Plan Your Visit

Steinhart Aquarium
The Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most advanced and biologically diverse aquariums in the world, home to the world's deepest indoor living coral reef, an albino alligator, a colony of African penguins, a shark lagoon and more than 38,000 live animals representing over 900 species. Through partnerships with Academy scientists, who travel the world in search of new and little-known species, Steinhart’s biologists often display animals you won’t find in any other public aquarium.

Morrison Planetarium
Our planetarium is home to one of the largest and most advanced all-digital domes in the world. The Academy’s Visualization Studio produces award-winning original planetarium shows that tell stories about faraway galaxies—and our home planet Earth—using scientific data to depict the most current discoveries.

Kimball Natural History Museum
The Kimball Natural History Museum explores some of the most significant discoveries and issues of our time. Explore majestic dioramas of African landscapes and animals and immerse yourself in exhibits that examine the evolution—and future—of life on Earth. And don’t miss our earthquake simulator, the Shake House, while learning about the natural forces that have shaped the Bay Area.

Osher Rainforest
Explore our lush, four-story rainforest, housed in a 90-foot glass dome and teeming with life from some of the most biodiverse places on Earth—from an ant colony and free-flying birds and butterflies to enormous Amazonian fish.

Want even more out of your Academy experience? Along with dozens of daily programs on the museum floor, there are plenty of ways to see and learn more during your visit and after hours.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Book a special guided tour to get a closer look at our live animals, discover our scientific collections, or learn what makes our museum the greenest in the world.

NightLife
On Thursday nights, adults 21 and over can enjoy live music, cocktails, and special activities and entertainment in addition to exploring the entire Academy after dark.

Lectures & Workshops
The Academy partners with scientists from institutions around the world to host lectures on a wide range of topics. Astronomy buffs can learn more about discoveries within the final frontier at our Benjamin Dean Astronomy Lecture series.

Penguins+Pajamas Sleepovers
Spend a night under the starfish! Explore all our exhibits after-hours, enjoy evening snacks and a wild story time, and choose where to roll out your sleeping bag—next to colorful fish or playful penguins?—at this family event.