Health & Safety at the Academy

Why did the Academy lift the vaccination-or-test requirement on September 16, 2022?
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Academy has used the best-available science and data to inform health and safety policies that both protect our staff and guests and ensure equitable access for the communities we serve. As cases decline and prevention and treatment options expand, we lifted our vaccination-or-test requirement for guests on Friday, September 16, moving from mandatory to recommended actions to allow individuals to act according to their specific needs and health risks. Here are the three primary reasons we feel confident making this update now:

1. Cases continue to trend downward in both San Francisco and the US, indicating reduced risk for the community at large.
2. A wider array of effective risk management tools are now available to more people, from a newly available booster dose, to one-way masking, to antivirals like Paxlovid and Remdesivir.
3. While health guidelines from the CDC, the California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA continue to strongly recommended vaccination, there are no mandates for public venues such as museums.

While the pandemic continues to evolve, one thing has stayed the same: Our commitment to science, safety, and community—and our appreciation for your support. Thank you!

Will this policy be in place for the foreseeable future, or for a defined period?
Our vaccination policy, along with our other health and safety policies, will be in effect until further notice, and may be modified at any time. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 trends—as well as that of other pathogens like monkeypox—and may adjust future policies according to the risks posed to the community. As always, we will do our best to inform guests about upcoming policy changes as far in advance as possible.

Does the Academy still encourage vaccination?
Yes. While we no longer check for proof of vaccination or a negative test result at the door, we still strongly encourage all eligible guests to stay up-to-date with their vaccinations. Being fully vaccinated, including receiving all recommended booster doses, remains the best way to reduce your risk of serious illness from COVID-19 infection.

Does the vaccination policy apply to all events and programs at the Academy?
While our vaccination recommendation applies to most ticketed events at the Academy, some events and programs may have stricter requirements depending on audience, setting, and relative risk. These requirements will always be listed prominently on the event’s webpage, and guests are welcome to contact us anytime with questions.

What is the vaccination policy for Academy staff?
While our vaccination-or-test policy was lifted for guests on September 16, all Academy staff and personnel must continue to be up-to-date on their vaccinations, including booster shots, if eligible.

Where can I get vaccinated or get a booster shot?
California residents can visit myturn.ca.gov for vaccine and booster information, and residents of other states can visit www.vaccines.gov.

Where can I get a COVID-19 test?
Click the links below for some rapid-testing and telehealth testing options in San Francisco. (Please note that the Academy does not endorse or verify the accuracy of the content on the websites below; please contact your health care provider for more information and call the facility in advance to confirm availability, cost, and insurance coverage):

• Drop-in testing in San Francisco
• Make a testing appointment in San Francisco
• Order a free at-home test
• Azova (telehealth for at-home tests)
• Carbon Health (rapid testing)
• Emed (telehealth for at-home tests)
• Go Health (rapid testing)
• iHealth (telehealth for at-home tests)
• Kyla (rapid testing)
• OnPoint Testing (telehealth for at-home tests)

Don’t see your question here? We’re here to help. Please contact us at info@calacademy.org or 415-379-8000 between 8 am-5 pm Monday-Friday or 9 am-5 pm on weekends.

I’m a member. Do I still need to make a reservation?
Nope! As of January 20, 2022, members and donors no longer need to reserve tickets online. Instead, simply show your new digital membership card and photo ID at the member entrance for admission.

How do I purchase tickets?
We strongly recommend that guests purchase tickets online at least one day in advance for the best prices and to guarantee availability on busy days. Tickets are available up to four weeks in advance—and the further in advance you buy, the more you’ll save.

Here’s how:

1. Head to our Buy Tickets page and select your ticket. 
2. Select your visit date. Click the dropdown menu to select a visit date. Unless otherwise noted, the Academy is open daily, Monday-Saturday, 9:30-5 pm, and Sunday, 11 am-5 pm. Members-only hours are Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 am and Sunday, 10-11 am. Tip: Weekdays and afternoons are usually quieter than weekends, and ticket prices are usually lower.
3. Select your ticket quantity. Indicate how many Adults (18-64), Youth (3-17), Students (18+ with ID), and Seniors (65+ with ID) are in your party. Children 2 and under always visit for free. 
4. Click Add to Cart to proceed to checkout. After completing your purchase, you will receive your tickets via email. On the day of your visit, please be sure to have your tickets ready for scanning, either on your smartphone (brightness all the way up, please!) or printed out.

Are discounted tickets available online?
At this time, the following discounted tickets are not currently available online and must be purchased or redeemed at the Academy ticket window:

• Museums for All: $3 Daytime Admission and NightLife (21+) tickets are available year-round for EBT/CalFresh, WIC, Lifeline Pass, and Medi-Cal cardholders. Simply present your card at the ticket window to purchase your $3 tickets. Limit 4 per group per visit (2 for NightLife); not valid for special events.
• Sustainable transportation discount: Enjoy $3 off Daytime Admission tickets when you walk, bike, or take public transit to the Academy.
• Military discount: Active-duty military personnel enjoy $3 off Daytime Admission tickets with valid military ID or proof of service (e.g., VA card or DD-214).
• Discover & Go: Library cardholders 14 and older can check out passes good for free Academy admission at participating libraries from San Francisco to Sacramento. Select your library system and log in, or contact your local branch for details.

Questions about any of these discounts? Please email us at info@calacademy.org.

