The California Academy of Sciences is home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and research and education programs, which engage people of allages and backgrounds on two of the most important topics of our time: life and its sustainability. Admission to the Academy is: $34.95 for adults; $29.95 for youth ages 12 to 17, Seniors ages 65+, and students with valid ID; $24.95 for children ages 4 to 11; and free for children ages 3 and younger. Admission fees include all exhibits and shows. Hours are 9:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Saturday, and 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on Sunday. During peak periods, including some holiday weekends, extended hours may apply. Visit www.calacademy.org or call (415) 379-8000 for more.
A month-long celebration of all things celestial, capped off by San Francisco’s biggest party of the year
![dome](https://calendar.calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_standard_960x540/public/assets/1_tim_williamson_rainforest.jpg?itok=TrIf_H9t&c=5079e22c12256dc35a20698c3493c7db)
© Tim Williamson
Big Bang: Party After Dark 2017
Thursday, April 27 | 8:30-midnight
21 and over
The Academy’s biggest bash of the year is back! Enjoy an unforgettable night of music by Hot Chip, dancing in the silent disco, photo booths, cocktails in the psychedelic lounge, and bites by some of the Bay Area’s best food trucks. This annual fundraiser supports the Academy’s mission to explore, explain, and sustain life. Individual tickets start at $125, but purchase by March 27 and save $25! Buy tickets here.
Astronomy Day
Saturday, April 29 | 10 am – 4 pm
Piazza
Founded in 1973, Astronomy Day is an opportunity to share in a love for stargazing! At the Academy, it’s a day filled with talks from both expert and amateur astronomers, building space-related crafts, learning about cutting edge research in the Bay, and more. Join us for an out-of-this-world festival celebrating the science of space!
Benjamin Dean Astronomy Lecture
The Diversity of Alien Worlds
MondayApril 3 | 7:30 pm
Morrison Planetarium
Dr. Stephen Kane, San Francisco State University
In this talk, Dr. Kane delves into the hundreds of planets that have been discovered, many showing a diversity to the ones in our own solar system. He takes a closer look at the planets which reside in the Habitable Zone (HZ) of their host stars, and will attempt to dispel some misperceptions about the Habitable Zone. Reservations required. $12 members and seniors; $15 non-members.
Penguins + Pajamas Sleepover
Saturday April 1
Ages 5-17, with adult chaperone
Why count sheep when you can count geckos and butterflies? Sleepovers let you explore the Academy after-hours, then snuggle up in your pajamas and sleeping bags at a location of your choice. Includes a bedtime story and snack, plus breakfast and Academy admission the following day.
$89 members, $109 non-members. Registration required. Visit calacademy.org/sleepovers for program details and registration.
Coming Soon!
Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs
Opening May 19, 2017
For as long as dinosaurs walked the Earth, flying animals called pterosaurs ruled the skies. Not birds, not bats, not dinosaurs—these extraordinary winged reptiles adapted for life in the air and were the first vertebrates to evolve powered flight. In this revealing new exhibit, explore rare fossils and discover the amazing diversity and evolution of these ancient creatures. Walk beneath a life-size model of the largest animal to ever navigate the skies and marvel at its colossal size. View a fabulous array of real pterosaur skulls alongside colorful illustrations of head crests. “Soar” through the sky and virtual prehistoric landscapes within a “Fly like a Pterosaur” interactive.
Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org).
Ongoing Events at the California Academy of Sciences
New Butterfly Emergence Experience
Osher Rainforest
The Academy’s four-story lush rainforest is teeming with more than 1,600 live plants and animals from around the world, but perhaps its best-known inhabitants are its fluttering, heart-captivating friends: the butterflies. Now, the life cycle of these tropical butterflies unfold through a special viewing chamber newly opened on the rainforest’s canopy level, which includes several butterfly species new to the dome.
Hubble’s Hits
Daily
Hofheld Hall
Celebrate the mind-boggling achievements of the famous Hubble Space Telescope and explore the scientific contributions of one of the most successful instruments ever launched into space. Uncover mysteries of our Universe— near and far—in this live, 15-minute program hosted by a Planetarium presenter. No tickets are necessary for this presentation.
Press Contacts
If you are a journalist and would like to receive Academy press releases please contact press@calacademy.org.
Digital Assets
Hi-res and low-res image downloads are available for editorial use. Contact us at press@calacademy.org to request access.