Exhibits and shows for explorers of all ages

BigPicture Aquatic Life winner is Tadpole Migration by Shane Gross, an underwater photo of a school of Western toad tadpoles swimming in a sunlit pond.
OPEN DAILY

BigPicture

Our annual exhibition of the year's best nature photography transports you to where life is lush, unusual is beautiful, and animals inspire us to be more human.
Raccoon specimen amidst an illustration of lush greenery with caterpillars and butterflies
OPEN DAILY

California: State of Nature

You are here. So is nature. In a colorful, captivating new exhibition, discover how California’s iconic ecosystems are connected to each other—and to you.
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Events and activities to kick-start your curiosity

3 African penguins on exhibit at California Academy of Sciences pose majestically for the camera
MULTIPLE TIMES DAILY

Animal programs

Are you a penguin person? Alligator admirer? Coral reef connoisseur? Plan your visit around animal feedings and demonstrations, scheduled throughout the day.
DJ and guests in Philippine Coral Reef during NightLife event at the Academy
THURSDAYS | 6-10 P.M. | 21+

NightLife

Wonder what our animals get up to once the sun goes down? Find out at the Academy's weekly event that illuminates the unusual intersection of art and science.
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World-changing science starts here

Cute composite illustration of Claude the albino alligator wearing a witchs hat, T. rex skeleton wearing a cowboy hat, and penguins dressed as ghosts
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 | 6:30–9 P.M.

SuperNatural Halloween

Bites, frights, and scientific delights await at the Academy's annual all-ages fundraiser. Conjure up a costume soon—tickets are not long for this world!
Boy excitedly points up at fish in Amazon Flooded Forest Tunnel at California Academy of Sciences Steinhart Aquarium
MEMBERSHIPS START AT $99

Join, renew, or donate

Keep up with your favorite creatures by visiting for free all year long—and support our research, education, and access initiatives while you're at it.
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  • Please note: Claude will be off exhibit on Oct. 9 as he gets his standard health checkup with our skilled veterinary team.