• The rainforest dome and Living Roof of the California Academy of Sciences at twilight
    The California Academy of Sciences is not your average venue.
  • A view of the penguin colony inside African Hall at the California Academy of Sciences
    Home to an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum…
  • View of the California Academy of Sciences' main entrance at sunset
    ...it offers a universe of possibilities under one living roof.
  • The Amazon Flooded Forest tunnel's underwater view of the rainforest at the California Academy of Sciences
    Host your event here, and you may find…
  • The Piazza at the California Academy of Sciences decorated for the Big Bang Gala
    ...that the evening takes on a life of its own.
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The art of events—down to a science. Complete a brief inquiry form to get started. 

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The world's largest living indoor coral reef. An awe-inspiring 75-foot planetarium. A four-story tropical rainforest. All inside architect Renzo Piano's iconic masterpiece.   

When you host an event at the Academy, you're not just treating your guests to a jaw-dropping setting and best-in-class service and support—you're helping to make our mission to explore, explain, and sustain life a tangible reality.

Learn more about our 15 incredible venues, and get inspired about partnering with one of the greenest museums on Earth. 

New! Virtual Experiences

Screenshot of Academy virtual Zoom tour featuring Claude the alligator

Embark on an Academy adventure from the comfort and safety of your own home. With our new virtual events, you can:

  • Get an Academy-themed Zoom room
  • Curate a customizable and flexible experience
  • Go behind-the-scenes with Claude the albino alligator
  • Hear fascinating tales from an Academy scientist
  • Test your knowledge with thematic trivia
  • Stream an awe-inspiring planetarium show, and more!
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15 Unique Venues

Click each venue for pictures, floorplans, and more details.

Aerial view of Academy

Full Building

Square footage: 40,000
Reception capacity: 3,000+
Seated capacity: 1,000

African Hall

African Hall

Square footage: 4,800
Reception capacity: 400
Seated capacity: 280

Reception in Aquarium

Aquarium

Square footage: varies
Reception capacity: 350
Seated capacity: 100

Boardroom

Board Room

Square footage: 1,250
Reception capacity: 120
Seated capacity: 70

East Garden terrace with red chair setup

East Garden

Square footage: 20,990
Reception capacity: 1,780
Seated capacity: varies

East and West Halls next to rainforest dome

East & West Halls

Square footage: 20,000
Reception capacity: 800
Seated capacity: 440
 

Forum

Forum

Square footage: 4,000
Reception capacity: 300+
Seated capacity: 250+

Grand Hall

Grand Hall

Square footage: 8,000
Reception capacity: 700
Seated capacity: 350+

Event on Living Roof under sunny skies

Living Roof

Square footage: 2,880
Reception capacity: 140
Seated capacity: varies

T. rex in Main Lobby

Main Lobby

Square footage: 4,100
Reception capacity: varies
Seated capacity: varies

Moss Room

Moss Room

Square footage: 1,100
Reception capacity: 100
Seated capacity: 75+

Dancing in the Piazza

Piazza

Square footage: 5,900
Reception capacity: 450
Seated capacity: 350+

Wedding inside the Planetarium

Planetarium

Square footage: 1,300
Theater seating: 290
Reception capacity: 100

Swamp with Claude the alligator

Swamp

Square footage: 5,000
Reception capacity: 300
Seated capacity: 200+

Terrace Restaurant

Terrace

Square footage: 5,000
Reception capacity: 275
Seated capacity: 200+

Weddings, Birthdays, & NightLife Private Lounges
Wedding reception in African Hall
Weddings

Celebrate your wedding at the California Academy of Sciences, one of the most unforgettable venues on Earth.

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Bartender at NightLife uses a cocktail shaker
NightLife Private Lounge

Enjoy creatures and cocktails on Thursday nights. Learn more by contacting us to host your unforgettable event.

Birthday party guests in party hats in the rainforest
Birthday Parties

Birthday parties at the Academy are wild! Celebrate with a party room, cupcakes, priority exhibit access & more.

Contact Us

Need help? Have questions? Our special events team is at your service. Please fill out an inquiry form and our team will reach out to you.

Inquiry form

(415) 379-5497