California Academy Of Sciences, San Francisco | General Info

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4 Steinhart Aquarium at The CA Academy of Sciences

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MUSEUM.

It started in 1853 as an organization of scientists. It was based along Market street but this was completely destroyed by the 1906 Earthquake.

The museum was moved to the current location in 1916 after it was forced to start afresh after the 1906 quake. Sadly, in 1989, another quake known as Loma Prieta, destroyed some parts of the building forcing them to temporarily relocate to Howard street.

After a brief political struggle it was decided that the museum be built afresh. The new design by Renzo Piano, an Italian Architect, has attracted international acclaim for its eco-friendliness.

WHAT YOU EXPECT TO SEE.

The Morrison Planetarium

This is a dome that lets you see the universe with the eyes of an astronaut. It is fitted with the best surround screen available and with comfortable seating for an immersive experience. In addition, it is the biggest dome of its kind in the world. The entryway to the dome is called the Hohfeld Hall where they broadcast films on different subjects.

Rainforest

This section is divided into four levels; each level depicting a different rain forest in the world. The bottom depicts the floor of the Amazon as it is flooded. The other levels show rainforests from Madagascar, Costa Rica and Borneo. They have managed to mimic the conditions in rainforests by altering the temperature and the air moisture in this section to allow you to have the full tropics experience.

Plants native to these rainforests have been planted all over. For example the Cacao plant. There are also some animals that naturally live in rainforests that live there. These animals include lizards and snakes. Also, expect to see some beautiful McCaw parrots at the Amazon level. The university has managed to mimic the environment that they enjoy in the wild. Furthermore, there is a tunnel where you get to walk underneath the flooded Amazon. Here, if your lucky, you can spot some Piranha.

The animals are in their cages as some are dangerous (poison frogs). You will, however, interact with some colorful butterflies which fly freely.

Tusher African Hall

This is a section for African animals. This section was left undamaged by the earthquake and thus it has an old feel to it. It offers some taxidermied animals and some paintings for a great experience.

Also as the African section comes to a close you get to some evidence of evolution in the early human skulls that are on display.

Steinhart Aquarium at The CA Academy of Sciences

It is located under the main level and is accessible via the swamp located on the back end of the museum. At the swamp, you get to see an albino alligator, a very rare sight.

Here you get to see varying aquatic life from the worlds water bodies: both fresh and salty. They let you view all manner of aquatic life including fish, snakes, insects and even jellyfish.

The living roof.

This roof is actually alive with plant cover. It has been designed to look like natural vegetation. Some holes have been designed to let in air and light into the museum. The vegetation helps keep the museum cool and attracts rain which is then harvested for irrigation. There is a section for roof viewing.

Earthquake exhibit.

This is basically a room where you get to experience an earthquake but without all the destruction that comes with it. You first have to watch a short film about earthquakes then you get to experience the force of some earthquakes that have hit San Francisco. For example the 1906 earthquake.

As seen earlier, earthquakes have been a major factor in the museum’s history so this is a popular section with locals and visitors alike.

EXTRAS.

The museum caters for you if you get hungry. You can visit the Academy Cafe on the main level, the Moos Room which is downstairs or you can choose to enjoy the scenery as you eat outside at Terrace cafe.

There are also three gift shops where you will find a large number of books, games, toys and gadgets.

Thursday night is considered party night. Adults over 21 years can enjoy great music, dancing and cocktails.

There is also ample parking around the museum area; on the streets or in an adjacent parking garage.

CONCLUSION.

This is a great place to visit and with all these things to see you should dedicate an entire day for this museum. You will surely have a joyous and memorable time.

North Beach
San Francisco, CA

Take Bay St to Lombard St
6 min (1.2 mi)

Drive along US-101/Doyle Dr, Veterans Blvd and Park Presidio Blvd
14 min (5.6 mi)

Take Martin Luther King Jr Dr to Music Concourse Dr
5 min (0.8 mi)
25 min (7.6 mi)
Steinhart Aquarium at The CA Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

Take Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr to Martin Luther King Jr Dr
2 min (0.4 mi)
Continue on Martin Luther King Jr Dr. Take Oak St, US-101 S and Evans Ave to Hunters Point Blvd
24 min (7.4 mi)

Take Innes Ave to Friedell St
3 min (0.8 mi)
29 min (8.6 mi)
Hunters Point
San Francisco, CA

Take Innes Ave and Evans Ave to 3rd St
5 min (1.6 mi)
Take I-280 S, Brotherhood Way and Lake Merced Blvd to Sloat Blvd
18 min (9.2 mi)
23 min (10.7 mi)
1345 CA-35
San Francisco, CA 94132

Head east on Sloat Blvd toward Middlefield Dr

351 ft

Make a U-turn at El Mirasol Pl

0.6 mi
Keep righ to stay on Sloat Blvd

0.6 mi

Turn right onto Great Hwy

2.5 mi

Turn right onto Fulton St

0.7 mi

Turn left onto 38th Ave

Destination will be on the left

0.5 mi

14 min (4.9 mi)
524 39th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94121
These directions are for planning purposes only. You may find that construction projects, traffic, weather, or other events may cause conditions to differ from the map results, and you should plan your route accordingly. You must obey all signs or notices regarding your route.

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