The ocean floor, the rainforest canopy, the farthest reaches of the Universe, and everything in between are yours to explore inside the new Academy. Choose the membership plan that's right for you, and explore as often as you like.

Jump into Something Special

The launch of the new Academy is not just an historic moment in the history of the Bay Area, it's a unique opportunity for individuals to connect and reconnect with the institution. Join the Academy community by becoming a member today. There's a long list of benefits, including free admission year-round, special membership hours, and more. You'll also be kept up to date on Academy news and activities with our dedicated Member publication, Live. Join Now »

What Your Membership Supports

Interactive exhibits, educational outreach, and groundbreaking research will make the new Academy a leader among natural science museums. Your academy membership will show your support for the Academy's long tradition of scientific discovery, as well as its crucial task to inspire the next generation of children to cherish and protect our planet. Join Now »

The Academy Guild

A scavenger hunt in Steinhart Aquarium? How about a backstage museum tour with an evolutionary biologist? Guild members can enjoy a year-round schedule of family-focused parties, behind-the-scenes tours, hikes, exhibit openings, and other special events for families with children. Plus, Guild members enjoy academy family member benefits.

Friends of the Academy

Take a step closer, and consider joining Friends of the Academy, our highest level of donors, who support the Academy's exciting new era of scientific discovery and education. Our Academy Friends enjoy exclusive donor benefits, and memorable behind-the-scene experiences.

All membership packages include these benefits:

• Free unlimited daily admission
• Personalized member card
• Members only entrance (not applicable on the monthly third Wednesday free days)
• Members-only hours
• Free admission to Pritzker Members' Lectures
• Discounts on additional lectures and special programming, including NightLife
• Discount on select Behind the Scenes and Wine and Dine tours »
• 10% discount at the Academy Stores
• 15% discount on dinner at The Moss Room »
• 10% discount on any SharpShooter photo purchased on site
• Access to the international members' travel program »
• Discount on multimedia headset tours »
• Subscription to the Academy's member enews
• Access to members' only online publication
• Borrowing privileges from the Naturalist Center

Please pick the membership plan that works best for you:

Individual $99
(Fully tax-deductible)
Includes admission for one cardholder and one guest each time you visit, plus all membership benefits.

Family $159
(Fully tax-deductible)
Includes admission for two cardholders and all your own children or grandchildren 18 years of age and under each time you visit, plus all membership benefits.

Family Plus $250
(Fully tax-deductible)
Includes all Family membership benefits, plus admission for two guests. Guests must accompany members at time of visit.

Associate $500
(All but $20 is tax-deductible)
Includes all Family Plus membership benefits, plus an invitation to the annual Curators' event and recognition in the Academy member publication.

Academy Guild $750
(All but $100 is tax deductible)
A special family-focused membership group. Enjoy three events each year, including the Family Spring Picnic and nature hikes.
Learn More »

NOTE: Memberships are valid for one year from date of purchase. Memberships are not transferable or refundable.

Interested in higher levels of giving?

Friends of the Academy enjoy benefits that bring them up close and take them behind the scenes at the Academy. Learn more about becoming a Friend or contact:

Join or Renew Now

Offline Application [PDF, 160KB]
Fax completed form to:
(415) 379-5730

Or mail application to:
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr.
GGP
SF, CA 94118

Questions?
(800)794-7576
membership@calacademy.org

What Members Say

“Our favorite exhibit is the sharks! But we haven't seen the puffer fish in awhile. Can we send him an e-mail to find out how he's doing?”

Members-only Hours

Tuesdays: 8:30 am - 9:30 am

Sundays: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Members may only bring the number of guests allowed by their membership level. No additional guests tickets are sold during Members-only hours.

Frequently Asked

Question: Can I buy a gift membership for the holidays?

Answer: We sell memberships all year long for many special occasions (birthdays, thank you gifts, etc.). To purchase a gift membership call (800) 794-7576. Please place your order by Friday, December 4 to ensure delivery by December 25.

Question: Can I apply ticket purchases toward a conversion to a Membership plan?

Answer: Guests may apply ticket purchases toward a conversion to a Membership plan only on their day of visit and by 4:30 pm PST. The value of up to two adult tickets purchased may be applied to any individual Membership product. The value of two adult tickets purchased, plus the value of all childrens tickets purchased, may be applied to any family Membership product. Admission tickets purchased as part of a group ticketed visit or purchased discounted admission tickets are not applicable towards Membership.

Question: Is the members only line always available?

Answer:The Members-only line is available every day except for Free Wednesdays (admission to the Academy is free the third Wednesday of every month, presented by The Bernard Osher Foundation).

Question: Do I need to present my membership card for my free admission?

Answer: Members must present a membership card or proof of their online membership purchase at the members' entrance. If you have joined by mail or by phone and not yet received your member card and plan to visit, please call to verify that your membership has been processed. All members must present a photo ID each time they visit.

Question: Does the Academy offer reciprocal members’ admission at other institutions or participate in the Association of Science-Technology Centers Passport Program?

Answer: No, your membership is exclusive to the Academy. Due to the number of visitors we welcome each day we prefer to accommodate our own members at this time rather than increase attendance with members from our sister institutions.

Question: What happens if I lose my Membership card?

Answer: Contact the Membership Department at (800) 794-7576 or visit the Membership Desk at the Academy entrance. There is a $5.00 fee per membership to replace lost or stolen cards or to make a name change. To help the Academy conserve resources, remember to retain your membership card as long as your membership is active.