Please note: The planetarium will be closed for maintenance Sep. 16-18.
Kimball Natural History Museum
Drawing on the Academy's 160-plus years of scientific research, Kimball Natural History Museum explores some of the most significant discoveries and issues of our time.
Learn about the fascinating role of color in the natural world, compare fossils of our early human relatives, and marvel at captivating and important specimens from the Academy's scientific collections—all while strolling beneath the bones of some of the planet's largest inhabitants.
The Kimball Natural History Museum is an embodiment of the Academy's mission to explore, explain, and sustain life. While featuring immersive exhibits that illustrate the patterns and processes of evolution, it also explores ways we can help to protect that diversity.
Tusher African Hall
Explore majestic dioramas of African landscapes, trace the milestones of our own species' fascinating history, and meet our colony of African penguins.
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Color of Life
This interactive family favorite illustrates color’s powerful influence on animal behavior in a variety of habitats—from ocean floors to coral reefs to forest canopies.
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Giants of Land and Sea
Explore Northern California's giant natural phenomena, like ancient redwoods, marine mammals, earthquakes, and fog, in this immersive new exhibit.
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Gems and Minerals Unearthed
Marvel at nearly 400 dazzling and dramatic specimens from the Academy's renowned geology collection.
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The Project Lab
Watch Academy scientists at work in this active research laboratory, where specimen imaging, DNA extractions, and bird and mammal prep occurs daily.
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Foucault Pendulum
A returning favorite from the original Academy, the Foucault pendulum—a 235-pound brass ball attached to a 30-foot-long steel aircraft cable—provides simple and elegant proof of the Earth's rotation.
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Other Highlights
From our 87-foot-long blue whale skeleton to the towering T. rex that greets you at the door, the Kimball Natural History Museum is packed with yet more fascinating invitations to explore the spectacular diversity of life on Earth.
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Special Offer 9/1-10/31/19
Autumn awesomeness!
Join or renew by October 31, 2019, and receive free Daytime Admission tickets to share with friends and family. Use promo code AUTUMN. See offer details below.*
Visit the Naturalist Center
Visit the Naturalist Center
Located on Level 3, the Naturalist Center is the Academy's home of interactive learning. Touch specimens, ask questions, or join one of our daily programs, all free with admission.
Visitor Map
Interactive Visitor Map
Special Offer 9/1-10/31/19 details
*Limited-time offer details: Join or renew by October 31, 2019, and receive up to 3 complimentary Daytime Admission tickets to the California Academy of Sciences. Offer available for Individual, Individual Plus, Teacher, Community Value, and Senior levels (1 ticket), Family and Family Plus levels (2 tickets), and Associate level (3 tickets). Not valid on Explorer or higher levels. Complimentary tickets are valid for 1 year from date of purchase of new or renewing membership and have no cash value. Pick up tickets at the Service Desk. Offer is not retroactive and may not be combined with other offers.