The Tech Museum FAQ's
Do you have an ATM?An ATM is located on the Ground Level in the main lobby, next to the Admissions desk.
Where are the elevators?
A public elevator is located just past the Ground Level entrance to Museum Galleries, near the escalators.
Where is First Aid?
First Aid is located on the Ground Level at the Security Office, just past Café Primavera.
How can I get information on other San Jose attractions?
The Information Desk is located just inside the main entrance on Market Street, where you may find:
- Museum membership information
- General museum information
- Museum maps
- A courtesy phone to call a taxi
- Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus and light rail maps
- San Jose tourist information
Do you have a coat check or lockers?
We do not have a coat check service; however a small number of lockers are available for rental near the elevator on the Ground Level and on the Lower Level. Price is 50c.
Where is the Lost and Found?
Lost and found is located at the Information Desk.
Where do we park?
Discounted parking with Tech validation is available at the Second and San Carlos Street Garage and at the Convention Center garage. Detailed parking information is available at http://www.thetech.org/plan_visit/directions/ and complete downtown parking information is located on the City of San Jose's website at http://www.sjdowntownparking.com/.
Is there public transportation nearby?
The Tech Museum is conveniently located near the VTA Light Rail line. The nearest exits are Convention Center Station and the Paseo de San Antonio station. Several bus lines also operate near The Tech Museum. For more information, visit www.vta.org
Where is the restroom?
Rest rooms are located:
- On the Ground Level in the hallway between the lobby and Park Avenue, and also inside the IMAX lobby.
- On the Upper Level by the Life Tech Gallery
- On the Lower Level past the Spirit Of American Innovation theatre.
Wheelchairs are available upon request at the Information Desk on the Ground Level, free with an ID as a deposit.
Where are the drinking fountains?
Drinking fountains are located on all levels near the restroom locations.
Can large groups get discounts?
Admission discounts are provided for groups of 10 or more. Please call 408.294.8324 for more information.
Where can I get a Tech Tag?
Tech Tags are part of all Tech entrance tickets. Tech tags are available for Field Trips and Tech Members by asking a Tech staff member. Tech tags can be used wherever you see the Tech Museum Tag symbol in the museum.
What are your hours?
The museum opens daily at 10:00 a.m; closing times vary.
The museum is closed on Christmas Day.
When is the café open?
The Café is generally open museum hours and the grill closes at 4pm.
What's playing in The Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater?
IMAX show times are posted at the entrance to the theatre and on the monitors above the Admissions desk. Our show schedule is subject to change weekly so check our website for the latest information.
Can I buy tickets for the museum or IMAX in advance?
Tickets can be reserved online or by calling (408) 294-8324. When buying online, you can use the print at home feature. If you are having difficulties printing at home, bring your order number to the info desk in the main lobby and we can print your tickets out. Please note that most online and phone orders involve service fees. Members and group online orders have their service fees waived.
Do you host birthday parties?
Birthday party packages are available for members only and can be reserved by calling the membership birthday party hotline @ (408)795.6107 Monday through Friday from 10a.m. to 5 p.m.
How long is a membership good for?
Membership is good for one year from the date of purchase.
Do you have a paging system?
Unfortunately we do not have a public paging system for Guests. If a guest needs assistance locating someone, our Guest Services and Gallery staff can assist them.
Where can we sit and have lunch?
Café Primavera has a dining area for paying customers. Cafe Primavera is located next to the store on the lobby level.
What are all the names on the glass signs in the lobby?
The names are those of individual and corporate donors and sponsors who have made building The Tech Museum and its' many exhibits possible over the years.
Where can we sit and have lunch?
Café Primavera has a dining area located next to the Tech Store.
Is The Tech Museum membership good at other museums?
The Tech Museum is a member of the ASTC (Association of Science - Technology Centers) Passport Program. ASTC members receive reciprocal free or discounted admission at selected Science and Technology museums around the world. See the ASTC list at the membership desk for details.
How can I find out about upcoming events at the museum?
Check our website for the latest updates and information or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Is Photography allowed in the museum?
Yes, we do allow photography inside the museum, but inside some special exhibits, absolutely no photography of any kind is allowed.
