Planning Your Visit: Donor FAQ

City of San Francisco Vaccine Requirement

In accordance with the City of San Francisco Vaccine Requirement, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination and a valid photo ID are now required for all visitors ages 12+, without exception.

How do you prove that you’ve been vaccinated?

Please be prepared to show proof of vaccination and a valid photo ID at the entry gate when you visit.

Valid forms of proof of vaccination include:

• An original, a copy, or a picture of your CDC vaccination card
• Documentation from a healthcare provider
• Personal digital COVID-19 vaccine record issued by the State of California or by an approved private company

Proof of vaccination will be cross-checked against each visitor’s photo ID. A written self-attestation or verbal declaration of vaccination status is not acceptable as a form of proof. Access your State of California vaccine record: myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov.

When did this take effect?

The new vaccination verification requirements took effect on Friday, August 20, 2021. 

Are there exceptions to the vaccination requirement?

In accordance with the City of San Francisco’s guidance, “businesses covered by the proof of vaccine requirement must not allow unvaccinated people ages 12 years and over to enter indoor areas regardless of the reason they are unvaccinated.” The vaccine requirement does not apply to children under 12.

What if a child, age 12 or older, doesn’t have a photo ID to cross-check against their proof of vaccination?

To confirm a child’s proof of vaccination, please bring some form of identification. If a child does not have a photo ID, a non-photo ID (e.g., school ID) or verification from an accompanying adult is sufficient.

Do I need a timed ticket to visit the Exploratorium?

No, all you need is your Exploratorium donor card and ID. Donors are welcome to visit anytime without a prior reservation. 

Where should I enter when I arrive for my visit?

Donors and members can skip the line at the main doors and enter the museum through the Tidal Gates, via the plaza on the north side of Pier 15—just follow the signs for Member & Donor Entry. (Or see this handy map.)

What will it be like to visit the Exploratorium? Is it safe? Have the hours changed? Can I eat at Seaglass? I have questions!

Read more about what to expect when you visit the Exploratorium, including our safety protocols guided by science, current guidance from the city of San Francisco, and more. Still have questions? Please get in touch with our Reservations office at 415.528.4407 or reservations@exploratorium.edu. 

I want to share my Daytime or After Dark guest passes, but I won’t be visiting myself. How do my guests visit?

Guests will either need the guest card shared with them, or you can contact our Reservations office at 415.528.4407 or reservations@exploratorium.edu and give the associate your name and Donor ID. The associate will be able to email the tickets to your guests. You can also reserve future timed tickets for your guests in person at the Exploratorium—please visit the Front Desk.

I have more questions. Who can I get in touch with?

Please email us at development@exploratorium.edu.

Planning Your Visit: Corporate Member FAQ

How do I reserve a timed ticket to visit the Exploratorium?

To keep gallery capacity at safe levels, we strongly encourage Corporate members to reserve timed tickets. Please arrive within 15 minutes of the time on your ticket—then stay as long as you like. 

• You’ll need your company’s Corporate Membership Code. Ask the administrator of your company’s Exploratorium membership for the code. If your company is an Explainer, Investigator, Influencer, or Luminary level member, and you have “show and go” access, you can also use your employee badge.
• Contact the Reservation desk at 415.528.4407 or reservations@exploratorium.edu at least 24 hours before your visit. Tickets can be reserved up to 30 days in advance. Include your name, your company’s name, your preferred date, your preferred two-hour window for entry, and either your Corporate Membership Code or a photo of your employee badge.
• Tickets will be emailed to you. Print them or save them to your phone to show when you arrive.

Where do I enter the Exploratorium for my visit?

Corporate Members with timed tickets can skip the line at the main doors. Follow the signs for Member & Donor Entry, and enter through the Tidal Gates, via the plaza on the north side of Pier 15. (Or see this handy map.)

Do I need a timed ticket to visit the Exploratorium?

All our Corporate Members are welcome to visit any time. All you need to enter is your Corporate Membership Code, or (for companies at Investigator level and above) your employee badge. Go to the Exploratorium’s Ticketing Desk to get a complimentary timed ticket—just follow the signs to Purchase Tickets. (Or see this handy map.) However, please note that your entry will be contingent on capacity at the time of your arrival.

What will it be like to visit the Exploratorium? Is it safe? Have the hours changed? Can I eat at Seaglass? I have questions!

Read more about what to expect when you visit the Exploratorium, including our thoughtful safety protocols guided by science, current hours, and more. Still have questions? Please contact us at reservations@exploratorium.edu. 

I have Corporate Membership tickets that expired while the museum was closed. Can I still use them?

Yes. Tickets that expired between March 14, 2020, and June 30, 2021, can be redeemed until March 2022. Please contact our Reservations office at 415.528.4407 or reservations@exploratorium.edu. Give the associate the bar code number on your ticket, or if emailing, attach a photo of your ticket. The associate will be able to help you reserve timed tickets and email them to you. You can also redeem your passes in person at the Exploratorium’s Ticketing Desk—follow the signs to Purchase Tickets. (Or see this handy map.)

I have more questions. Who can I get in touch with?

Please email us at development@exploratorium.edu.