Museum at night
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When the lights dim, the museum comes alive at NightLife. With live DJs, craft cocktails, glowing lights, and 60,000 live animals (including familiar faces like Claude, our alligator with albinism), the night is sure to be wild.

Plus, you can:

  • Step inside the iconic Shake House earthquake simulator and our four-story Osher Rainforest, where you can explore the Amazon’s treetops surrounded by free-flying birds and butterflies.
  • Venture into our aquarium exhibit Venom to encounter live venomous animals and learn the power of venom to both harm and heal.
  • Visit the BigPicture exhibit in the Piazza to marvel at the most recent winners of the BigPicture Natural World Photography competition.
  • Bask in the glow of one of the largest living indoor coral reef displays in the world: our 212,000-gallon Philippine Coral Reef habitat.
  • Take in the interstellar views from the Living Roof, then grab a bite from the Academy Café and head to the West Garden to drink and dine under the stars.

Nightlife is supported by Local Motion® Vodka Sodas, light, refreshing, and simply made with vodka, carbonated water, and natural flavors. Grab a can of Local Motion® at bars throughout NightLife this year!

Music

NightLife rules, regs, and reminders

NightLife is for adults 21+ only. Valid, physical photo ID required.

Last entry into Osher Rainforest is 7:30 pm — our animals need their sleep.

Morrison Planetarium passes are available online in advance for $5 each while supplies last. Showtimes are 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 pm. A limited number of standby seats will be available for all showtimes as space allows on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gems and Minerals Unearthed opens to the public at 8:30 pm. It is reserved for NightLife Plus guests from 6 - 8:30 pm.

Food and drink are not permitted in Osher Rainforest, Morrison Planetarium, or the Swamp.

Help everyone stay healthy: It's not required, but we encourage all guests to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations and to mask up indoors. If you’re feeling sick or have been in close contact with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 or another respiratory virus, please visit another time. View our health and safety page.

Still have Qs? Click here for As.

Planetarium Shows

6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:30 pm

Where did the building blocks of life come from? Journey across space & time to explore how elements are made.

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Upcoming events

February 20th at 6:00 pm

We’re back with another collab with SF staple Noise Pop Music and Arts Festival featuring a DJ set by DāM-FunK.

February 27th at 6:00 pm

Dive into a night of glowing lights and unexpected wonders – where science inspires music and nightlife magic.

March 6th at 6:00 pm

Hold on to your butts! We’re celebrating the opening of our new exhibit, Dino Days, with a colossal party.

March 13th at 6:00 pm

Let your inner child loose alongside 60,000 live animals and explore the Academy at night.

March 20th at 6:00 pm

Mysteries of the deep meet cocktails of the night. Plunge into the deep sea at our new exhibit, Unseen Oceans.

March 27th at 6:00 pm

Join us for our second annual celebration of global connection through music, fashion and dance in the Bay Area.