The California Academy of Sciences plans to reopen to the public on Oct. 23, with members preview days beginning Oct. 13.
This will be the first time the 167-year-old research institute and natural history museum, in Golden Gate Park across from the de Young Museum, will welcome visitors since closing in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Virologist Shannon Bennett, Cal Academy’s chief of science, has been instrumental in formulating recommendations for best practices as the facility prepares to reopen. Like several San Francisco art museums that are reopening, Cal Academy will operate at 25% capacity, with all guests required to wear a mask. Social distancing will also be enforced throughout the premises, with signage promoting the safety measure.
Advance reservations for Cal Academy will be required, and once guests are inside, electronic reservations must also be made to enter the rain forest dome and the earthquake simulator Shake House.
The Morrison Planetarium will remain closed.
“We can’t wait to open our doors, especially to our San Francisco neighbors,” Cal Academy Executive Director Scott Sampson said. “As a respected voice for science, we’re going above and beyond to prioritize safety.”
New attractions on view include the photography exhibition “BigPicture,” featuring 49 images from the Cal Academy’s annual nature, wildlife and conservation photography competition, in the piazza. In the aquarium, “Venom: Fangs, Stingers and Spines” will showcase more than a dozen species feared for their venom.
Sampson added, however, that Academy@Home “will continue to meet folks where they are with exciting, free online programs.”
In addition to Cal Academy, the Conservatory of Flowers reopened Oct. 1, while Children’s Fairyland in Oakland reopened its gates Oct. 3..
California Academy of Sciences: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $29.75-$39.75 general admission. 55 Music Concourse Drive, S.F. 415-379-8000. www.calacademy.org
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