Please note: Osher Rainforest will be closed for maintenance May 7-9.
On September 29, 2023, Steinhart Aquarium is turning 100! You’re invited to add to this community scrapbook by sharing a favorite memory, creature, or aha! moment from the museum. Thanks for contributing your stories—and being part of ours.
Dear rainforest creatures and many many stars
You were wonderful hosts for a family reunion between East and West Coast cousins! We had a great time wandering through the rainforest and watched a planetarium show. The fun continued throughout the weekend around San Francisco but happy to have kicked it off with you :-)
Love, the Colombini family
2023-03-21T11:42:23-07:00
Ichthyology
My most vivid memory is from the day the old building held a moving sale. I bought a desk chair that was labeled “Ichthyology”. I use it every day. I’m so glad I have it. I miss that old building- it’s dark basement classrooms, it’s cave-like aquarium, it’s windy courtyard. It remains in my mind as a place my kids and I felt at home, even though we were from far away.
Gone but not forgotten
2023-03-21T11:42:10-07:00
Dear Dr Scott & The Academy of Sciences
My husband and I brought my uncle who was visiting from Colorado (a geologist) and my 7 year old son to the academy of sciences. We truly had a magical day there. The academy of science brought out the child in my uncle and a curiosity for science in my 7 year old. Dr Scott took time out of his very busy day to talk to my son about dinosaurs. It brought him such joy to meet the famous paleontologist. Since our visit, my son loves to read about dinosaurs and science. Looking forward to our next visit with his 1st grade class. Thank you again for memories that we will cherish forever !!
Love, The Delima Family
2023-03-21T11:38:57-07:00
Dear old fountain in the central courtyard
Back in the day kids would get branches and try and fish all of the coins out of the fountain to get food at the snack bar. There would be an arms length, or kids' arm/branch length, clear area around the fountain that would be cleaned out of any coins. So if you didn't throw your wish coin far enough into the middle it was used for french fries.
Alex (it's been 40 years, but don't tell my mom)
2023-03-21T11:29:48-07:00
Dear Academy of Sciences
We have always loved going to the AoS. My son has grown up going there. A highlight for me was when my friend who volunteers there, Josh, was SCUBA diving in the big fish tank and was able to chat with my son and me during his presentation. This was probably 7 years ago, and I want to say my bug also got to see the reindeer you had on the property then! Lol now he’s a teenager, and I dropped him and his friend off this last summer so he could show his friend all the wonders of your facility while I took our Irish wolfhound on a walk around Golden Gate Park…lol that was probably a highlight for my son for sure, not having mom stop him to ooh and ah over every little detail. Also, my favorite thing there are the spiny lump suckers! I just love those fish!
Love Alexandria and Liam
2023-03-21T11:24:33-07:00
Dear Academy,
Happy Birthday!! Thanks for being there for the beginning of our family!! Our 10 year wedding anniversary is this year and we had a delightful wedding at the Academy, complete with Penguins pooping during the ceremony.
xoxo, the Hillier Family
2023-03-21T11:18:14-07:00
Dear California Academy of Science of Sciences staff,
Thank you for making this place memorable and amazing. My (now) 3-year-old son always finds something amazing to talk about each time we go. I have been going here since I was a little kid and it's just amazing to have a place as great as this one. Thank you
Love, Ivan and family
2023-03-21T11:14:34-07:00
Dear Bro
We look very alike
Love, your sis
2023-03-21T11:13:56-07:00
Dear Saurus
Are we safe ?
Cool
2023-03-21T11:08:23-07:00
Dear Dhruv,
Your experience at the Cal Academy left you inspired and awed.
Love, Ma
2023-03-21T11:07:54-07:00
Makers of the Earthquake Simulator
Thank you for this great exhibit. I'll never forget the first time I took my son into the 'box'. He got to experience what it was like for his great-grandmother and great-great-grandparents at that moment back in 1906. It brought him closer to his family and make him feel even more like a true San Franciscan!
The Kliban Family
2023-03-21T11:05:34-07:00
Dear Shruti
What an unforgettable way to celebrate your 11th b'day. You and your butterfly friend look adorably happy!
Love, Ma
2023-03-21T11:04:50-07:00
The scream that stopped traffic!!
I distinctly remember visiting with my best friends when we were in our teens. We were fascinated watching a snake shredding its skin. I have a phobia about snakes (thanks dad) and the longer I watched the more agitated I became. Suddenly I felt something slowly moving up my leg I let out a scream that I’m sure was heard at city hall! It was Gloria slithering her foot along my calf, laughing hysterically. Still don’t appreciate snakes much, but now take my grandkids to visit….they go see the snakes on their own. I hang out with Claude!
Janet
2023-03-21T11:04:26-07:00
Hello Academy of Sciences
Our family visited the Academy of Sciences during our Thanksgiving holiday visit during Covid and it was a wonderful highlight of the year during the pandemic! My 11yr old son is a nature lover and we both have an affinity for science. We took in the rainforest, the rocks, the animals, the aquarium life and took in the wonder of the small creatures too!
Thank you! The Rider Family
2023-03-21T10:59:22-07:00
Dear Charlie
Remember when you celebrated your 6th birthday here?, everything was so big and exciting for you. Your favorite was the dinosaur at the front and the big tanks with fishes.
Love, Mom and Dad
2023-03-21T10:53:24-07:00