Membership

Members watching Gouldian finches in the Color of Life exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences
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An Academy membership opens up your world—and helps to protect it. Discover how a diverse community of curious science-lovers can help you activate your passion for the planet.

Visiting the Academy is now easier and greener for members:

  • Walkup admission is back! Members can now visit the Academy anytime a science craving strikes. Simply show your digital membership card, photo ID, and proof of vaccination at the member entrance—no advance reservation needed.
  • Goodby plastic, hello pixels! Look for an email from the Academy with details on how to access and download your new digital membership card.

Questions? Please visit our digital membership card FAQ page.

Watch as a diver plunges into the deepest living coral reef exhibit in the world. Explore the layers of a rainforest canopy and the creatures that call it home. Investigate the great mysteries of the cosmos in our all-digital planetarium dome. As an Academy member, there's always something new to learn—and all the time in the world to explore. Join us and rediscover the wonders of the natural world under our Living Roof while supporting world-changing science around the globe.

    Silhouetted guests gaze at the colorful California Coast aquarium exhibit

    Explore levels & benefits

    Membership benefits include free Daytime Admission all year long, exclusive programs and events, and Member Hours every Sunday and Tuesday morning.

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    Guests observe a day octopus in Color of Life exhibit

    Flexible payment options

    With auto-renewal or an Annual Membership Subscription, it's never been easier—or greener—to be an Academy member. Enjoy the convenience of automatic payments and uninterrupted benefits year after year while using less paper and resources.  

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    Marine biologist Rebecca Albright conduct underwater research on a coral reef

    Members make a difference

    Academy members give as much as they receive: From expanding access to world-class STEM programs to pioneering coral reef conservation, your membership is an investment in the future of the planet.

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    2 colorful Gouldian finches perch against a white backdrop

    Match your gift!

    Your membership can have twice the impact on the Academy with a matching gift from your employer! Visit our new Matching Gifts page for more details and to see if your employer is a participant.

    Matching gifts
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    Member events & programs

    Members are invited to exclusive events and programs throughout the year. See what's coming up—and catch recordings of what you might have missed!
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    Three African Penguins
    Penguin Feeding

    Learn about our charismatic African penguin colony from an Academy biologist during this member program.

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    The Milky Way Galaxy as seen from outside.
    Tour of the Universe

    Explore the immense scale of the known Universe in this live presentation that leaves Earth far behind.

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    An Academy presenter reads a storybook to children outdoors in Wander Woods
    Storytime

    Inspire your little ones with an outdoor, nature-inspired storytime hosted by an engaging Academy presenter.

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    Member Program: Wild California

    Learn about the Golden State's most iconic animal species, including the California condor and mountain lion.

    Girl looking through binoculars
    Member Activity: Tree Detectives

    Kids can follow along with this interactive Zoom program to learn how to hone their naturalist skills.

    Historian Elizabeth Hennessy with Galápagos tortoise
    Member Talk: On the Backs of Tortoises

    Watch a prerecorded livestream talk with geographer and historian Elizabeth Hennessy on Galápagos tortoises.