Claude Memorial Sculpture to Debut at Academy of Sciences
The tribute will be unveiled during an after-hours celebration on October 22.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Fine Art
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Visitors to the California Academy of Sciences will remember the museum's longtime mascot, Claude the albino alligator, at an after-hours Día de los Muertos celebration on October 22, 2026. The evening event will feature the unveiling of a custom alebrijes-style memorial sculpture created in his honor.
Why it matters
For nearly two decades, the albino alligator served as an unofficial icon for the museum and local park-goers before his death in late 2025. This tribute offers residents a moment to mark the passing of a creature that became a fixture of Golden Gate Park life.
Claude lived at the Academy for nearly two decades after arriving in 2008, reaching 30 years of age at the time of his death in December 2025. The upcoming memorial event requires a ticket purchase of $26 and is restricted to guests aged 21 and older.
The players
California Academy of Sciences
The major science museum and research institution in Golden Gate Park that housed Claude for nearly 20 years.
Carolina Argote
The artist from Balam Arts commissioned to create the alebrijes-style sculpture.
Claude
The albino alligator who served as the museum's unofficial mascot from 2008 until his death in 2025.
The details
Artist Carolina Argote of Balam Arts designed the alebrijes-style sculpture to commemorate the life of the museum's former resident. The unveiling will occur during an after-hours event at the California Academy of Sciences located along the recently renamed Claude the Alligator Way. Attendees can purchase tickets through the institution's official portal to view the tribute in person.
Timeline
2008: Claude arrives at the California Academy of Sciences.
December 2025: Claude dies at age 30.
October 22, 2026: The memorial sculpture is scheduled for unveiling.
Across the Bay
The unveiling of the memorial sculpture builds upon the institution's recent commemorative efforts in Golden Gate Park. It follows the precedent established by the renaming of the local street to Claude the Alligator Way, marking a permanent place for the mascot in the city's public life.
If you plan to attend the unveiling on October 22, ensure you have secured a $26 event ticket in advance. Because the event is designated for a 21-plus audience, remember to bring a valid photo ID for entry to the museum.
The takeaway
Visitors to Golden Gate Park can honor the museum's legacy by tracking the new permanent sculpture on Claude the Alligator Way. Check the institution's event portal for future programming updates regarding the memorial's long-term display.
What happens next
The unveiling is scheduled to take place during the after-hours event on October 22, 2026, at the California Academy of Sciences.
Further reading
For more on local art projects in public spaces, visit the Fine Art section.
More information
For event schedules and ticket availability, visit the California Academy of Sciences event information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Francisco Chronicle.
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