Large Group Tours

Want to see another side of the Academy that you’ve never seen before? Grab your group and join us for tours that delve into the history and research of the Academy, all off the museum floor.

Academy VIP Tour

Explore the lesser seen regions of the Academy! Spend 45-minutes behind the scenes learning more about the institution’s 169-year history and what it takes to house nearly 46 million specimens. Visit the research collections, unavailable to the public, and develop an appreciation for our vast library of life. From stepping out onto our living roof to examining breathtaking geology specimens in our private vault, the Academy tour is sure to show you more of the museum than you ever knew existed.

What's Included in a VIP Tour:

• 45-minute guided behind-the-scenes tour
• VIP entrance to the Osher Rainforest and Shakehouse earthquake simulator
• Reserved tickets to the planetarium
• 10% discount for all shopping and dining at the Academy

Criteria

• All tour guests must also purchase Daytime Admission tickets
• Large Group Tours must be booked 14 days in advance of tour date.
• These tours are designed for group sizes of 10-50 people. Groups of fewer than 10 people may still book a private tour, but must meet a minimum tour price of a full tour (12 people) to ensure privacy. Groups larger than 50 people are encouraged to explore the Academy using Daytime Admission tickets.

Please note:

• Guests must be age 8 or older to participate, and strollers are not permitted. Guests between the ages of 8 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult. If the size of your group is over 15, we will need to split your group up and have staggered tour start times. Tours are subject to availability.
• This tour does not include the Osher Rainforest or Planetarium shows. These are walking tours, but all tours are ADA accessible. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for indoor and outdoor environments. Uneven surfaces, stairs, slick spots, or inclement weather may be encountered.
• Elements of the tours and exhibits at the Academy are subject to change without prior notice.

Cancellations

A 50% non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking to reserve group tickets for 10 or more guests. Total balance is due 30 days prior to your tour date. If you are booking a tour within 30 days of your tour date, full payment is due at the time of booking. Cancellations occurring 30 days or more prior to tour date, will receive a full refund minus the deposit. No refunds are given for cancellations made within 30 days of tour.