extinction

Explore the science of extinction as NightLife digs deep into the species and environments that have disappeared over time.
Music by DJ Omar (Popscene SF)

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Smithsonian Screening & Panel Discussion (African Hall)
7:00 pm, Catch a special screening of the Smithsonian Channels’ Mass Extinction: Life on the Brink, followed by a panel discussion featuring: Director/Producer—Sarah Holt, Postdoctoral Scholar—Benjamin Black, USGS-VSC Mendenhall Post-doctoral Fellow—Seth Burgess, Professor of Integrative Biology—Anthony Barnosky, Professor of Biology—Elizabeth Hadly

8:30 pm, Learn all about The Great Passenger Pigeon Comback, part of Long Now Foundation’s efforts to study the genetic rescue of endangered and extinct species through the Revive and Restore Project, with Lead Researcher Ben Novak.

Extinct Specimens (Swamp)
6:00-10:00 pm, Get a rare glimpse at Monarch the grizzly bear—the original bear modeled on the California state flag—and hear about his storied past and modern-day contributions to conservation science with a talk by Kelly Jensen at 7:30 pm.

Meet Academy researcher Liz Carlen as she displays specimens of endangered species from the Academy’s collection of nearly 46 million scientific specimens.

Chat with Liz Ferrer, Lucy Chang, Caitlin Boas, and Traci Grzymala of UC Berkeley as they break down major extinction events throughout history and show off specimens from Cal’s Museum of Paleontology.

​Plus, learn how everyone—including YOU—can take small actions to ensure a more sustainable future for life on our planet with the National Wildlife Refuge.

Whales Exhibit (Level 2)
6:00-9:30 pm, Marvel at colossal whale skeletons in the Academy’s latest exhibit Whales: Giants of the Deep.

Warriors Game Viewing (Piazza)
6:00-10:00 pm, Grab a cocktail in the Piazza and cheer on the Golden State Warriors in NBA Playoffs, Game 2!

Food & Drink
A variety of food options are available at NightLife from 6-9:30pm, including The Academy Cafe, The Terrace located in the West Garden, and The Academy Cafe Food Cart located in the front lobby.

Enjoy a different fresh seasonal "craft on draft" cocktail at each NightLife bar area designed by our resident mixologist Shane McKnight!

Note: All bars accept cash and credit cards.

Exhibit Times
6:00-7:45 pm
, Osher Rainforest—explore a lush, four-story rainforest that's teeming with life.

Music

Planetarium Shows

6:30 pm

Take a tour of the Universe with a sprinkling of the hottest news stories from astronomy and the space sciences!

7:30 pm, 8:30 pm

Discover how life is connected in Habitat Earth, our latest original planetarium show.

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Upcoming events

May 2nd at 6:00 pm

Feel the beat of connection through the power of musical instruments.

May 9th at 6:00 pm

See what’s revealed once the sun goes down and explore the nocturnal side of the Academy.

May 16th at 6:00 pm

Carnaval is taking over! Join the party and celebrate Latin American, Caribbean & Afrodiasporic cultures.

May 23rd at 6:00 pm

Why is California so special? Find out at the grand opening of our newest exhibit, California: State of Nature.

May 30th at 6:00 pm

Sounds by DJ Mark Maiden

June 6th at 6:00 pm

We’re bringing the spice at our hottest event of the year. Hear from spicy savants, sample fiery foods, & more.