Visit the Tactile Dome

Journey through total darkness in this twisting, turning, tactile sculpture. Walk, crawl, climb, and slide your way through a wonderland of textures using only your sense of touch as a guide.

Please note: Due to the nature of this experience, certain restrictions apply. Children must be at least seven years old to participate. Guests who are afraid of the dark; claustrophobic; have back, neck, or knee injuries; or are in their third trimester of pregnancy should not participate. Guests wearing casts are prohibited. Also, please wear comfortable clothes.

Purchasing Tickets

Reservations are required. Advance tickets are strongly recommended and can be purchased online for our daily 2:15, 3:30, and 4:45 p.m. sessions and our Thursday evening After Dark sessions at 6:15 and 7:00 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased for all sessions, except for our 7:45, 8:30, and 9:15 p.m. After Dark sessions, by calling 415.528-4444 (option 5). And tickets can be purchased on-site at the Information Desk during hours when the museum is open. Groups of 11 or more people qualify for a private session, which requires advance purchase. You must call the Reservations office for group tickets.

Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable to another person, date, or time. 

Cost

In addition to the cost of museum admission, Tactile Dome visits are $8–$15 depending on the session time and length.

Hours

Weekday
30 Minute Sessions (during the school year)
$8

10:30 a.m.
11:15 a.m.
Noon
12:45 p.m.
1:30 p.m.

Weekday
1 Hour Sessions
$15/$12 Members

2:15 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
4:45 p.m.

Weekend, Holiday, Winter and Summer Break
1 Hour Sessions
$15/$12 Members

10:15 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
12:45 p.m.

Thursday Evening After Dark
30 Minutes Sessions (Ages 18+)
$10

6:15 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:45 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
9:15 p.m.

Friday and Saturday Evening
1 Hour Sessions
$15/$12 Members

6:15 p.m.
7:30 p.m.

Accessibility

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.