Bones NightLife

Tonight we pay tribute to Ray “Bones” Bandar, long-time friend of the Academy and legendary collector, with close-up views into his world-renowned bone collection.

During his lifetime, he collected over 7,000 specimens - most of them skulls - which will now join the Academy’s scientific collections. Make no bones about it, Ray designed some of NightLife’s most memorable and personalized displays.

As a nod to his exhibiting prowess, we’re creating a pop-up “Hall of Bones” showing off dozens of his specimens. A San Francisco native, Ray Bandar was a beloved member of the community - from science teacher to beach fixture - and inspired short documentaries and videos that will be on view throughout the evening.

Elsewhere, create your own skull with Green Art Workshop or turn yourself into a skeleton with assistance from a face painter.

Explore the myriad of ways that humans used bone across cultures and history with Stanford Archaeology.