Kimball Natural History Museum

A striking visual timeline of the evolution of life on Earth fills one massive wall in the Kimball Natural History Museum.
Drawing on the Academy's 150-plus years of research and specimen collection, Kimball Natural History Museum explores some of the most significant discoveries and issues of our time.

Learn what earthquakes tell us about the movement of tectonic plates, compare fossils of our early human relatives, and see adaptations that make life possible even in the harshest environments—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.

A dramatic black-and-white photo of a pair of greater kudu, posed in one of African Hall's dioramas.

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. 

See Africa differently
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Guests exploring Color of Life exhibit

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.

Explore the Exhibit
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A researcher peers into the microscope-like setup of one of the Project Lab's imaging stations.

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.

Go behind the glass
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A visitor watches a science video at the Science in Action station.

Science Today

This interactive exhibit (which also hosts live talks by Academy scientists) includes computer stations, multimedia displays, and science broadcasts that reveal recent scientific discoveries from around the world.

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Closeup of large, golden ball of the Focault Pendulum.

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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The toothy, open mouth of a T. rex skeleton greets visitors at the Academy entrance.

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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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. 

Become a naturalist

Science News

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A Birthday Present for Darwin

A new study of the genetics of the beaks of Darwin's finches is the perfect gift!

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Butterfly collections at the California Academy of Sciences
21st Century Collections

Specimens collected hundreds of years ago benefit from today's technology to aide conservation efforts.

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What's in a Name?

How do animals get their scientific names? Find out as our scientists add 221 new species to the tree of life.