Friends of the Academy

By joining the Friends of the Academy, you have the opportunity to inspire explorers of all ages, get closer to the scientists and their discoveries, and become a leader in a community of lifelong learners. The deeper your engagement, the closer you get – and the bigger your impact.

Why Become a Friend?

Far and Wide

Academy scientists traverse the globe to discover and document life in biodiversity hot spots. The species they discover, the distribution maps they create, and the training they provide to local scientists and educators are instrumental in the race to understand and protect crucial habitats.

Here and Now

Our planet is changing rapidly, and the time to inspire the next generation of scientists and ecological stewards is today. The Academy brings real science into real lives through immersive exhibits and programs, teacher workshops, and personal interactions with live animals and experts. There has never been a better time to get involved.

Friends of the Academy

Explorers ($1,000+)

Unlimited admission for yourself, your children or grandchildren (18 years of age and under), and two guests
Priority entrance to the museum, rainforest, and planetarium
A complimentary glass of champagne when dining at The Moss Room*
Eight guest passes to share with friends and family members
Four NightLife guest passes**
Annual Friends behind-the-scenes tour***
Invitation to special events and receptions for Friends of the Academy
Dedicated Friends assistance line

Value of goods and services: $130

Curators ($2,500+)

Includes all Explorers benefits, plus:

Annual exclusive curator-led tour
Invitation to an exclusive reception prior to a Herbst lecture with a featured speaker

Value of goods and services: $220

Scientists ($5,000+)

Includes all Curators benefits, plus:

Exclusive evening reception and tour with the Executive Director
Invitation to a private luncheon with an Academy scientist

Value of goods and services: $270

Platinum Circle

Starting at the Collectors level, generous donors who make gifts of $10,000 or more play a leadership role for the Academy and enjoy many unique opportunities and privileges as members of our Platinum Circle. If you would like to learn more about how you can have a transformative impact on the future of the Academy, please contact Doria Leong, Director of Leadership Gifts, at (415) 379-5407 or .

Friends of the Academy Terms and Conditions

* This exclusive benefit is valid at The Moss Room for lunch or dinner now through August 31, 2012 for Friends of the Academy only. You must have an active/current Friends of the Academy membership at the time of dining to qualify for this offer. This offer is valid for one Black card holder and one guest. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Must be 21 years of age or over to receive your complimentary glass of champagne. Maximum one complimentary glass of champagne per person per day. The complimentary glass of champagne has no cash value and cannot be applied towards a future meal at the Moss room. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotions or offers. Not valid for groups. Certain restrictions and blackout dates may apply.

** Good for complimentary admission to NightLife only. Not valid for general daytime entry admission. Must be 21+ with valid ID. This pass has no cash value and is non-replaceable if lost or stolen. This pass may not be used for any members-only or ticketed events. Not valid unless date is stamped. Management may withdraw or limit admissions at its discretion.

*** Two complimentary Friends behind-the-scenes tour per donor household per year. Must be a current Friend of the Academy when redeeming the Friends behind-the-scenes tour. No roll-over allowed; a Friends behind-the-scenes tour not used within the year will be lost. Friends behind-the-scenes tour must be booked at least three days in advance. A “no show” will be considered a “consumed” tour. Tour is based on availability and non-transferable. Friends behind-the-scenes tours are not available during Academy Free Wednesdays. Additional blackout dates may apply.

Thank you for your interest in purchasing or renewing an Academy membership. Your generous support of our non-profit organization is genuinely appreciated.

Please select one of the following options:

Questions?

Tel: (415) 379-5405

Friends of the Academy Events

Friends of the Academy Opening Reception

May 23, 2012 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Earthquake: Life on a Dynamic Panet
Exclusive donor premiere of the new Academy exhibition and Planetarium show

You are invited to join us for an extraordinary evening celebrating the premiere of Earthquake: Life on a Dynamic Planet, a major new exhibition exclusive to California Academy of Sciences. Take a kinetic journey toward understanding these super seismic phenomena and attend the world premiere of Earthquake, a new planetarium show that will launch you on a breathtaking tour through space and time.

Please RSVP by May 9 to (415) 379-5858 or .

This event is for Friends of the Academy and Platinum Circle donors. Invitation is non-transferable. Hosted bar and light appetizers will be available. Children age 12 and above are welcome to attend.

Learn more

Friends Family Picnic

Saturday June 16, 2012
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Shakespeare Garden, Golden Gate Park

The California Academy of Sciences cordially invites you and your family to the Annual Friends Family Picnic.

Please join us for a fun family gathering featuring sustainable bites, Double Rainbow ice creams and refreshments, arts and crafts activity tables, a visit from Academy Researchers and their microscopes and specimens, and much more...

Don’t forget to bring a blanket for picnic seating!

To register for this event, RSVP by June 1 to Stéphanie Versin at or (415) 379-5413.

This event is for Friends of the Academy and Platinum Circle donors only and is non-transferable.

Platinum Circle Events

Local Expedition to Pepperwood Preserve, Sonoma County

Sunday, May 6, 2012
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Platinum Circle donors ($10,000+) and Eastwood Associates are invited to join us for a local expedition with Academy scientists and researchers to Pepperwood Preserve. Pepperwood is a private 3,120-acre nature preserve, northeast of Santa Rosa. It is rich in biodiversity and serves as a refuge for hundreds of plant and animal species— 650+ species of plants and over 150 species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Pepperwood is a partner to the Academy for a variety of science education and research programs. Academy botanists, ornithologists, entomologists and educators will lead hikes and van tours in the preserve, with options for different levels of physical ability. Science content will focus on Pepperwood as an area of great biodiversity in the California Floristic Hotspot.

A catered luncheon will be served.

Please RSVP to Ellen Eoff at or
(415) 379-5417 by April 27.

This event is for Platinum Circle donors ($10,000+) and Eastwood Associates only. Invitation is non-transferable and space is limited.

Special Academy Events

Big Bang Gala

Thursday, April 19, 2012 Sold Out

ILLUMINATE: AN EVENING FOR THE CURIOUS

The Big Bang will shine a spotlight on the role science education can play in sparking the curiosity and the conscience of a new generation – a topic at the core of the Academy’s mission to explore, explain and protect the natural world. Join us for a naturally glamorous evening and brilliant conversations with Salman Khan, founder of the Khan Academy, Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway, and Ira Flatow, NPR’s Science Friday host, among other enlightening special guests.

Event Chairs: Randi Fisher, Carrie Penner & Wendy Schmidt

For more information, please visit www.calacademy.org/bigbang or call (415) 379-5411.