• Guests tour the wet collections stacks and examine preserved animal speciemens
    From the specimen collections deep under the museum...
  • Stunning gem and mineral specimens on display in the gem vault--on view only for tour guests
    To the mysterious gem vault that's closed to the public...
  • An Academy scientist displays a preserved football fish in the wet collections
    Strange and wonderful surprises await tour guests...
  • On a tour, guests are able to explore the entire Living Roof.
    (As well as a little fresh air.)
  • An aerial photo of a tour guide explaining the origin of the T. rex cast in the lobby to a group of guests
    Go behind the scenes for an unforgettable Academy experience!
0

See the Academy in a whole new light—or with the lights out!—on one of our fascinating tours or Penguins+Pajamas Sleepovers.

VIP Tours

A boy poses with a wall-full of mammal skulls and antlers

Explore the secrets of the world's greenest museum on this one-hour tour. Examine rare specimens in our collections, be dazzled in our private gem vault, and head off the beaten track atop our living roof.
Learn more.

  • $24.95 ($19.95 members) plus Daytime Admission
  • Groups of 10 or more save 10%!
  • Weekdays: 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm
  • Weekends: 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 3:30 pm
  • For ages 8 and up
0

NightLife VIP Tours

NightLife VIP tour guests get a tour of the planetarium

Elevate your NightLife experience. Skip-the-line at popular exhibits, enjoy two free drinks and a private reception, a guided tour with stop inside our gem vault, and more. Includes NightLife admission and reserved passes for 8:30 pm planetarium show.
Learn more.

  • Buy in advance and save! Reserve your NightLife VIP Tour with Plan-Ahead Pricing
  • Groups of 10 or more save 10%!
  • Thursdays, 6-7:30 pm or 6:45-8:15 pm
  • For guests 21+ with ID
0

Animal Encounter

A guest uses the gentle two-finger touch to pet a coiled python

Treat yourself to a meet-and-greet with one of our beloved education animals that's rarely seen on the public floor.
Learn more.

  • $175 for up to four guests ($140 members) plus Daytime Admission
  • Includes choice of VIP Tour or Reefs to Rainforests tour
  • Offered Tuesday-Sunday; 14-day advance booking required
  • For ages 8 and up
0

Penguins+Pajamas Sleepovers

A family gets cozy for the night in front of a gigantic aquarium exhibit.

Sleep under the sea stars at this family favorite. Your nocturnal adventure includes live animal demos, private planetarium shows, after-hours exhibit access—and the magic of drifting off to dreamland alongside our African penguins.
Learn more.

  • $119 per guest ($99 members)
  • For ages 5 and up; adult chaperones required
0