Plan Your Visit

We want to make sure you have all the info you need to plan a visit that's as safe as it is fun. Explore this page for an overview of what to see and do at the museum, and check out our reopening page to reserve tickets, view health and safety information, and browse an extensive FAQ.

Thank you for your patience and support during our closure, and we can't wait to see you soon!

Two new exhibits are ready for you to explore—and nearly 40,000 animals are eager to reunite with you! Please note that reservations are required for Morrison Planetarium and Osher Rainforest, and Curiosity Grove, Naturalist Center, and Discovery Tidepool will remain closed until further notice. For exhibit update details, please view the "Exhibit closures and reservations" section of the reopening FAQ.

New! Sharks
Sink your teeth into Sharks, a new out-of-water exhibit created by Grande Experiences and discover the many roles that sharks play to contribute to a healthy ocean ecosystem. With life-size models, rare fossils, and an immersive cinematic projection gallery, experience these awe-inspiring creatures like you never have before.

Venom: Fangs, Stingers, and Spines
Encounter over a dozen venomous animals that bite, sting, and stun in Steinhart Aquarium's potent new exhibit.

Steinhart Aquarium
One of the most advanced and biodiverse aquariums in the world, the aquarium is home to the world's deepest living indoor coral reef, a colony of African penguins, and nearly 40,000 live animals representing over 900 species—including some you won’t find in any other aquarium.

Kimball Natural History Museum
Explore majestic dioramas of African landscapes and animals and immerse yourself in exhibits that examine the evolution—and future—of life on Earth.

Osher Rainforest
Trek through a lush, four-story rainforest, housed in a spectacular glass dome while free-flying tropical birds and butterflies soar above and enormous Amazonian fish swim below. Please note: Capacity is limited and reservations are required to enter the rainforest. Scan the QR code in the lobby or at the rainforest entrance to reserve an entry time. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

While scheduled public programs, lectures, and sleepovers are still paused, NightLife has reanimated, and exciting pop-up activations and demonstrations will occur on every floor as well as our outdoor spaces.

NightLife (21+)
Our premier nocturnal event is back! Enjoy music, creatures, and cocktails, every other Thursday from 6-10 pm. Can't make it IRL? Tune in to our weekly NightSchool livestreams every Thursday evening at 7 pm PT.

Book a VIP Tour
Explore the secrets of the Academy on this 45-minute tour. Examine rare specimens in our collections, be dazzled in our private gem vault, head off the beaten track atop our Living Roof, and enjoy 10% off at Academy stores and restaurants, VIP entrance to the rainforest and Shake House, and reserved planetarium seating. For ages 8 and up. (Please note: Tour includes stairs and unpaved paths.). $24.95/$19.95 members.