California Academy of Sciences

Category: Arts, Science, Museum

Since 1853, the California Academy of Sciences has dedicated its efforts to research and education about the natural world. The Academy of Sciences is the oldest scientific institution in the West, founded after the California gold rush to survey the vast resources of California and beyond. Today it has grown to be one of the ten largest natural history museums in the world, including Steinhart Aquarium and Morrison Planetarium, and is an international center for environmental research. The California Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution, supported by donations from corporations, foundations and individuals, by admission fees, store and cafeteria concessions, and by the City and County of San Francisco specifically for the operation of Steinhart Aquarium. The California Academy of Sciences, which includes Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium, and the Natural History Museum-all under one roof-is open 365 days of the year, including Mondays and all holidays. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm, with extended summer hours from 9 am to 6 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day.