California: State of Nature

  • Coyote specimen with amber eyes on exhibit in California: State of Nature at Cal Academy. Photo by Gayle Laird
  • Woman holding toddler looks at Chumash artifacts on exhibit at California: State of Nature at Cal Academy. Photo by Gayle Laird
  • Profile view of Monarch one of the last grizzly bears in California, on exhibit in California: State of Nature. Photo by Gayle Laird
  • 2 guests look at a salmon model on exhibit in California: State of Nature at Cal Academy. Photo by Gayle Laird
  • Marine mammal skeletons hang from the ceiling in California: State of Nature exhibit at Cal Academy. Photo by Gayle Laird
  • Guest looks at coyote specimen on exhibit in California: State of Nature. Photo by Gayle Laird
Big. Beautiful. Biodiverse. When it comes to nature, California is second to none. Our all-new exhibition reveals the surprising connections between people, places, and species that make our state thrive.

Kelp as an ecosystem engineer. Scorpions as starlight navigators. Fire as a friend to forests. And humans helping build resilience across our state. Through hands-on interactives, multi-sensory displays, stunning specimens, and captivating media, find out how Academy research, Indigenous partnerships, and community science are restoring and regenerating California’s forests, urban habitats, coast, and deserts—and how you can get involved.

Watch the trailer for the exhibition and buy your tickets today!

Woman looks at cross-section of gigantic redwood tree on exhibit at Cal Academy. Photo by Gayle Laird

Forests and fire

California's forests inspire awe and engage our senses. Meet a mounted specimen of Monarch, one of California's last grizzly bears; marvel at a mammoth cross-section of a redwood tree; view virtual California condors via your smartphone; and see how Indigenous burning practices help spark forest resilience in the Sierras.

Watch: California’s Redwood Trees
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Toddler and parent observe a bobcat specimen on exhibit in California: State of Nature at Cal Academy. Photo by Gayle Laird

Connected cities

The Bay Area is famous for its vibrant cities and big ideas, but it's time to honor the contributions of our non-human neighbors. Follow the journey of a coyote specimen; trigger a wildlife camera trap; and get the scoop on urban wildlife poop. Prepare to be moved: The Shake House is back! Keep your balance in simulated 6.9- and 7.9-magnitude earthquakes.

Watch: The 4 C’s of Urban Ecology
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Child touches a replica of an extinct Steller sea cow skull on exhibit in California: State of Nature at Cal Academy. Photo by Nicole Ravicchio

Sea to shore

From rugged Del Norte to sun-splashed San Diego, California's marine and intertidal biodiversity nourishes its ecosystems as well as its Indigenous communities. Touch a real blue whale vertebra; explore skulls, skeletons, and models of species native to San Francisco Bay; and hear from Chumash and Ohlone culture bearers on their ties to the coast.

Watch: Sea Star Spawns
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Guest looks at jackrabbit specimen on exhibit in California: State of Nature at Cal Academy. Photo by Gayle Laird

Dynamic desert

The Mojave Desert is a fierce but fragile ecosystem. Encounter the species that emerge during the transition from day to night, including new-to-science scorpions, burrowing owls, and kangaroo rats. Plus, learn about the latest efforts to research and regenerate the Mojave, from Academy researchers surveying insects to community scientists monitoring dark skies.

Watch: Scorpions in the Desert
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Hours and location

California: State of Nature is open daily. Find it on the main floor on the west side of the building, adjacent to Osher Rainforest. 

View on map

More to explore

Connect with California nature during your visit at a variety of family-friendly programs, and dive deeper into related scientific research and stories.
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Shake House

Step in and hang on as our earthquake simulator recreates California's powerful 1906 and 1989 quakes.

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A group of people hovers around several burning piles of leaves and twigs, in a shaded forest clearing with blue skies in the background.
Sparking Regeneration With Indigenous Science
Discover the age-old, ecologically important tradition of cultural burning with the North Fork Mono Tribe.
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A visitor inspecting the Naturalist Center cabinets filled with specimens, books, and more.
Naturalist Center

Welcome to the Academy's hub for exploration, with books, games, specimens, and more. Open daily; hours vary.

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Dramatic view of Pillar Point bluffs with green cliffs and tidepools along the coast
Thriving California

We aim to regenerate biodiversity, build climate resilience, and advance equitable access to nature statewide.

Silhouetted guests point and gaze at the 100,000 gallon California Coast exhibit
California Coast

Get a glimpse of the richness right off our coast and gaze at rockfish, eels, anemones, sharks, and more.

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Coyote specimen against black backdrop in California State of Nature exhibition at Cal Academy. Photo by Gayle Laird
Life After Death: A Coyote Specimen’s Journey
Every specimen has a story. This one involves roadkill, scat, and a misunderstood predator's shot at redemption.
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Citizen science observation
Community Science

Learn more about the Academy's community science program, and join an upcoming bioblitz or biodiversity survey.

Generously supported by:
Bernard Osher Foundation wordmark