Exploratorium

The Exploratorium requires the use of approved caterers for all events. No outside caterers may be used. Our list of approved caterers offers a variety of menus and price ranges, as well as excellent food and exceptional service. Each caterer listed is familiar with our venue, policies, and procedures, and will carry our required insurance, health permits, and liquor liability insurance.

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There is a 180-spot parking lot across the street. You can purchase your spot in advance from SP+; more information can be found here. Metered street parking is also available. Please note that Embarcadero street cleaning begins at midnight. We do also have a loading zone for shuttles. The white loading zone in front of Pier 17 can hold four 55-passenger shuttle buses. We also have a list of preferred valet companies.

Generally, our spaces are not available for early load-in the day prior because the museum is open to the public daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, the Fisher Bay Observatory and the Kanbar Forum may be available on select Mondays. Standard rental fees apply. Gallery spaces are available to rent during closed hours after 5:00 p.m. the day before your event Standard rental fees apply. All load-out and cleanup need to be complete within your contract time.

Our standard daytime contract includes either half-day (5 hours between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.) or full-day (from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Our standard evening contract is from 5:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. All timelines include load-in, event time, and load-out.

The event rental area and event prep areas should be bussed for stray plates, glasses, etc. All debris and garbage should be bagged and removed from the premises. Caterers are to have cleaning materials and must supply extra trash and recycling containers. Any food or liquids on the floor must be swept or mopped up. All trash, recycling, compost must be removed from the premises on the night of the event. Cleanup is subject to the approval of the Event Coordinator.

The Exploratorium is one of the first and largest zero net energy museums in the world. Our museum is LEED Platinum Certified. The roof of Pier 15 has 5,874 solar panels; this is the second-largest array of solar panels on any building in San Francisco. They generate 1.3 megawatts of electricity. Any surplus from the warmer months goes to the grid and is used in the cooler months, allowing for zero net energy. The museum uses the cool temperatures of Bay water to regulate the temperature of the building. The Bay stays at 50-65 degrees year round and water is run through The Bay Water Room to collect and distribute throughout the museum. The control room sends water through the 27 miles of tubing under the concrete floors to manage temperatures. No boiler or cooling towers are needed, this saves two million gallons of potable water a year. The museum collects rainwater and fills two large cisterns that can hold up to 25,000 gallons of water, which is used for all toilets in the museum.

We offer a 15% discount on the base rental fee for all 501(c)(3) nonprofits.