Check out our current exhibits, shows, tours, special events, and lectures. From frolicking penguins and out-of-this-world planetarium shows to scientist chats, nature crafts, and sleepovers, there's plenty to explore.
New & Featured
Expedition Reef

Dive into the breathtaking beauty of coral reefs in the Academy's newest original planetarium show.
PlanetVision

Science-based solutions for a better future—now on exhibit at the Academy and at PlanetVision.com.
Gems and Minerals Unearthed

Marvel at nearly 400 dazzling and dramatic specimens from the Academy's geology collection.
Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed

Descend into the twilight zone, where sunlight is scarce and every dive yields surprising discoveries.
SpaceQuest NightLife

Explore the cosmos with a 3 part series in April examining all dimensions of Space - Past, Present and Future.
Event Highlights
Penguin Feeding

Learn about our (hungry!) African penguin colony from an Academy biologist. 10:30 am & 3 pm daily.
Swamp Talk

Learn all about Claude, our albino American alligator, and other swamp-dwelling denizens. 3:30 pm daily.
Tours and Specialty Programs

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the Academy’s exhibits, live animals, and research. Tours offered daily.
Big Bang: Party After Dark

Join us on May 10 for the Academy’s biggest party of the year—featuring Grammy-winner T-Pain!
Iconic Exhibits
Steinhart Aquarium

Dive into one of the most biodiverse and interactive aquariums in the world, home to nearly 40,000 live animals.
Morrison Planetarium

Our 75-foot, all-digital dome displays one of the most accurate and immersive Universes ever created.
Osher Rainforest

Step inside a living four-story rainforest, home to free-flying tropical butterflies and birds.
Kimball Natural History Museum

The Kimball Natural History Museum explores the evolution—and future—of life on Earth.
Ongoing Exhibits
Color of Life

In nature, color is so much more than just décor.
Tusher African Hall

Explore our evolutionary history while surrounded by dioramas of African wildlife and splashing penguins.
Living Roof

Weather stations on the roof monitor wind, rain, and changes in temperature to help inform the building's automated systems and skylights, keeping rainforest temps just right, the interior piazza cool and comfortable, and natural light streaming to the exhibits below.
Human Odyssey

Trace the milestones of our species’ fascinating history by studying skull casts, interactive maps, and more.
The Swamp

Alligator snapping turtles and colorful, freshwater fish circle the albino alligator known as Claude.
Philippine Coral Reef

Watch reef fish dart through colorful forests of coral while giant rays sail gracefully under your feet.
Water Planet

Discover how animals have evolved fascinating methods of living in and out of water.
California Coast

Explore the amazing richness and diversity found in California's coastal waters.
Animal Attraction

Explore some of the animal kingdom's most outrageous (and successful) strategies for meeting and mating.
Project Lab

Witness some of the active scientific research taking place at the Academy every day.
Hands-on Exhibits
Curiosity Grove

Curiosity Grove is an all-new California forest-themed playspace designed to help young imaginations soar.
Naturalist Center

Get hands-on at the Naturalist Center with real specimens, hundreds of books and films, and interactive games.
Discovery Tidepool

Get up close and personal with the coastal creatures that call California tidepools home.