The California Academy of Sciences is the only place in the world to combine a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium and world-class research facility. Explore the depths of a Philippine coral reef, climb into the canopy of a Costa Rican rainforest and fly to the outer reaches of the Universe.
Explore earth, ocean and space – all in one place. The California Academy of Sciences is the only place in the world to combine a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, 4-story rainforest dome and world-class research and education facility under one roof. All housed in the world’s largest public green building designed by award winning architect Renzo Piano. Topped with a living roof, a 2.5 acre expanse of native California plants, providing a habitat for birds, butterflies and insects, it blends seamlessly into the beautiful landscape of San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park. Daily interactions with animals, educators, and biologists within immersive, hands-on exhibits offer discovery and wonder for guests of all ages. The Academy will inspire lifelong curiosity and appreciation for the natural world as you experience the depths of a Philippine coral reef, climb into the canopy of a Costa Rican rainforest and fly to the outer reaches of the Universe.
Prepare to be moved! In this upcoming exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences, delve into the science behind earthquakes and learn how societies prepare for and respond to these destructive phenomena. Experience a high-magnitude jolt in our earthquake simulator, fly over and into our dynamic planet during an immersive planetarium show, and explore the impacts of the largest disaster in San Francisco’s history—the 1906 earthquake and fire. Along the way, you’ll see how earthquakes fit into the larger story of plate tectonics, a constant process that builds mountains, moves continents, and creates the landscape in which life evolves.