California Academy of Sciences
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.
Private Spaces:
Full Buyout The California Academy of Sciences has fifteen unique spaces available for private events. Choose the space that’s right for you, or book the entire building and let your guests explore. Capacity: Seated:1,000+ Standing: 3,000+
Aquarium / Rain Forest Ideal for cocktail receptions, smaller seated dinners, wedding ceremonies & more, the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences is a dramatically-lit space filled with thousands of diverse and fantastic animals. The Aquarium is exhibit-rich & encourages social interaction & networking. Capacity: Seated: 100+ Standing: 350
African Hall African Hall is a self-contained, carpeted space surrounded by dynamic dioramas representing regions throughout the African continent. At the far end, the African Penguins are the star attraction. Perfect for seated dinners, dancing & events with elements that encourage guests to move through the space. Capacity: Seated: 280+ Standing: 400
Piazza Used for larger seated dinners, live entertainment, presentations, DJs, and proms, the Piazza of the California Academy of Sciences is an open-air space for fair-weather events. Glass walls and ceilings allow for views of the evening sky and surrounding exhibits. Capacity: Seated: 350+ Standing: 450
Grand Hall / Swamp Featuring tall columns and other impressive architectural elements, the Swamp at the California Academy of Sciences is ideal for seated dinners and presentations. During the event, guests can wander over to visit with Claude— the Academy’s alligator—and his equally impressive snapping turtle reptilian tankmates. An extension of the Swamp, the Grand Hall of the California Academy of Sciences is ideal for large seated dinners,fundraisers, and presentations. DJs and dancing also work well in this space. Capacity: Seated: 350+ Standing: 700
East Garden The East Garden is an outdoor space that features sculptures and the beauty of Golden Gate Park. Beneath the roof's solar panels is a concrete patio, and beyond is an open area with wood chips and little grassy hills. Capacity: Seated: 200+ Standing: 1780
Terrace Located in the California Academy of Sciences' West Garden, the Terrace offers views of the Golden Gate Park. The retractable glass walls allow the Terrace to be transformed from an enclosed private space to an outdoor garden venue. Capacity: Seated: 200+ Standing: 275
East & West Hall Your guests will enjoy exploring engaging interactive exhibits and live animals throughout the evening in the California Academy of Sciences' versatile East Hall. Ideal for smaller seated meals and receptions, it combines well with the adjacent African Hall space. Garden terrace included. The West Hall is ideal for group seated dinners, presentations, receptions, and wedding ceremonies. The space features immersive natural history exhibits and views into the Rainforest and the West Garden. Garden terrace included. Capacity: Seated: 440+ Standing: 800
The Planetarium Take a trip to faraway galaxies, or host your own lecture or ceremony. The Dark Adapt area is a unique location for small dinners or receptions. The Planetarium can be booked independently or as part of a larger event. The theater capacity is 296. Includes an HD projector with Blu-Ray capabilities. Capacity: Seated: 290+ Standing: 100
