Plan Your Visit

Member Pricing

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Best. Gift. Ever. A gift certificate to The Tech unlocks a day full of creativity, making and fun for someone you care about. Learn more.

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 (280 S. 2nd St.) and at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center (150 W. San Carlos, enter on S. Market Street). Parking validation tickets from accepted parking structures will need to be validated at admissions. Price will be lowered to $5. Other garages and lots may be available,  but validation is not offered.

You can also avoid parking entirely by taking VTA Light Rail and exiting at the Convention Center station. Check here for more information on parking and public transport options.

The Tech Cafe
Take a breather at The Tech Cafe, presented by Tony Caters. In addition to menu items, The Tech Cafe also features a Grab & Go case stocked with sandwiches, salads, cold drinks, desserts and savory snacks for lunch or bites on the go. Members get a 10% discount. The cafe opens at 10 a.m. Closing times vary.
View menu 

The Tech Store
Books, games, T-shirts, toys, science kits and collectibles fill the displays at the most unique gift shop in downtown San Jose. Members get a 10% discount.

IMAX Theater Concessions
What’s a movie experience without an ice-cold drink, fresh popcorn and your favorite candy? Connect to the Coca-Cola Freestyle app on your phone and dispense your own drink mix, or choose from special promotional flavors. Members get a 10% discount. 

Click here to view a map of The Tech Interactive. 

Do I need to reserve tickets in advance?
We recommend buying tickets in advance, especially for our IMAX films as seatings in our theater are currently limited. Advance reservations can be made online on our ticketing site: thetech.org/tickets. 

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 admission entry.

Will the IMAX Dome Theater be open?
Yes! We recommend that all visitors arrive early to their films in order to secure their preferred seats.

Is food service available?
Our cafe is open. Indoor and outdoor seating will be available in accordance with county public health guidelines. The IMAX concessions stand is also open, and guests are allowed to eat in the theater.

What changes should I expect to see in The Tech Interactive?
We are excited for the opening of the 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

Are emotional support animals allowed in?
Unfortunately, no. Only service animals. 

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. 

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.

Gift Certificates
Gift certificates to The Tech Interactive are available for purchase here. They can be used for general admission and IMAX films, to purchase a membership or to purchase a virtual lab for a class.

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 are available, or 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.

What is the masking policy for guests?
The Tech Interactive strongly recommends that all visitors wear a mask, but it is not required for entry.

Will you be maintaining a mask policy for school groups?
We will be following the guidelines from the State of California’s health officials and strongly recommend but not require that school groups wear masks.

Do I need to show proof of vaccination when visiting The Tech Interactive?
No. The vaccine mandate has been lifted by the City of San Jose.

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.

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. 

How are membership extensions being handled?
If you were a member in March 2020 when were forced to close, your membership was extended from our reopening in May 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. 

Why become a member?
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 also an essential part of our community. Your support allows us to offer a variety of programs to underserved students across the Bay Area. We rely on your support for our efforts — including the creation of activities and educational resources and providing learning programs for students.

What benefits do members receive?
In addition to unlimited free general admission for a year, members have exclusive access to The Tech Interactive during our members-only hours from 10 to 11 a.m. every Sunday. Plus, we hope you’ll take advantage of your other member benefits, including special members-only events, discounts and content.

Become a member

Membership
Become a member and visit an unlimited number of times throughout the year. Membership pays for itself in just two visits. Click here to join today!

The following discounts must be redeemed in person and are not available online:

Museums on Us 
Bank of America members with a valid ATM credit or check card and photo ID can get one free general admission ticket (galleries only) on the first full weekend of every month.

Military discount
Active-duty U.S. military personnel and veterans can receive one free combo ticket (galleries plus educational IMAX film). Military family members can receive $5 off each adult combo ticket and $3 off combo tickets for children, students and seniors. Military or veteran ID required.

Last-hour discount
Arrive during the final hour before closing and receive a discounted rate on a general admission ticket.

Museums for All
Admission fees support the mission of The Tech and its educational programs and activities. But these fees should not prevent someone from enjoying our galleries. If you cannot afford the full admission fee, we offer reduced admission as part of the Museums for All program. Please see a staff member at the ticket counter.

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?
Yes! We will also be providing field trips and science labs during the summer for the first time. For more information on field trips go here.