets toward a membership?
Absolutely! When you visit the Exploratorium with general admission tickets, you can apply your ticket costs toward a membership at any time on the day of your visit. The number and type of applicable tickets varies with the membership level you purchase. Tickets purchased from third-party vendors are not applicable, and other restrictions apply. Ask any Membership Associate for details during your visit.
I just joined and am planning my first visit to the Exploratorium. What do I need?
Thank you for joining! Stop by our member check-in table with your photo ID, and we will make sure you start exploring right away. You should receive a wallet-sized membership card in the mail within 2–3 weeks from the time you purchased it.
Do I need my membership card to visit the Exploratorium?
No, you do not need your membership card to visit the Exploratorium. Bring your photo ID and check in at any of our membership or ticketing stations and a representative can assist you.
Is an Exploratorium membership reciprocal with other museums?
Yes! The Exploratorium participates in ASTC's Passport Program, which entitles all daytime members free admission to over 350 science and technology centers located outside of a 90 mile radius from the Exploratorium.
Why do I need to present a photo ID along with my membership card?
We ask all of our members to present some form of photo identification along with their membership cards to ensure that the membership is being used by the appropriate party. Exploratorium memberships are nontransferrable.
Can a guest use my membership without being named on the membership?
That will depend on your level of membership. Dual and Family Explorers levels can only be used by the adults named on the membership. However, if there is only one named adult, then a guest can visit the museum as long as the guest is accompanied by the named adult member. For Family with Caregiver, Insiders, Supporters, and Sustainers levels, guests can use the "Caregiver" or "Guest of" membership cards and enter the museum without the named adult members.
How do the Guest and Caregiver Cards work?
If your membership includes a Caregiver card or a Guest card, you may loan out that card. The person using it can visit without you and will not need to provide ID. It is the named member’s responsibility to maintain control of these cards.
| Membership Level | Extra Cards | Use of Card |
| Family with Caregiver | 1 Caregiver Card |
Without named member present, one adult may bring children for Daytime admission only. With named member present, an extra guest may come in place of a caregiver. |
| Insiders | 2 Guest Cards | Without named member, the limit per day is 2 adult guests and up to 4 children. It is not necessary for a group to bring both guest cards. |
| Supporters / Sustainers | 2 Guest Cards | Limit per day is 6 guests of any age. It is not necessary for a group to bring both guest cards. |
What if I have additional guests with me who are not covered for free by my membership level?
Any additional guests accompanying you are eligible for a discounted ticket rate: $5 off any adult or teen ticket and $2 off any child's ticket.
I joined the Exploratorium over two months ago but my cards have either been lost or never arrived. What can I do?
If you need new or replacement membership cards, please contact the Membership office at (415) 528-4321 or email us at member@exploratorium.edu.
Can I purchase an Exploratorium membership as a gift for someone else?
Yes! An Exploratorium membership makes a great gift for any occasion. When you purchase a gift membership you will receive a gift voucher you can give as a gift. The gift voucher will only be good for 120 days from the purchase date. The membership will start once the gift voucher has been redeemed by the gift recipient. Visit our gift-membership page to learn more, or call us at (415) 528-4321.
Is an Exploratorium membership tax-deductible?
Yes, it is. As a donation to a nonprofit organization, our membership fees are either partially or fully tax-deductible depending on the level. The welcome letter accompanying your membership cards will indicate the tax-deductible amount.
I still have more questions that I need answered. Whom can I call or write?
You can reach the membership office seven days a week at 415.528.4321, and a team member will be happy to help you. You can also email us at member@exploratorium.edu.