Can I visit the Academy with San Francisco CityPASS® tickets?
Yes. Simply buy CityPASS® online for instant, paperless mobile ticket delivery. Next, present your CityPASS® tickets at the ticket window to receive the next available entry time—no advance reservations needed. Learn more about saving 46% off admission with CityPASS®.

Is Plan-Ahead Pricing still in effect?
Yes. The further in advance you buy, the more you’ll save on tickets. At this time, tickets are available to reserve up to 12 weeks in advance. Please note that ticket prices may vary by date. Learn more on our Plan-Ahead Pricing page.

Can I bring my class on a field trip?
Yes. School field trip reservations are available for formal California school groups of students in grades pre-K through 12, including preschool. To read more and apply, visit our School Field Trips page.

Can I bring a group?
If sufficient ticket quantities are available for your desired date, you are welcome to purchase tickets for up to 20 members of your group. Learn more on our Groups page.

What can I expect at NightLife?
We’ve made some adjustments to in-person NightLife events to help keep guests safe. At this time, NightLife capacity is limited and advance purchase is strongly recommended. View upcoming events here. As always, all guests must be 21+ with a valid, physical photo ID to attend. For those unable to attend in person, the Academy will continue to offer its free virtual NightSchool programs—informal online "classes" with an eclectic mix of science and culture—streaming live (and available as recordings afterwards) on the Academy’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Am I required to purchase a planetarium pass in advance in order to see a show during NightLife?
Yes. Due to high demand for planetarium shows during NightLife events, reserved planetarium passes ensure that guests have the opportunity to guarantee a seat, reduce wait times, and better plan their night. Passes must be purchased online in advance for an additional $5, and most NightLife events have showtimes at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 pm. A limited number of standby seats will be available for all showtimes as space allows on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I select a specific planetarium seat with my pass?
No, there is no assigned seating in the planetarium. We suggest you arrive 15 minutes before your showtime for choice seating.

How can I find out which shows are playing during NightLife before I purchase a pass?
A weekly program schedule, including planetarium shows, is available on each NightLife event page. Please note: Scheduled programming is subject to change prior to each event date.

What happens if I miss my reserved showtime? Can I exchange or get a refund?
Unfortunately, refunds are not available for planetarium passes. If you miss your reserved showtime or arrive after the planetarium doors have closed, our staff will do their best to accommodate entry to a later show if space permits. If you know you won’t be able to attend the event or would like to exchange for a different showtime, we are happy to exchange your planetarium pass for another date or time up to three days in advance of the event date. After that time, no exchanges can be made.

I’ve already purchased a NightLife Plus ticket. Do I still need to purchase a reserved planetarium pass?
No, all NightLife Plus tickets include entry to the 8:30 pm planetarium show. This is included in the cost of your NightLife Plus Ticket.

What dining options will be available during NightLife?
Food and beverages are available for purchase in the Academy Café and West Garden​ from 6-9:30 pm and include ​a variety of grab-and-go options, craft cocktails, and more​. All food and drink must be enjoyed in the Café or outdoors in the East or West Garden.

Can I re-enter the event after exiting?
For your safety, we’re no longer offering re-entry hand stamps. If you wish to re-enter after exiting, you will need to purchase a new NightLife ticket.

Are NightLife Plus experiences available?
Yes. NightLife Plus guests enjoy a private lounge, two complimentary cocktails and snack, priority entry to Osher Rainforest, reserved planetarium seating, and 10% off at the Café and retail stores. Please note that masks may be required at some portions of the tour portion of the NightLife Plus experience. Learn more!

Are there still public programs and demonstrations during the day?
Yes. We've resumed a variety of daily scheduled programs, and will continue to present “pop-up” programs where Academy staff will host spontaneous, exciting, educational mini-programs throughout the day on every floor, in the East and West Gardens, and on our Living Roof.

Are daytime VIP Tours available?
Yes. Book a VIP Tour to explore the secrets of the Academy as you spend an hour behind the scenes learning more about how the museum works—and what it takes to house nearly 46 million specimens. For ages 8+. Tour includes stairs and unpaved paths, and masks are required during some portions of the tour. 

VIP Tour ticket price does not include Daytime Admission. You will have the opportunity to add a VIP Tour to your order when reserving your tickets online.

How does the Academy screen guests for COVID-19?
All guests are required to review important health and safety information before purchasing tickets online, and are asked to confirm their responses to a confidential health self-screening before being permitted to enter the museum. If you or anyone in your party can answer “yes” to any of the questions on the screening, you will not be permitted to enter the Academy and will be invited to reschedule your visit for another day. Academy staff will be available to help you select another visit date.

Health self-screening (view PDF):

• Do not enter the Academy facility if public health guidance recommends that you or a member of your party should either quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19 or if you are currently ill with another communicable illness such as the flu.
• Use this calculator to determine if you or a member of your party should isolate or quarantine, and find further details on isolation and quarantine from the State of California here.

Are there temperature checks at the door?
At this time, the Academy has no plans to conduct temperature checks at the door in order to detect guests with fevers. While fevers over 100.4ºF are a common symptom of COVID-19, the consistent accuracy of infrared thermal temperature scanners and their effectiveness as a means of reducing community spread has not been established.

What precautions is the Academy taking to protect its staff?
Academy staff who can work remotely will continue to do so, while those whose work requires them to be in the building—such as animal care biologists, engineering staff, guest experience, security, and custodial staff—will be subject to the same daily health self-screening as guests, as well as our staff vaccination requirement.