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  • The Academy is temporarily closed to the public. Learn more about our response to COVID-19.
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About Us

The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to explore, explain, and sustain life.
Beautiful sea nettle jellyfish exhibit glows orange as two boys stare in wonder
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Life-changing moments. World-changing science. We’re an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park—and a powerful voice for biodiversity research and exploration, environmental education, and sustainability across the globe.
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Diverse guests in the Amazon Flooded Forest tunnel point at fish overhead

Major Initiatives

Our initiatives mobilize us toward our mission. See how we’re saving coral reefs, expanding access to our museum, educating kids in every country, and making sustainability attainable.

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Academy veterinarian Freeland Dunker examines an African penguin chick with a stethoscope

Sustainability in Action

The greenest museum on Earth is also where planet-saving ideas grow. Learn how our building conserves energy and our Association of Zoos & Aquariums-accredited Steinhart Aquarium sustains species.

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Volunteer scuba diver swims in the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit among colorful fish

Leadership

Get to know our cross-functional senior leadership team, Board of Trustees, and 450 Academy Fellows distinguished in a variety of scientific disciplines.

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Girl touching kelp in the Academy's discovery tidepool touch tank

Impact

From field research to field trips, the Academy believes in the power of science to transform individuals, communities, and ecosystems. See the data and read the stories.

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March for Science banner says "Science is for Everyone" held by Academy staff

Vision & Values

Sound science should be informed by sound principles. See how our core values and code of ethics are intrinsic elements of our work.

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Colorful cut and raw gems and minerals on exhibit at the Academy

Financials

We make the most of every donor dollar. Browse the Academy's tax returns, audited financial statements, 990s, and annual reports.

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Aerial view of large crowd at Academy entrance on opening day in 2008

Our History

Since 1853, we've stood strong as California's voice for science. Take a trip through 160+ years of Academy milestones—and two major earthquakes.

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Aerial photo of the California Academy of Sciences and the Music Concourse

Black Lives Matter

Now and tomorrow, the Academy stands in solidarity with those calling for an end to racism. Read Executive Director Scott Sampson's statement of support for Black Lives Matter. 

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Colorful mosaic of new species discovered by Academy scientists in 2020

New discoveries in 2020!

Academy scientists added 213 new species to the tree of life this year. Meet some of the standouts, from dazzling nudibranchs to a "slingshot predator" preserved in amber.

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The Academy is temporarily closed.
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California Academy of Sciences
info@calacademy.org
Golden Gate Park
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
United States
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The California Academy of Sciences is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution. Our mission is to explore, explain, and sustain life.

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California Academy of Sciences

Year-End Resilience Drive

All Gifts Matched 5x!

This year’s closures are having a devastating effect on the Academy. But until Dec. 31, all gifts will be matched 5x, up to $200,000, to support our scientific research, education programs, and care and conservation of our animals.

Please help the Academy with a tax-deductible gift today.

Match my gift

California Academy of Sciences

Year-End Resilience Drive

All Gifts Matched!

This year’s closures are having a devastating effect on the Academy. But until Dec. 31, all gifts will be matched, up to $100,000, to support our scientific research, education programs, and care and conservation of our animals.

Please help the Academy with a tax-deductible gift today.

Match my gift

California Academy of Sciences
Giving Tuesday

Our doors are closed...

...but our penguins are still counting on you. Make a matched Giving Tuesday gift to support the care and conservation of the Academy’s animal residents.

All gifts up to $50,000 will be doubled to make twice the impact for our penguin colony — but only until midnight on December 1.

Match My Gift

Learn more about our closure.

Welcome back!

The Academy is open to the public. All guests must reserve tickets in advance.

Please do your part to keep our community safe. Failure to follow any health and safety rules, posted signage, or staff instructions may result in your removal from the museum:

  • Masks must be worn properly by all guests ages 3+ at all times.
  • 6' of physical distancing is required.
  • Some exhibits, including the planetarium, remain temporarily closed.
  • Reservations are required for the rainforest and Shake House.

Click the link below to view complete safety information and reserve timed-entry tickets. We hope to see you soon!

Ready, Set, Science!

The Academy is temporarily closed.

The health and safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. As of November 29, the Academy is closed to the public until further notice in accordance with local and state public health guidelines. We hope to welcome you back soon.

Learn more