Exhibits and shows for explorers of all ages

Illustration of nebula with wordmark for Spark planetarium film
NOW PLAYING

Spark: The Universe in Us

Everything we are was written in the stars. Trace the celestial origins of the building blocks of life in the Academy's newest original planetarium film.
Raccoon specimen amidst an illustration of lush greenery with caterpillars and butterflies
OPEN DAILY

California: State of Nature

You are here. So is nature. In a colorful, captivating new exhibition, discover how California’s iconic ecosystems are connected to each other—and to you.
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Events and activities to kick-start your curiosity

3 African penguins on exhibit at California Academy of Sciences pose majestically for the camera
MULTIPLE TIMES DAILY

Animal programs

Are you a penguin person? Alligator admirer? Coral reef connoisseur? Plan your visit around animal feedings and demonstrations, scheduled throughout the day.
DJ and guests in Philippine Coral Reef during NightLife event at the Academy
THURSDAYS | 6-10 PM | 21+

NightLife

Wonder what our animals get up to once the sun goes down? Find out at the Academy's weekly event that illuminates the unusual intersection of art and science.
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World-changing science starts here

Coyote specimen from California: State of Nature exhibition against black background. Photo credit: Gayle Laird
PHENOMENA

Life after death

The coyote specimen on exhibit in California: State of Nature met an untimely end, but offers a valuable lesson on coexistence with these misunderstood predators.
Boy excitedly points up at fish in Amazon Flooded Forest Tunnel at California Academy of Sciences Steinhart Aquarium
MEMBERSHIPS START AT $99

Join, renew, or donate

Keep up with your favorite creatures by visiting for free all year long—and support our research, education, and access initiatives while you're at it.
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Blue
  • Spend Memorial Day at the museum—we'll be open 9:30 am-5 pm!