Happy 170th Birthday to the California Academy of Sciences // SF
Celebrate the 170th birthday of the California Academy of Sciences on April 4, during its first-ever Academy Day!
It’s a fun and educational day of philanthropy featuring a special science fair, specimen popup booths, fun prizes, and live screen printing.
About event!
We may be the oldest scientific institution in the West, but we still know how to party.
Celebrate the Academy’s anniversary on Tuesday, April 4, at an all-new community event supporting the Academy’s long tradition of connecting families to the natural world, expanding opportunities for youth underrepresented in the sciences, and biodiversity research and exploration.
You can participate in this special day by visiting the museum, sharing an Academy memory, or making a donation to help us achieve our mission.
Thanks for 170 years of support—and we’ll see you on April 4!
Watch our welcome video!
In addition to our Spring Festival activities, face painting, and a photo booth, Academy Day offerings will include:
• Science Fair
Dive into the science that drives our three regeneration initiatives–Hope for Reefs, Islands 2030, and Thriving California–with Academy scientists, biologists, and curators.
• Live Screen printing with San Franpsycho
Get a fresh tee or tote showing your support of Academy Day printed by our Inner Sunset neighbor. Donations of $170 or more will qualify for a free tote.
• Planetarium Popup
Join our planetarium presenters for hands-on activities demonstrating the marvelous science that makes up our universe.
Mote activities!
Curate your Academy Day with scientific precision—or enjoy surprising discoveries around every corner.
8:30 am: Stingrays and snacks: Donors and members are invited to kick off their Academy Day with a complimentary coffee and pastry in the Café.
10:30 am, 3 pm: Penguin Feeding: Head to African Hall for a lively penguin feeding and presentation by our biologists—and keep an eye out for our new chicks Pogo and Ozzy!
1 pm: Ocean Action: The Power of pH!: Join us for this hands-on program that reveals the connection between the sea, the sky, and you.
1:30 pm: Swamp Talk: Get to know the vitally important wetland ecosystems of the Southeast—and meet Claude, our beloved American alligator with albinism.
2 pm: Coral Reef Feeding: Learn about the importance of reefs as the colorful inhabitants of the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit munch on their lunch.
4:30 pm: Tour of the Universe: Discover the immense scale of the known Universe in this exciting live planetarium presentation that leaves Earth far behind.
Those who are unable to visit the Academy in person on Academy Day are invited to share their fond memories in an online scrapbook at https://www.calacademy.org/steinhart-aquarium-centennial-stories.
