VIP Tours

Public guests, please note that you'll need to purchase a timed-entry Daytime Admission ticket as well as a VIP Tour ticket. Visit our Buy Tickets page to purchase your admission ticket, then add VIP Tour tickets to your order after selecting a visit date and time. (If you already have a Daytime Admission ticket, you can purchase a standalone VIP Tour ticket here.)

Members and donors, please reserve your free timed-entry admission tickets before returning to this page to book your VIP Tour tickets in a separate order. Please note that you will need to log in for each transaction.

Explore the secrets of the Academy as you spend 1-hour behind the scenes learning more about how the museum works—and what it takes to house nearly 46 million specimens.

On your tour, you'll visit our scientific research collections, step into our dazzling gem and mineral vault—not on view to the public!—and make your way up to our Living Roof, where you’ll learn how Academy science is changing the world. Tours are limited to 12 total guests. (Please note: Tour includes stairs and unpaved paths.) Members, your discount will be applied after login.

What’s included:

• 1-hour guided tour 
• Behind-the-scenes access
• VIP express entrance to Osher Rainforest and Shake House earthquake simulator
• Reserved space in the planetarium
• 10% off shopping and dining
• $24.95/guest ($19.95 members)

Please note: A Daytime Admission ticket is required for public entry into the museum and to attend a tour. Guests must be age 8 or older to participate, and guests between the ages of 8 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Masks and physical distancing are required at all times.