Accessibility for Visitors with Disabilities

General Policy

Visitors with disabilities can visit the museum at a reduced rate. Discounts are provided for both individual admissions and groups. Groups are requested to make a reservation before their visit by calling 415-528-4444 Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

We recognize that everyone is different, and what works best for one may not be a good fit for another. We recommend calling our Reservations staff in advance of your visit. Whether you prefer a little or a lot of assistance, letting us know what you need will help us provide the best possible museum experience.

Getting Here

The Exploratorium is accessible by car or by public transportation. There is a white-curbed loading zone on the Embarcadero just south of the museum for dropping off and picking up visitors. There are nearby parking lots as well as some handicapped parking spaces on the streets surrounding Pier 15 (visitors must have a valid handicapped parking placard or license plate to park there). For information about bus accessibility within San Francisco, visit Muni, or call 415-701-2311. To learn about accessibility on trains going into or out of San Francisco, visit BART, or call 415-989-2278.

Membership

People with disabilities may purchase discounted Exploratorium memberships. To learn more, go to Membership, call 415-528-4321, or email membership@exploratorium.edu.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome inside the Exploratorium.

Accessibility and Amenities

  • All exhibition spaces, the Exploratorium stores, dining areas, and all public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. 
  • We offer a discounted ticket of $24.95 for guests with disabilities, and complimentary admission for accompanying ADA aides.
  • A limited number of wheelchairs are available for loan, free of charge, at the Information Desk. Visitors need to leave an I.D. as a deposit when borrowing a wheelchair.
  • We have tactile maps for blind and visually impaired visitors. You can pick one up at the Information Desk after you purchase your ticket.
  • First Aid and Lost & Found are located at the Information Desk.
  • Benches are located throughout the Exploratorium.
  • If you need assistance operating an exhibit or have any questions while visiting the museum, please ask any Explainer (a museum guide wearing a bright orange vest).

  • To request ASL interpreter services, please call our Reservations office at 415-528-4407 to book a date and time. We can guarantee an interpreter with at least one week’s notice, the lead time required by the company we use. We may be able to accommodate a request with less notice, and we will assist you as best we can.

    If you need an ASL interpreter, we need the following:
    • Your first and last name. 
    • The date and time of your visit. 
    • The specific event, lecture, presentation, etc., that requires interpreter service.

Tactile Dome

The Tactile Dome provides a unique perceptual experience as you travel through a series of various textures in total darkness. A portion of the Tactile Dome is wheelchair accessible. Traversing the entire exhibit requires the ability to crawl, climb, and slide. Visitors with adequate upper-body strength to perform those moves are welcome to enjoy the full experience. Sign language interpreters or other necessary attendants are admitted free of charge, but advance notice must be given if they accompany a party.

The Kanbar Forum

A wheelchair lift and assistive listening systems are both available in the Kanbar Forum.