Explore Store: Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Explore Store FAQ page. The Explore Store is owned and operated by the Science Museum of Minnesota. Every purchase supports museum operations. Whether you’re shopping online, picking up in person at the Science Museum of Minnesota, or interested in becoming a maker partner, you’ll find all the key information you need below.
Visiting the Store
Where is the Explore Store located?
The museum store is located in the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota at
Explore Store / Science Museum of Minnesota
120 West Kellogg Boulevard,
Saint Paul, MN 55102
What are the store hours?
Explore Store hours are:
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
You can shop online 24/7.
Is In-store pickup available?
Yes, orders can be placed online, and in-store pickup is available. You will receive an email when your items are ready for pickup. Please ask for your items at the Explore Store counter.
How much does parking cost if I'm just picking up an order?
Parking is free for the first 15 minutes when you drop by to pick up an order or need to quickly snag a STEM-style item from the Explore Store! If you need a little more time, our team at the Explore Store counter can provide a parking voucher.
Online Orders & Shipping
Shipping
Orders are packaged and shipped weekly, with most orders being processed within 3-5 business days of placement. Shipments may take 7-10 business days to arrive after the order has been processed. All shipped orders include a tracking number, which will be emailed to you once the package is on its way. Holiday periods or higher traffic may affect these dates.
International shipping is available.
Shipping costs are determined by our carriers and may increase during busy periods. Prices are not set by the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Additional duty tax, VAT taxes, and other fees may apply that are not calculated in your purchase total. Customers are responsible for paying for any additional fees associated with their purchase in order to receive their purchase. Failure to do so may result in the return of the package to our store. A second deployment of a package due to unpaid fees will be the responsibility of the customer.
Where is my package?
A frequent issue we see during high traffic times is that packages are marked as arrived but are still en route to delivery. Please wait 1-2 days to see if your package arrives. If it is indeed missing, please reach out to store@smm.org and we can assist.
What carrier do you use?
Most packages are shipped USPS Priority. We do not offer expedited or overnight shipping.
Gift Certificates & Membership
Can I use a museum gift certificate to make a purchase?
Gift certificates can be used in person, online, and over the phone for exhibit and Omnitheater admission, memberships, and summer camps, as well as in person in the Explore Store.
Gift certificates cannot be used for parking, online Explore Store purchases, or at the museum cafe.
Have questions about past or present gift cards or Gift Memberships to the museum? Call our Contact Center at (651) 221-9444.
Do Members get a discount?
Yes! Check your member emails for any promotional codes or sales. And don’t forget, members receive a 10% discount on Explore Store purchases year-round.
If you have misplaced the member promotional code, email store@smm.org and we will be happy to provide you with the discount code to apply to your purchase.
Please note that items in our online exclusive collection are special brand partnerships and are not eligible for member discounts.
Returns & Exchanges
What is the return policy for web and in-store purchases?
Most web and in-store purchases, returns, and exchanges will be handled by the Science Museum’s Explore Store. A receipt or order confirmation email is required for a full refund. Returns without a proof of purchase will receive a store credit in the amount of the item's sale price.
Please clearly indicate if you are seeking a return or exchange so we can swiftly process your order. If you are exchanging, clearly indicate the desired replacement item you are seeking on the packing slip. If sent without clear exchange information, your order will be processed as a full return and refund for the item.
Gift certificates and sale items are final sale.
Please note that items in our online exclusive collection are special brand partnerships and are not eligible for in-store return at the Explore Store. Returns and exchanges are handled digitally. Online exclusive items must be returned by mail following the instructions provided with your order confirmation.
How do I mail back an item?
Returns and exchanges are accepted via mail. All merchandise returns must be sent postpaid to the Explore Store at the address below:
A packing list or a copy of your receipt must be enclosed with the order number.
What do I do if my item arrived damaged or incorrect?
If your order arrives damaged, please send a photo of the item to store@smm.org. We will either issue a refund, or ship out a replacement.
If your order arrives with a fulfillment error, please email us at store@smm.org and describe the issue, and we will work to correct the mistake.
Are there items that are final sale?
Sale items are non-returnable.
Please note that items in our online exclusive collection are special brand partnerships and may be subject to return and exchange policies set by other retailers.
Maker and Wholesale Inquiries
How do I submit product information to your buyer?
We welcome products from independent makers, especially those identifying as BIPOC or LGBTQ+, working in STEM-themed product design, to support our mission of equity and discovery. We prioritize products that support science learning, natural history, sustainability, and unique perspectives aligned with our museum’s mission.
Please email store@smm.org, including pricing, quantities, and any other details about the item. Unfortunately, we cannot respond to every inquiry, but we will contact you if your product aligns with our store's buying strategy.
Do you sell merchandise wholesale?
Yes, please head to our wholesale page to view catalogs, policies, or connect via Faire or Shopify Collective. You can also email: wholesale@smm.org
Contact Us
Who do I contact?
Please email store@smm.org or call 651-221-9414 with any questions.