The Tech Interactive is now open!

What are The Tech Interactive's hours?
The Interactive is open Thursday through Sunday and holidays. Our regular hours are Thursday/Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Interactive is open to members only every Sunday at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Advance reservations are required and can be made online on our ticketing site: thetech.org/tickets. We will initially be open only on weekends and select holidays. Please check our website for details.

Do I need to reserve tickets in advance?
Yes! To ensure that we are in compliance with all public health and safety orders, we are asking everyone to purchase tickets in advance at thetech.org/tickets. This allows us to protect the health and safety of visitors, employees and volunteers and know exactly how many people are in The Interactive at any time. We will be accepting walk-up visits for the general public, but you may experience some wait time.

How do I redeem a voucher for free admission?
Please bring your voucher to the ticket counter when you arrive and we will process it into an available timed admission entry.

I have vouchers or free tickets that expired during your closure. Can I still use them once you reopen?
Yes! Expiration dates on all existing free tickets have been extended through December 2021. At this time, complimentary passes can only be redeemed by phone; you may make an advance reservation by phone at 1-408-294-8324. Please bring your email confirmation and your expired voucher to the ticket counter when you arrive.

Will the IMAX Dome Theater be open?
Yes! Please expect reduced capacity, to allow for a safe distance between viewers, and fewer show times to allow for cleaning between movies. Assigned seating will be done in order of arrival.

Is food service available?
Our cafe will offer a selection of grab-and-go items and beverages. Indoor and outdoor seating will be available in accordance with county public health guidelines. The IMAX concessions stand will be closed until further notice, and guests will not be allowed to bring food into the IMAX theater at this time.

What changes should I expect to see in The Tech Interactive?
We are excited to share a preview of our new Solve for Earth exhibition, which explores the connections between technology and living in harmony with the environment. We have also updated our Space Exploration gallery, so be sure to stop by!

For safety reasons, the following exhibits will be closed until further notice:

• Cyber Detectives Mission Rooms
• Cyber Forensics exhibit
• BioTinkering Lab

Do you have wheelchairs?
Yes. Wheelchairs may be checked out at the Information Desk. Please bring ID.

Do you have a coat check or lockers?
We do not have a coat check, but lockers are available for rental (50 cents per use).

Where is the Lost and Found?
Lost and Found is located at the Information Desk.

Are photography and video allowed in the galleries?
Yes, we do allow personal use of photography and video inside the galleries. For media or promotional shoots, please contact Marika Krause, public relations manager, at mkrause@thetech.org.

Accessibility
We are committed to making The Tech Interactive accessible to our entire community. If you have a question not covered here, please contact us by phone or email. 

Parking
There are limited parking spaces for vehicles with disabled parking permits on South Market Street, near the main entrance of The Tech Interactive. We provide validation for the parking garages at Second and San Carlos, the CityView parking garage on San Fernando, and at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center (150 W. San Carlos, enter on S. Market Street). Other garages and lots may be available (please check here for directions/hours), but validation is not offered. You can also avoid parking entirely by taking VTA Light Rail and exiting at the Convention Center station.

Restrooms
There are wheelchair-accessible restrooms on each level. A family restroom is located on the ground level. We also have a nursing station on the lower level. 

The IMAX Dome Theater
There are four spaces for wheelchairs with four adjacent companion/semi-ambulatory seats. We cannot guarantee that parties will be seated together. A staff member will escort visitors to these seats from the elevator. If you need assistance, please notify IMAX staff at least 20 minutes before show time. Printed scripts for select IMAX films are available. Please ask an usher.

Should I become or remain a member if you’re operating in a limited capacity?
If you were a member in March 2020 when were forced to close, your membership has been extended from May 29, 2021, for the length of the months you had remaining on your membership. We’re excited to welcome you back for a fun and safe science learning experience. If you are considering whether to become a member now, membership is the best value for unlimited general admission for a full year.

Members are an essential part of our community. Your support allows us to offer a variety of in-person and virtual programs to underserved students across the Bay Area. We rely on your support for our efforts — including the creation of digital activities and educational resources and providing safe learning programs for students during the pandemic.

What benefits do members receive?
For as long as our capacity is limited, a portion of our tickets are reserved every day for members to have priority access on the days you want to visit. Members also have exclusive access to The Tech Interactive during our members-only hours from 10 to 11 a.m. every Sunday. In addition, we hope you’ll take advantage of your exclusive virtual member benefits, including special member discounts and content.

Become a member

What steps are you taking to keep staff and visitors safe while in the building?

• We’ve increased ventilation and enhanced air filter supply exchange circulation.
• We’ve increased frequency of regular cleaning and disinfecting of shared surfaces, equipment and areas in the galleries, restrooms and meeting rooms.
• Water fountains will remain unavailable during this time. Guests may bring their own water bottles with tight-fitting, fully closing lids that should remain closed while interacting with exhibits. No other food or drinks are allowed in the galleries.
• To hinder transmission and cross-contamination during IMAX shows, we will use an electrostatic sanitizing atomizer and approved purification agents in the theater.

Will I need to wear a mask when I visit?
Yes. To protect the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff, masks are required for anyone over the age of 2. Visitors who do not arrive with face masks may pick one up in our lobby.

Since a large portion of our attendance is youth under 12 years old, who are not able to be vaccinated yet, we will be keeping our face covering policy for the foreseeable future. We continue to monitor the recommendations of public health guidelines, but the safety of our visitors and staff is our number one priority. 

Do I need to show proof of vaccination when visiting The Tech Interactive?
The short answer is no.

Although The Tech Interactive’s building is owned by the City of San Jose, the city’s new vaccination policy does not apply to regular, daily operations of museums like ours. In other words, if you’re here for a regular visit, you will not need to show proof of vaccination. You will, however, need to wear a mask!

Proof of vaccination is needed for special events of 50 or more people, including a small number of showings in our IMAX Dome Theater. If you will be required to show proof of vaccination, we will share that information with you when you register or buy a ticket. This policy does not apply to guests under 12.

For more information, please see our FAQ.

What else should I know before my visit?

You will find floor markings and signage encouraging social distancing. We ask for guests’ cooperation in maintaining a safe distance from others. Visitors who are dismissive of these efforts or who endanger the health and safety of others may be asked to leave.

Also, please take advantage of hand sanitizing stations placed throughout the building. All restrooms have touchless faucets, soap dispensers and towel dispensers. All of the air dryers in the bathrooms have been deactivated for your safety.

Please stay home if you’re not feeling well. If you need to reschedule your visit, please contact us at 1-408-294-8324 or groupreservations@thetech.org.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. By visiting The Tech Interactive you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. We appreciate your cooperation and support. 

Can I book a private or corporate event rental?
Yes. Guidelines will vary by event. Please submit your rental inquiry here, and one of our staff members will contact you with further information.

Can I make a reservation for a birthday party?
Yes, we are pleased to welcome back birthday guests and your family and friends! We are committed to following safe gathering protocols. For questions or to make a reservation, please contact groupreservations@thetech.org or call 1-408-294-8324, option 8. To ensure access at your preferred time, please make your reservation as soon as possible. All parties are subject to current state and county guidelines at the time of your booking. Any changes in guidelines prior to your reserved date will be accommodated in the planning of your event.

Will you be hosting field trips in the fall?
We expect to provide limited in-person field trips and labs in the fall, along with our popular new virtual field trip and lab options. We plan to expand our in-person field trip capacity beginning in early 2022.