The ocean floor, the rainforest canopy, the farthest reaches of the Universe, and everything in between are yours to explore inside the new Academy. Choose the membership plan that's right for you, and explore as often as you like.

Jump into Something Special

The launch of the new Academy is not just an historic moment in the history of the Bay Area, it's a unique opportunity for individuals to connect and reconnect with the institution. Join the Academy community by becoming a member today. There's a long list of benefits, including free admission year-round, special membership hours, and more. You'll also be kept up to date on Academy news and activities with our dedicated Member publication, Live. Join Now »

What Your Membership Supports

Interactive exhibits, educational outreach, and groundbreaking research will make the new Academy a leader among natural science museums. Your academy membership will show your support for the Academy's long tradition of scientific discovery, as well as its crucial task to inspire the next generation of children to cherish and protect our planet. Join Now »

The Academy Guild

A scavenger hunt in Steinhart Aquarium? How about a backstage museum tour with an evolutionary biologist? Guild members can enjoy a year-round schedule of family-focused parties, behind-the-scenes tours, hikes, exhibit openings, and other special events for families with children. Plus, Guild members enjoy academy family member benefits.

Friends of the Academy

Take a step closer, and consider joining Friends of the Academy, our highest level of donors, who support the Academy's exciting new era of scientific discovery and education. Our Academy Friends enjoy exclusive donor benefits, and memorable behind-the-scene experiences.

All membership packages include these benefits:

• Free unlimited daily admission
• Personalized member card
• Members only entrance (not applicable on the monthly third Wednesday free days)
• Members-only hours
• Subscription to the Academy member publication
• Free admission to Pritzker Members' Lectures
• Discounts on additional lectures and special programming, including NightLife
• 10% discount at the Academy Store
• Access to the international members' travel program

Please pick the membership plan that works best for you:

Children 6 years old and under receive free general admission.

Individual $99
(Fully tax-deductible)
Includes admission for one cardholder and one guest each time you visit, plus all membership benefits.

Family $159
(Fully tax-deductible)
Includes admission for two cardholders and all your own children or grandchildren 18 years of age and under each time you visit, plus all membership benefits.

Family Plus $250
(Fully tax-deductible)
Includes all Family membership benefits, plus admission for two guests. Guests must accompany members at time of visit.

Associate $500
(All but $20 is tax-deductible)
Includes all Family Plus membership benefits, plus an invitation to the annual Curators' event and recognition in the Academy member publication.

Academy Guild $750
(All but $100 is tax deductible)
A special family-focused membership group. Enjoy three events each year, including the Family Spring Picnic and nature hikes.
Learn More »

NOTE: Memberships are valid for one year from date of purchase. Memberships are not transferable or refundable. Please note children 6 years old and under receive free general admission.

Interested in higher levels of giving?

Friends of the Academy enjoy benefits that bring them up close and take them behind the scenes at the Academy. Learn more about becoming a Friend or contact:

Join Now

Offline Application [PDF, 160KB]
Fax completed form to:
(415) 379-5730

Or mail application to:
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr.
GGP
SF, CA 94118

Questions?
(800)794-7576
membership@calacademy.org

What Members Say

“Our favorite exhibit is the sharks! But we haven't seen the puffer fish in awhile. Can we send him an e-mail to find out how he's doing?”

Members-only Hours

Tuesdays: 8:30 am - 9:30 am

Sundays: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Members may only bring the number of guests allowed by their membership level. No additional guests tickets are sold during Members-only hours.

Member Benefits

• Free unlimited daily admission
• Personalized member card
• Members only entrance (not applicable on the monthly third Wednesday free days)
• Members-only hours
• Free admission to Pritzker Members' Lectures
• Discounts on additional lectures and special programming, including NightLife
• 10% discount at the Academy Store
• Access to the international members' travel program »
• Subscription to the Academy member publication

  Download Spring member publication » [PDF, 2.9MB]

Frequently Asked

Question: Can I apply ticket purchases toward a conversion to a Membership plan?

Answer: Guests may apply ticket purchases toward a conversion to a Membership plan only on their day of visit and by 4:30 pm PST. The value of up to two adult tickets purchased may be applied to any individual Membership product. The value of two adult tickets purchased, plus the value of all childrens tickets purchased, may be applied to any family Membership product.

Question: Is the members only line always available?

Answer: The Members-only line is available every day except for Wachovia Wednesdays (free days that occur on the third Wednesday of every month).

Question: Do I need to present my membership card for my free admission?

Answer: Members must present a membership card or proof of their online membership purchase at the members' entrance. If you have joined by mail or by phone and not yet received your member card and plan to visit, please call to verify that your membership has been processed. All members must present a photo ID each time they visit.