California Academy of Sciences - 150th Anniversary Celebration

Academy Store staff in the newly remodled main store.

DEPARTMENT MILESTONES

1987
The Academy opens its own museum stores in Cowell Hall and in the Steinhart Aquarium Swamp. Previous museum shops were concessions managed by outside companies.

1988
The Academy Store establishes “satellites,” or themed stores located within special exhibit galleries. (There will have been 20 of these by 2003!)

1990
As a result of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the main Academy Store moves into Science Hall and features a new selection of ethnic arts. The Children’s Store remains in Cowell Hall.

2001
Fire breaks out before midnight on August 30th. It destroys the main store and the Earthquake! special exhibit store, as well as inventory in three satellite stores.

2002
The main store reopens with specially designed, modular walls and fixtures. This new store will move downtown with the Academy in the fall of 2003.

Academy Store | Merchandising in Support of Education and Research

Extending the Museum Experience
The Academy Store provides museum visitors of all ages with high quality products and service that reinforce Academy values. Merchandise offered reflects the Academy’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and respecting all human cultures.

Art in Science
You’ll see many exclusive or one-of-a-kind items offered in The Academy Store. Knowledgeable staff members seek out and work with local artists and organizations to develop new products that will educate and delight Academy visitors. Often based on exhibit themes, all are inspired by nature.

Responsible Retail
Whether you select an African drum or Navajo silver earrings, you can feel good about your purchase. The Academy Store offers a wide array of ethnic artifacts from around the world, documented to ensure that the artisans are compensated for their work. No items made with material from endangered plant or animal species are sold. All store proceeds support the Academy’s research and education programs.

The Academy Online Store
Would you rather shop at home for that Field Guide or an unusual gift item? Visit the Academy’s Online Store for a virtually wonder-filled shopping experience.

150th Anniversary Celebration | 150 Years: A Timeline | 150 Years of Research | The New Academy