Jump to main content

  • Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability
  • Please note: The planetarium will be closed for maintenance 2/25-27.
    1
  • Membership
  • Educators
  • Scientists
California Academy of Sciences
  • Home
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Hours & Admission
    • Daily Calendar
    • Getting Here
    • Tours
    • Groups
    • Dining
    • Academy Store
    • Plan an Event
  • Exhibits & Events
    • Aquarium
    • Planetarium
    • Rainforest
    • Natural History Museum
    • NightLife
    • Sleepovers
    • Lectures & Workshops
  • Learn & Explore
    • Meet Our Scientists
    • Scientific Expeditions
    • Creature Closeups
    • Specimen Spotlights
    • Citizen Science
    • Apps & Interactives
    • Animal Webcams
  • About Us
    • 10 Years of the New Academy
    • Major Initiatives
    • Sustainability in Action
    • Leadership
    • Vision & Values
    • Impact
  • Join & Give
    • Become a Member
    • Become a Donor
    • Big Bang Gala
    • Volunteer
    • Youth Programs
    • College Internships
    • Gift Cards
  • Buy Tickets
Saturday,
February
23

Today We’re Open

9:30 am – 5 pm

Explore an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum—all under one living roof.

Explore an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum—all under one living roof.

About Us

The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to explore, explain, and sustain life.
Beautiful sea nettle jellyfish exhibit glows orange as two boys stare in wonder
0
Life-changing moments. World-changing science. We’re an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park—and a powerful voice for biodiversity research and exploration, environmental education, and sustainability across the globe.
image-large
Diverse guests in the Amazon Flooded Forest tunnel point at fish overhead

Major Initiatives

Our initiatives mobilize us toward our mission. See how we’re saving coral reefs, expanding access to our museum, educating kids in every country, and making sustainability attainable.

image-large
Academy veterinarian Freeland Dunker examines an African penguin chick with a stethoscope

Sustainability in Action

The greenest museum on Earth is also where planet-saving ideas grow. Learn how our building conserves energy and our Association of Zoos & Aquariums-accredited Steinhart Aquarium sustains species.

image-standard
Volunteer scuba diver swims in the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit among colorful fish

Leadership

Get to know our cross-functional senior leadership team, Board of Trustees, and 450 Academy Fellows distinguished in a variety of scientific disciplines.

image-large
Girl touching kelp in the Academy's discovery tidepool touch tank

Impact

From field research to field trips, the Academy believes in the power of science to transform individuals, communities, and ecosystems. See the data and read the stories.

image-standard
March for Science banner says "Science is for Everyone" held by Academy staff

Vision & Values

Sound science should be informed by sound principles. See how our core values and code of ethics are intrinsic elements of our work.

image-standard
Colorful cut and raw gems and minerals on exhibit at the Academy

Financials

We make the most of every donor dollar. Browse the Academy's tax returns, audited financial statements, 990s, and annual reports.

image-standard
Aerial view of large crowd at Academy entrance on opening day in 2008

Our History

Since 1853, we've stood strong as California's voice for science. Take a trip through 160+ years of Academy milestones—and two major earthquakes.

image-large
The Academy’s 10th Anniversary Celebration logo

A Decade of Discovery

The New Academy is turning 10! We're celebrating a decade of world-changing science in our new green building—and a passionate community of supporters who make our work possible.

12349
12339
2332
4244
9144
4267
2329
13057
It’s time to start exploring.
Plan Your Visit
We’re a museum and scientific institution located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
About Us

The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution dedicated to exploring, explaining, and sustaining life on Earth. Based in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, it is home to a world-class aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum—all under one living roof.

California Academy of Sciences
info@calacademy.org
Golden Gate Park
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
United States
(415) 379-8000

  • About
  • Live Assistance
  • Contact
  • Email Newsletter
  • Careers
  • Press
  • Store
  • bioGraphic
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Tumblr
  • YouTube

© California Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Your California Privacy Rights
  • Terms of Use
Octopus

Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

Stay curious—every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

You’re now subscribed to NightLife updates!
(Because night owls know best.)
Uh-oh, something went wrong.
Please try submitting your email again.
Octopus

An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy’s monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Success!
You should receive your promo code within 24 hours.
Now’s a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.
Uh-oh, something went wrong.
Please try submitting your email again.