Exhibits and shows for explorers of all ages

Golden sunlight filters through trees laden with monarch butterflies in Mexico in this prizewinning photo from the BigPicture Competition
OPEN DAILY

BigPicture

Our annual show 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.
Two baby reindeer explore their sandy outdoor enclosure at Cal Academy during Tis the Season for Science festival
OPEN DAILY

'Tis the Season for Science

Warm your spirit at our annual celebration of all things frosty! Meet baby reindeer, camels, and yaks, frolic under flurries, and revel in live performances.
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Events and activities to kick-start your curiosity

3 African penguins on exhibit at Cal Academy look imposingly at the camera
MULTIPLE PROGRAMS 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.
A DJ spins in Philippine Coral Reef exhibit at Cal Academy during a NightLife event
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

Sphinx moth collects nectar from a bright magenta thistle flower
PHENOMENA

Sparking regeneration

This Native American Heritage Month, discover the age-old, ecologically important tradition of cultural burning with the North Fork Mono Tribe.
Toddler girl with pigtails stares at a diving African penguin on exhibit at Cal Academy
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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  • Special delivery! See our visiting baby camels (Dec. 6–19) and yaks (Dec. 20–Jan. 5) this holiday. Learn more
  • We're open daily this holiday! View holiday hours