Planning Your Visit: Donor FAQ

Effective March 1, 2022, visitors ages 12 and up must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for admission to the Exploratorium. Masks are required for all visitors ages 2 and up.

Effective May 4, 2022, COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for your visit, but are no longer required. Masks are required for all visitors 2+.

How do I prove that I’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 here.

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 a 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 to wear a mask?

Yes. All guests age 2 and older are required to wear a mask that covers the mouth and nose and fits snugly against the sides of the face. Scarves, neck gaiters, bandanas, and masks with valves do not meet this requirement.

Are Exploratorium staff vaccinated?

Yes, Exploratorium staff are required to be vaccinated. Additionally, Exploratorium staff complete a health screening every day before reporting to work.

What if I have a qualifying medical reason or sincere religious belief exemption?

Exemptions to the vaccination requirements may be granted in the case of a qualifying medical reason or sincerely held religious belief. Please bring documentation along with proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

The following are acceptable as proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (within one day for antigen tests with third-party verification, or two days for PCR tests):

A printed document from the test provider or laboratory, or
An electronic test result, displayed on a phone or other device, from the test provider or laboratory

The information should include the person's name, type of test performed, date of test, and negative test result.

Do I need a 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.)

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 tickets for your guests in person at the Exploratorium—please visit the Front Desk.

Questions about your visit? Please email us at reservations@exploratorium.edu or call 415.528.4407.

Other questions? Please email us at development@exploratorium.edu.

Planning Your Visit: Corporate Member FAQ

How do I get my ticket to visit the Exploratorium?

Corporate Members tickets can be obtained from our Ticketing Desk on the day of your visit by showing your work badge. If you already have a ticket from your HR administrator, you can proceed directly to the ticket entry point.

Please note that Corporate Member tickets are a limited benefit, and may not include all members of your party. Please ask your HR person for more details or contact our office at reserve@exploratorium.edu or 415.528.4407.

Questions about your visit? Please email us at reservations@exploratorium.edu or call 415.528.4407.

Other questions? Please email us at development@exploratorium.edu.

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