Academy of Sciences

The Academy of Sciences has recently reopened in Golden Gate Park after many years of being in SOMA due to earthquake damage. The academy is a 400,000 square foot structure that houses an aquarium, a planetarium a natural history museum and a 4-story rain forest all under one roof, and the roof is alive!

We attended the day after Christmas and decided to go early to get a jump on the crowds. Unfortunately, about 20,000 other people had the same idea. We arrived and there was already a line way down the street. There are two premier exhibits, the planetarium and the rain forest. Unfortunately we were not able to see either due to massive crowds. We got in line to get tickets for the planetarium at 9:45, and the show we would have been able to see was the 2:30pm show. A bit silly. The Academy should allow you to reserve your time in advance.

The aquarium is truly spectacular. Fish and crocks from all over the world. There is an albino alligator. In the Africa hall there is a group of penguins swimming. You get a view above and below water.

We really look forward to taking our nieces Bridget and Alisa to the museum.