Academy Floor Plan
Philippine Coral Reef

A 25' deep aquarium will feature the world's deepest interior coral reef ecosystem. Three thousand exotic fish will swim in 212,000 gallons of saltwater. Divers equipped with a communication system will reveal the inner workings of the reef to visitors.

Swamp

One of the most popular Academy exhibits returns, complete with restored seahorse railings and living alligators. The swamp will feature turtles, a rare white alligator, and fish species commonly found in a subtropical, southern U.S. swamp.

Alligator Gars

These ancient animals have evolved to look like alligators but they are actually large fish.

Water Planet

Life exists on Earth primarily because it has liquid water. This exhibit features exciting water focused multimedia presentations and exotic jewel cases designed to inspire visitors to protect this precious resource.

Northern California Coast

The Farallones National Marine Sanctuary comes to life in the 100,000-gallon tank teeming with small sharks, abalone, and sea urchins. Tide pools let visitors get up close to sea stars and crabs, while sea bass, a giant octopus and jellyfish swim past in other exhibits.

Discovery Tidepool

Touch sea stars, hermit crabs, and other residents of the California rocky coast.

Amazon Flooded Forest

Visitors descend in a glass elevator to a floor beneath the three-story Rainforest exhibit. Here, the submerged world of the Amazon during the rainy season comes to life with live anacondas, piranhas, giant catfish, and more. A 25-foot-long acrylic tunnel enables visitors to gaze up through a 100,000-gallon Amazonian tank to the Rainforest exhibit above.

Islands of Evolution

Visit the remote islands of Madagascar and the Galapagos and meet some of their most unique inhabitants.

Science in Action

The latest scientific discoveries—from research on climate change to the creation of new stars at the far reaches of space—are presented at the Academy's science newsroom on a daily basis.

African Hall

Traditional dioramas pull visitors into the detailed zoological landscape of Africa. Meticulous restorations showcase gorillas, zebras, leopards, and lions in naturalistic habitats. The thriving colony of South African Penguins will be on view at the far end of Tusher African Center.

Pendulum

The Foucault Pendulum returns, at the end of 30-foot-long steel aircraft cable. Because the direction of the pendulum's swing precesses daily, the Foucault Pendulum proves that the Earth rotates. The effects of Earth's rotation cause the plane of the pendulum's swing to rotate, or precess, over time.

Early Explorers Cove

Hands-on exhibits designed for toddlers, as well as their parents and caregivers. Kids experiment and interact with displays, including a California backyard garden, complete with play area.

Planetarium

A 180° screen and state-of-the art digital projection system immerse visitors in a wrap-around visual experience. Real-time data from NASA will visualize a trip from our solar system to the very edges of the universe and back.

Research Lab

Watch Academy scientists at work through the windows of the active research laboratory. Next door, peek into one of the storage rooms for the Academy's 20 million specimens.

Rainforests of the World

Inside the 90-foot diameter dome, a spiraling pathway takes visitors through three discrete rainforest galleries that feature living animals native to Borneo, Madagascar and Costa Rica rainforests. Free-flying birds and butterflies enliven the journey.

Building Green

Touch a piece of denim insulation, see conservation in action, and learn what it takes to create one of the greenest buildings on Earth.

Climate Change in California

Visitors will experience the biodiversity of California and also learn how climate change is transforming natural habitats and our way of life. The exhibit will help the public understand climate change and the need to take action.

Academy Gardens

Planted with native species, the Academy gardens include two art installations by Maya Lin and an aviary for birds of prey.

Naturalist Center

A resource center where guests of all ages can research exhibits, examine specimens, and surf the web on science related topics. The center will also provide an intimate setting for lectures and small public programs.

Forum

Home to the auditorium and 3D theater, the Forum hosts special lectures, programs, and temporary exhibits.

Living Roof

Visitors will have access to the Living Roof with views of the surrounding park from an open-air observation terrace.

Making Headlines

Feel the excitement the new Academy is generating in the press.

Learn more »

Favorite Past Exhibits

Remember the Academy's special exhibit on Skulls, Dinosaurs, or Chocolate?
View archived exhibits »

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