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San Francisco, California / Museums

California Academy of Sciences

A world-class natural history museum, aquarium, and planetarium all under one roof in the heart of Golden Gate Park.

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California Academy of Sciences
www.calacademy.org, og_image_www.calacademy.org

What is the California Academy of Sciences known for?

It is a major natural history museum and research institute that houses over 46 million specimens. It combines an aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest under one roof.

What are the hours for the California Academy of Sciences?

Regular daytime hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is also a Thursday NightLife event for ages 21 and over from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where is the California Academy of Sciences located?

The Academy is located at 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, in the heart of Golden Gate Park.

When was the California Academy of Sciences founded?

The California Academy of Sciences was founded in San Francisco in 1853 as a learned society.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The California Academy of Sciences is a premier scientific and educational institution located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Founded in 1853 as a learned society, the Academy continues to conduct original research today, maintaining a massive collection of over 46 million specimens. This architectural marvel combines multiple experiences into a single destination. Visitors can explore a natural history museum, a world-class aquarium, and a state-of-the-art planetarium, as well as a lush rainforest exhibit. The facility is designed to unite exhibition, education, conservation, and research spaces under one roof. With approximately 1.4 million visitors per year, the Academy is among the largest museums of natural history in the world. It focuses on regenerating the natural world and provides a comprehensive look at the world's biodiversity and the cosmos. For those seeking a more adult-oriented experience, the museum offers 'NightLife' events on Thursday evenings, which are restricted to guests aged 21 and older. This transforms the museum's scientific discovery into a social gathering place for the city's residents and tourists alike.

Visitor tips

  • Plan for at least 4 hours to see the aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest.
  • Visit on Thursday evenings for the 21+ NightLife event from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Check the daily schedule for planetarium shows up front upon arrival.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the campus is large.

Nearby context

The Academy is situated at 55 Music Concourse Dr, in the center of Golden Gate Park, surrounded by other cultural institutions and green spaces.

Sources

Evidence and links