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Academy Expeditions
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Let the Wonder Begin
Skulls
Every skull tells a story. Discover the clues skulls hold in this revealing new exhibit. Learn more
Dark Universe
Explore two of today’s greatest cosmic mysteries—dark matter and dark energy. Learn more
The Aquarium
Find Nemo inside the world’s deepest coral reef exhibit, and meet nearly 40,000 live animals from around the world. Learn more
The Natural History Museum
Explore how life evolved on Earth, and what we can do to help conserve its diversity. Learn more
The Planetarium
Fly through space and time, and gain a new perspective on the planet we call home. Learn more
The Rainforest
Journey through a four-story rainforest that is hot, humid, and teeming with life. Learn more
Programs & Events
Thursday, October 23, 6–10 pm
Set your sights on NightLife’s first-ever solar eclipse after party.
October Member Appreciation Month
Become an Academy member and receive free general admission ticket(s)!
Through November 2
Join us for the Academy’s first major exhibition of wildlife photography.
Daily, in the Naturalist Center
Explore a ten-case display curated by Academy Field Associate "Bones" Bandar.
Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 7 pm
Morrison Planetarium hosts award-winning nature photographer Art Wolfe.
Sundays at 2:00 pm
October’s skill is Focus in the Field—learn how scientists use photography!
Daily at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm
Watch as a diver plunges into the world’s deepest coral reef exhibit.
Three times daily
Get an insider’s perspective on Academy research, Collections, and animal care.
Tuesdays & Thursdays at 1:30 pm
Learn about our shallow reef residents’ family tree, and watch a feeding.
News & Highlights
Southern California Pumas
New study on the genetic diversity of SoCal puma population shows need for protections.
New Khan Academy Course
Explore our latest, free-for-everyone biodiversity course—available worldwide.
Shop our Skulls Merchandise
Fill your cranium with gift ideas from our exclusive online store!
Botany of Beer
Academy botanist Dylan Burge discusses our 6,000-year relationship with beer.
Expedition Blog
Hear from scientists, divers, and educators on our largest expedition ever.
Blue Whales Rebounding
New study finds protections of California blue whale populations are paying off.
The Philippines
Learn about our work in the Philippines, and how you can support typhoon victims.
Explosions, Bullies, and Zombies
New research may have uncovered the source of a supernova.
Plan Your View of the Night Sky
Never miss another moon phase with our downloadable, foldable almanac.
Sea Slug Savant
Get to know Terry Gosliner, Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zoology.
Our Mission
The Academy is driven by a mission to Explore, Explain, and Sustain Life.
Learn more
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Support Field Trips
The Academy will host 150,000 student and youth group visitors in 2014 on field trips at free and greatly-reduced rates. Support this program with a donation.
