From deep sea to deep space, your Academy ticket is your passport to science adventures. Explore our exhibits, public programs, events, and more.
New & Featured
Bugs
A large-scale model of a beautiful orchid mantis demonstrates her dazzling camouflage in the Display chamber.
See the world from a bug's perspective—and see larger-than-life bug models!—in a new exhibition opening May 27.
Hidden Wonders: Inside the Academy's Collections
"Kitty," our California saber-toothed cat (Smilodon californicus) fossil, was collected from the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles.
Peek into the past in an all-new exhibition of objects from the Academy's research collections. Opening May 27.
S'mores & Snores: An Adult Sleepover
Pack your sleeping bag and sense of adventure for an adults-only indoor “camping” experience at the Academy.
NightLife: Secret Garden
Dig into the mysterious side of the plant kingdom and uncover the secrets behind the world’s strangest flora.
Venom: Fangs, Stingers, and Spines
Encounter an eye-catching array of 12+ venomous animal species in the Academy's newest aquarium exhibit.
Iconic Exhibits
Steinhart Aquarium
Come face-to-fin with nearly 40,000 animals—from deep-sea oddities to Claude, our alligator with albinism.
Morrison Planetarium
Experience the cosmos from the Academy's all-digital, 75-foot planetarium dome. Reservations required.
Osher Rainforest
Journey through a living 4-story rainforest, home to free-flying butterflies and birds and giant Amazonian fish.
Kimball Natural History Museum
Explore hands-on exhibits, fascinating specimens, and the latest research conducted by Academy scientists.
Ongoing Exhibits
Giants of Land and Sea
Experience Northern California's epic natural wonders—including a 7.9-magnitude earthquake in the Shake House.
Gems and Minerals Unearthed
Marvel at nearly 400 dazzling and dramatic gem and mineral specimens from the Academy's geology collection.
Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed
Descend into the twilight zone, where sunlight is scarce and every dive yields surprising discoveries.
New Science: The Academy Exhibit
Celebrate LGBTQ+ women and gender minorities of color working in STEMM in a new exhibit and online gallery.
Color of Life
Live animals and hands-on exhibits reveal the significant role color plays across a vibrant spectrum of species.
The Swamp
Explore a Southeastern swamp habitat, home to snapping turtles and our beloved alligator with albinism, Claude.
Philippine Coral Reef
Watch reef fish dart through colorful forests of coral while giant rays sail gracefully under your feet.
Tusher African Hall
Explore our evolutionary history while surrounded by dioramas of African wildlife and splashing penguins.
Living Roof
Rolling hills and 1.7 million plants create an oasis for native species atop the Academy's 2.5-acre living roof.
Human Odyssey
Trace the milestones of our species’ fascinating history by studying skull casts, interactive maps, and more.
Water Planet
Discover how animals have evolved fascinating methods of living in and out of water.
California Coast
Get a glimpse of the richness right off our coast and gaze at rockfish, eels, a giant Pacific octopus, and more.
Hands-on Exhibits
Wander Woods
Awaken your senses in our new hands-on nature play and exploration space—now open in the East Garden!
Curiosity Grove
Young imaginations soar in this colorful, California forest-themed playspace. Open daily, 10 am-4 pm.
Naturalist Center
Welcome to the Academy's hub for exploration, with books, games, specimens, and more. Open daily; hours vary.
