California Academy of Sciences
Aquarium, Planetarium, Museum...All Under One Roof in San Francisco
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Message from California Academy of Sciences
More than your typical San Francisco museum, The California Academy of Sciences is a world-class scientific and cultural institution home to some of the greatest wonders and brightest minds of the world. A planetarium, marine life-filled aquarium, natural history museum and 4-story rainforest can all be explored under one roof. Over 20 million specimens and artifacts fill the library at this Golden Gate Park, 400,000 sqare foot facility where you'll also find a staff of scientists, educators, researchers and scholars. From lectures to night life nature, San Francisco aquarium fun and learning for field trips to exploring the rainforest, adventurers of all ages enjoy the offerings of The California Academy of Sciences. Visit the website for current events and to conveniently purchase your admission tickets online.
Editorial by Citysearch
For those who think science museums are reserved for third grade field trips and retired seniors, this remarkable space dedicated to biology, astronomy, zoology and ecology will blow your mind. Forget the dust and mothballs and boring text placards that no one ever reads--the academy's new design features an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum (complete with stuffed gorillas and zebras), self-contained rainforest, living roof and two top-notch dining establishments (a full-service restaurant highlighting sustainable ingredients and an international food court-style cafe) from local chefs Charles Phan and Loretta Keller. Besides the innovative exhibits on the inside, the architecture alone stands out for its creative design that blends naturally into the back drop of Golden Gate Park, a testament to the eco-friendly focus of this new educational destination.Key Points
- San Francisco History Museum
- School Field Trips, Tour
- Aquarium and Planetarium
The Inside Scoop
- Save Money - Get $3 off your ticket by taking Muni or riding your bike to the museum, or come by on the third Wednesday of the month for free admission.
- The Extras - Check the website regularly for a schedule of special events and lectures.
Reviews for California Academy of Sciences
I never saw it in its old home, but I loved visiting it in its temporary home. This is an example of how to do these things best. There are surprisingly few world-class attractions in San Francisco, but I'd say this is already one of them, even before it fully opens.
Intelligent, good use of some eye-catching exhibits; I loved it and would go again.
Posted 01/07/07 | Report Abuse
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It's small and definitely a pale imitation of the great old museum it was out in Golden Gate Park but it's still beautifully presented and accessible by children and adults. We cannot wait for the new one to open in 2008.
The Howard Street temporary version features high quality exhibits that engage explorers of all ages to look, touch and experience science up close. The current large exhibit, Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries, is a winner. We saw how dinosaurs might have moved, where they probably lived and what they might have looked like with skin, feathers or fur . We saw many creatures we had not heard of before and with the invitation to touch actual dinosaur bones throughout. The fish, frogs, snakes and penguins are all still there and all doing interesting things. You can poke your nose right up to a piranha tank or a boa tank and see them react to you. It's small, as I say but will provide 2 or more hours of solid fun and learning. The cafe is nice and has vegetarian options like grilled cheese and gardenburgers. The shop is also small but stuffed with nice things at reasonable prices. Enjoy!
Posted 01/05/07 | Report Abuse
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The new home for the Academy of Sciences has opened
in Golden Gate Park - what a fantastic job they did - the
new fish displays are beautiful - the rain forest is great -
they saved some of the old and mixed it with the new -
cannot wait to see the roof garden this spring when all
the flowers are in bloom - a great place to spend on a
rainy day - the staff is friendly and helpful -
Posted 10/18/06 | Report Abuse
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California Academy of Sciences is a lot smaller in its new location, but still a treat for the kids to go and see. We really like all the fish tanks, but cant wait for the remodeling to be finished.
Posted 10/08/06 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
All I remember from my childhood of this place was a lot of green algae growing in tanks, everywhere!
I went recently and really enjoyed the Living Philippine Coral Reef exhibit.
"The Academy chose to feature a Philippine coral reef because the reef systems in the Philippines are among the most diverse in the world."
Very serene and eerie. Cool!
Posted 11/09/09
A great place to take the family. My kids loved all the exhibits from the Rain Forest to the Ocean. It was a little crowded when we went but that's expected for a Saturday. If you want a good out of town experience with the family then the California Academy of Sciences is a great place to go.
Pros: Awesome experience with the family
Cons: A little crowded
Posted 12/13/08
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