After-Dark Museum Culture in San Francisco
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San Francisco is famous for its vibrant science and culture museums, but this popularity often comes with swarms of tourists and sky-high admission prices. However, there’s another environment to enjoy these museums — after dark. Almost all major San Francisco museums have added after-hours, adults-only events on select nights for a reduced entry fee, adding live music, special movie screenings, and alcohol to their usual exhibits.
![California Academy of Science](https://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3638630-775px-california-academy-of-sciences-indoor-rainforest.jpg?s=10x)
1. California Academy of Sciences NightLife
Museum
Every Thursday from 6-10pm, California Academy of Sciences opens its doors for NightLife, a museum party with a different theme each week. With two house DJs, a bar, and a 20-something crowd dressed up for a nightclub, this museum event is definitely the most rowdy. Be sure to bring an ID because a valid 21+ ID is required for entry. Almost all of the day exhibits are open at night, including the rainforest room, a mock-ecosystem filled with reptiles and butterflies for attendees to walk through. Make sure to head there first—this exhibit closes at 8pm. Exploratorium After Dark | Courtesy Flavorwire
2. Friday Nights at the de Young Museum
Building, Museum, Park
![San Francisco Golden Gate Park](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2e18j5p-1.webp)
On top of all of the special nighttime activities like live music, lives performances, author readings, and kite-making at Friday Nights at the de Young, attendees also can experience the entire museum for free. This includes the museum’s famous Observation Tower, boasting an unobstructed 360-degree view of San Francisco and the bay. With free entry, attendees can splurge on the cash bar and pre-fixe restaurant menu inside, while enjoying music and themed interactive exhibits and hands-on craft making.