Planning Your Visit: Donor FAQ

How do I log in to reserve a timed ticket for my visit?

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

• You’ll need the Donor ID emailed to you on May 13 and June 8. (If you’re having trouble finding it, email development@exploratorium.edu.)
• Log in here to reserve your tickets online. The first time you do this, you’ll be prompted to create a free, quick Donor account. 
• Tickets will be emailed to you. Print them or save them to your phone to show when you arrive.

Do I need a timed ticket to visit the Exploratorium?

No, all you need is your Exploratorium donor card. All our donors are welcome to walk up any time to the Box Office. However, please note that your entry will be contingent on capacity at the time of your arrival.

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.)

Will there be special preview hours for donors before the museum reopens to the public?

Yes! We welcome our donors and members at all levels back to the Exploratorium for special preview hours—plan your visit and reserve your tickets for Thursday, June 24, 6–10 p.m. (ages 18+); and Friday through Sunday, June 25–27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 

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 I get timed tickets for my guests?

Please 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 help you reserve timed tickets and email them 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 Box Office 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.

Will there be special preview hours for Corporate Members before the museum opens to the public?

Yes! We welcome our Corporate Members at all levels back to the Exploratorium for special preview hours—plan your visit and reserve your tickets for Thursday, June 24, 6–10 p.m. (ages 18+); and Friday through Sunday, June 25–27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 

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 Box Office—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.