Exhibits and shows for explorers of all ages

BigPicture Aquatic Life winner is Tadpole Migration by Shane Gross, an underwater photo of a school of Western toad tadpoles swimming in a sunlit pond.
OPEN DAILY

BigPicture

Our annual exhibition of the year's best nature photography transports you to where life is lush, unusual is beautiful, and animals inspire us to be more human.
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.
Spooky illustration of red-eyed alligator hovering over Cal Academy for Fright NightLife event
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 | 6-10 P.M. | 21+

Fright NightLife

Come out and slay at our Halloween ex-drag-aganza, featuring performances by Oaklash, sounds by Anthony Dragons, and a boo-tique by OK Marketplace.
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World-changing science starts here

Two cute baby reindeer with antlers look at the camera from an outdoor enclosure
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 | 6:30–9 P.M.

Welcome Winter Night

Dash into the Academy for an enchanting evening of festive fun, including face painting, cookie decorating, and naming our two visiting baby reindeer!
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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Nov. 5 election
The Academy says YES to Prop 4!
Proposition 4 will provide funding to protect California's forests, wildlife, and communities against the worst impacts of climate change. See why Academy scientists are saying #YesonProp4. Paid for by California Academy of Sciences