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About Us

The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.
Beautiful sea nettle jellyfish exhibit glows orange as two boys stare in wonder
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Life-changing moments. World-changing science. We’re an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park—and a powerful voice for biodiversity research and exploration, environmental education, and sustainability across the globe.
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Photo illustration of diver planting coral polyps and girl planting flowers

Mission: Regeneration

Within a generation, we envision a natural world that grows healthier, more resilient, and wilder each year. By regenerating critical ecosystems, we can help human and animal communities thrive.

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Academy curator Luiz Rocha and research partner Ahmed Najeeb examine a specimen in the Maldives

Strategic Initiatives

Discover how the Academy is regenerating biodiversity and empowering communities from the Golden State to the Gulf of Guinea with Thriving California, Hope for Reefs, and Islands 2030.

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Volunteer scuba diver swims in the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit among colorful fish

Leadership

Get to know our cross-functional senior leadership team, Board of Trustees, and 450 Academy Fellows distinguished in a variety of scientific disciplines.

The Academy's Chief of Science Shannon Bennett using a pipette in her lab

Careers & Paid Internships

Educators. Scientists. Designers. Biologists. At the Academy, you can make your passion your profession. Explore our current job and internship opportunities. 

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Girl touching kelp in the Academy's discovery tidepool touch tank

Impact

From field research to field trips, the Academy believes in the power of science to transform individuals, communities, and ecosystems. See the data and read the stories.

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March for Science banner says "Science is for Everyone" held by Academy staff

Vision & Values

Sound science should be informed by sound principles. See how our core values and code of ethics are intrinsic elements of our work.

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Colorful cut and raw gems and minerals on exhibit at the Academy

Financials

We make the most of every donor dollar. Browse the Academy's tax returns, audited financial statements, 990s, and annual reports.

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Aerial view of large crowd at Academy entrance on opening day in 2008

Our History

Since 1853, we've stood strong as California's voice for science. Take a trip through 160+ years of Academy milestones—and two major earthquakes.

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Video portrait wall from the Academy's Skin exhibit, with silhouetted guests in foreground

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Access

The Academy's road to racial equity is still very much under construction, but we’re committed to ensuring our actions match our values—and to communicating our progress with you along the way.

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Nonprofit. Pro-science. Support the Academy with a donation today.

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Hours

Monday–Saturday:
9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday:
11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday NightLife (21+):
6–10 p.m.

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Location

California Academy of Sciences
info@calacademy.org
Golden Gate Park
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
United States
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The California Academy of Sciences is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

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Your gift brings joy to the (natural) world.

Help secure a brighter future for the Academy and our planet: Make your tax-deductible year-end gift today.

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Time is running out to match your gift!

$5 becomes $25. $10 becomes $50. $200 becomes $1,000. A generous donor is matching all gifts 5X—but only through Jan. 1.

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Adopt a coral polyp!

We were the first aquarium in the U.S. to spawn coral in a lab. You can help our coral babies grow up for just $10 a month.

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Think globally. Give locally.

Ticket and membership sales alone can't sustain our 60,000 animals. But by making a gift today, you can make all the difference in the world.

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Give today to make your favorite ‘gator grin!

Celebrate Claude’s favorite holiday by supporting the world-class care he receives at the Academy—and get a free Claude storybook as our thanks!

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A gift for all seasons

Share the wonder of the Academy all year long for as low as $99.

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