Nearly 40,000 animals (and over 400 humans) eagerly await your return to the Academy! As you plan your visit, please note the following health and safety updates:
- Morrison Planetarium, Curiosity Grove, Naturalist Center, and Discovery Tidepool will remain temporarily closed, and the interactive elements in some exhibits have been disabled or modified.
- Entry into Osher Rainforest and the Shake House is by reservation only: When you arrive, scan the QR codes posted in the lobby to select an entry time.
- To reduce crowding, public programs are no longer scheduled at specific times. Instead, look forward to "pop-up" programs on every floor and in our outdoor spaces.
For more information, please view the FAQs on our reopening page.
New & Featured
’Tis the Season for Science
The Academy's holiday tradition returns with real reindeer and outdoor snow flurries! Open daily Nov. 20-Jan. 3.
NightSchool: The Slow Life of Sloths
We know you love the tree-dwelling, slow-moving mammals, but what do you know about sloth science?
Venom: Fangs, Stingers, and Spines
Encounter an eye-catching array of 12+ venomous species in the Academy's newest aquarium exhibit—now open!
BigPicture: Natural World Photography
Experience an awe-inspiring exhibit of 2020's best nature, wildlife, and conservation photography—now open!
Big Astronomy
Explore Chile’s giant telescopes in the Academy’s newest planetarium show, livestreaming every Wednesday.
Iconic Exhibits
Steinhart Aquarium
Come face-to-fin with nearly 40,000 animals—from deep-sea oddities to Claude, our albino American alligator.
Morrison Planetarium
Please note: Morrison Planetarium is temporarily closed. We look forward to reopening this exhibit soon!
Osher Rainforest
Explore a living 4-story rainforest, home to free-flying tropical butterflies and birds. Reservations required.
Kimball Natural History Museum
Explore hands-on exhibits, fascinating specimens, and the latest research conducted by Academy scientists.
Ongoing Exhibits
Gems and Minerals Unearthed
Marvel at nearly 400 dazzling and dramatic gem and mineral specimens from the Academy's geology collection.
Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed
Descend into the twilight zone, where sunlight is scarce and every dive yields surprising discoveries.
Giants of Land and Sea
Explore Northern California's larger-than-life natural wonders in the Academy's newest major exhibit.
Color of Life
Live animals and hands-on exhibits reveal the significant role color plays across a vibrant spectrum of species.
The Swamp
Alligator snapping turtles and colorful freshwater fish circle the albino American alligator known as Claude.
Philippine Coral Reef
Watch reef fish dart through colorful forests of coral while giant rays sail gracefully under your feet.
Tusher African Hall
Explore our evolutionary history while surrounded by dioramas of African wildlife and splashing penguins.
Living Roof
Rolling hills and 1.7 million plants create an oasis for native species atop the Academy's 2.5-acre living roof.
Human Odyssey
Trace the milestones of our species’ fascinating history by studying skull casts, interactive maps, and more.
Water Planet
Discover how animals have evolved fascinating methods of living in and out of water.
California Coast
Get a glimpse of the richness right off our coast and gaze at rockfish, eels, a giant Pacific octopus, and more.
Project Lab
Watch Academy scientists prepare specimens and conduct real research at this unique hybrid of exhibit and lab.
Hands-on Exhibits
Curiosity Grove
Please note: Curiosity Grove is temporarily closed. We look forward to reopening this space soon!
Naturalist Center
Please note: Naturalist Center is temporarily closed. We look forward to reopening this space soon!
Discovery Tidepool
Please note: Discovery Tidepool is temporarily closed. We look forward to reopening this exhibit element soon!
