Inside the dome, a magnificent neotropical rainforest stretches 90 feet above. Delight in the exploits of 1,600+ live plants and animals, including taxicab-like sun beetles, leafcutter ants hard at work, and a slithering Amazonian tree boa.
From the canopy, plunge (via elevator) four stories down for a beneath-the-surface view of an Amazonian flooded forest. At each stage of the journey, you'll come face-to-face with some of the incredible animals that call these forests home.
Please note: The rainforest will be closed for infrastructure maintenance from August 21 through November 17, 2023. We apologize for any inconvenience. For more information, please see the FAQ below.
Watch the life cycle of tropical butterflies and moths unfold before your eyes. In our butterfly emergence chamber on the top floor of the rainforest, you'll see shiny chrysalises and structurally impressive cocoons alongside butterflies stretching their newly formed wings.
Housed within a spectacular 90-foot-diameter glass dome, our rainforest exhibit is the largest of its kind in the world. With temperatures of 82–85 degrees and humidity at 75 percent or above, it will instantly transport you to some of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
The rainforest's living plants include trees like the Brazilian beauty leaf and West Indies mahogany, dozens of shrubs—including Theobroma cacao, the plant from which chocolate is made—and hundreds of flowering plants, from begonias and philodendrons to orchids and bromeliads.
More than 1,600 live animals reside in our rainforest dome, including 250 free-flying birds and butterflies and close to 100 exotic reptiles and amphibians. From the bright flashes of blue morpho butterflies to the jewel-like colors of poison-dart frogs, you'll see fauna at its most dazzling.
Surround yourself with hundreds of tropical, freshwater fish by taking the flooded forest tunnel, a transparent passage that plunges right through our 100,000-gallon Amazonian tank. See cichlids dart through the roots of a mangrove cluster while giant arapaima soar overhead.
Osher Rainforest opens 30 minutes after the museum opens Monday–Saturday.
Monday–Saturday, 10 am–4:45 pm
Sunday, 11 am–4:45 pm
Enter the rainforest on the Main Floor, across from the Giants of Land and Sea exhibit.
From August 21 through November 17, 2023, Osher Rainforest will be closed to the public for infrastructure maintenance. Please pardon the interruption, and explore the FAQ below for more details. Questions? Drop us a line!
Thanks to our dedicated staff, Osher Rainforest has been up and running without any extended maintenance closures since our opening in 2008. Because warm temperatures and high humidity take a toll on built structures, it’s time to give the rainforest some TLC to ensure this iconic exhibit stays in tip-top shape.
During the closure period (August 21-November 17, 2023), crews will conduct a variety of critical infrastructure maintenance, including waterproofing, repainting, fixture replacement, and HVAC improvements. This work will enhance the appearance of the exhibit, improve operational efficiency and safety, and support the long-term functioning of the dome.
While we normally perform regular maintenance and small refurbishments to the rainforest during early mornings and evenings, the larger maintenance and repair projects scheduled for this fall require the space to be closed for a longer period of time. By closing the rainforest for three months, we’ll be able to complete big projects that will keep the space in top condition for years to come.
The majority of the rainforest’s 1,600+ birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians will be temporarily housed in Steinhart Aquarium’s back-of-house spaces where they’ll continue to receive the best care, nutrition, and enrichment while we work on their permanent home. Since the maintenance work will not impact the Amazon Flooded Forest section of the rainforest, its resident fish and turtles will remain in place during the closure—and on view from the Flooded Forest Tunnel!
Grainy cochran frogs, known as "glass frogs," have translucent bellies that reveal bones and organs.
Welcome to the Academy's hub for exploration, with books, games, specimens, and more. Open daily; hours vary.
Discover how animals have evolved fascinating methods of living in and out of water.
Beautiful and social, these birds are even known to feed chicks belonging to other members of their flock.
The Oustalet’s chameleon has a spring-loaded tongue, a third eye, and is the second-largest chameleon on Earth.
These tiny orange frogs secrete highly toxic chemicals for defense—toxins they amass by eating poisonous ants.
The Project Lab is closed to the public as we prepare the space for an all-new exhibit. Stay tuned for updates!
Sign up for the Academy’s monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.
See what’s revealed—every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.
