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.
Important to Note Before Your Visit
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 and advance tickets are strongly recommended.
- Tickets 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 by phone for all sessions* by calling 415.528-4444 (option 5).
- Tickets can be purchased on-site at the Information Desk during open hours.
- 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.
*This excludes our 7:45, 8:30, and 9:15 p.m. After Dark sessions.
Buy Tickets Online
Some sessions are now available online. General admission tickets are required for all but our Friday and Saturday evening sessions.
Buy Tickets by Phone
More sessions are available, just call us. See the full list of Tactile Dome Hours.
Call to Reserve: (415) 528-4444
Cost & Hours
Weekdays during the school year
30 Minute Sessions: $8
10:30 a.m.
11:15 a.m.
Noon
12:45 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
Weekend, Holiday, Winter and Summer Break
1 Hour Sessions: $15
Members pay $12
10:15 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
12:45 p.m.
Thursday Evening After Dark (Ages 18+)
30 Minutes Sessions: $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
Members pay $12
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.