Special delivery! See our visiting baby camels (Dec. 6–19) and yaks (Dec. 20–Jan. 5) this holiday. Learn more
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 Academy
My favorite memory of the Academy of Sciences was the old tide pool at the Steinhart Aquarium with the starfish. Loved seeing them.
Ivey Janette McClelland, Albuquerque NM
2023-03-21T21:21:16-07:00
Dear CAS
Many years ago there was a seal tank in front of the academy entrance and one could purchase a packet of fish and feed the seals. Great fun! On Open House night we walked with our young children on a narrow walkway behind and above the fish tanks and gained a unique view of the fish. A very exciting experience for our children and for us.
Thank you for all the good times. The Anderson Family
2023-03-21T21:15:11-07:00
Dear California Academy of Sciences
My son and I were in the Bay Area a little over a year ago to pay our respects to a relative who had passed. As we were packing up in our hotel for the trip back to Sacramento, I had the urge to do something different (we live in Sacramento, and don't get into the Bay Area very often). I wanted to avoid the touristy-attractions (Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz,etc). I did some research, and cane across your website. So, on a whim, my son & I too the short drive from San Mateo to the museum - and I am SO glad that we did! The numerous attractions, the Planetarium (and, of course, "Claude") all made for a fantastic Father-S0n day out. We didn't get to enjoy everything that the Academy had to offer, so we're planning another trip soon (hopefully the Nightlife VIP Experience - that would be amazing!)...
With much love, Ted and Tre' Crews
2023-03-21T20:27:31-07:00
Dear Claude
I loved learning about what you eat for breakfast! It really made my day to watch you be silly and play with a rat when you got full. I always visit you when I come to the Academy.
Love, T. Stone
2023-03-21T18:39:40-07:00
Dear Cal Academy,
Thanks for being around my whole life, from the old museum, to the beautiful current building! Love the exhibits in the old museum: -Rocks and Minerals Hall in the old museum -Earthquake exhibit in the old museum, where we got to ride something that replicated an actual earthquake! -Stuffed animals in safaris, etc. -Museum store: mini drawstring bags of precious stones, like rose quartz and tiger eye! And the gorgeous newer building: -Beautiful and relaxing Planetarium shows! -Fun rotating exhibits, with an emphasis on conservation and sustainability! -Comfortable, chic, light-filled space! -Stunning and innovative rainforest exhibit that stretches to the top! Thank you for all the years of educational entertainment!
Love, Tracy
2023-03-21T17:41:58-07:00
Dear Academy,
The lasting memory of the Academy, which I loved to visit as a child, was the "sunset" at the old Planetarium. The San Francisco skyline was silhouetted against the sky as the sun went down and the stars started to appear. Soothing music played as a mood of peaceful contemplation and wonder established itself. Those planetarium shows gave me a lasting love of science and its mysteries.
Yours, Sidney Keith
2023-03-21T17:03:03-07:00
Dear Kyle,
From the moment we stepped into the museum, I felt a sense of excitement and wonder. This was our first big date. The halls were filled with the most incredible exhibits, and we both couldn't wait to explore every corner of it together. I knew from that moment that there was something special between us, a spark that was ignited and couldn't be ignored. As we walked through the exhibits, we talked about everything from the stars in the planetarium to the tiniest creatures in the aquarium.We laughed and joked, and I felt like we had known each other for years, rather than just a few weeks.Kyle, thank you for that incredible day and for every moment since.
Love, Estefania
2023-03-21T16:48:12-07:00
Dear Young Scientists
We enjoyed bringing fossils for you to examine up close and listening to your questions during Dino Days. We hope you will continue to learn about fossils and what they can tell us about the past.
Your Friends, Paleontologists of the Past
2023-03-21T16:37:42-07:00
Dear Academy
We’ve had the pleasure of being members of the academy for over 5 yrs. It’s the highlight of our trips to SF. I’ve watched my son grow up learning so many new things from the permanent and changing features. We have so many wonderful family memories. Thank you for being a beautiful site of intrigue and wonder.
Love, Cassie & Kenton
2023-03-21T16:19:19-07:00
Dear Academy,
As a high school senior, in the Spring of 1958, I placed a Geology Exhibit in the Science Fair held in the Old Academy Building and won an honorable mention. Also in 1958, I appeared on "Science in Action"
Great memories
2023-03-21T16:17:43-07:00
Dear California Academy of Sciences,
My experience there was amazing, there was just so much to see. I had been wanting to visit for quite a while, so my daughter and I finally took a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco. These are some of my favorite memories from our visit.
Love, Lea
2023-03-21T14:52:43-07:00
DEAR CLAUDE "THE ALBINO ALLIGATOR"
A MOMENT IN TIME .. THANK YOU FOR THE SPECIAL ATTENTION ON MY DAUGHTER'S SIXTH BIRTHDAY. MR. CLAUDE, THE ALBINO ALLIGATOR, TOOK TIME TO WAVE "HELLO" WITH HIS ARCHAIC CLAW!!! WHAT A SPECIAL MOMENT & DELIGHTFUL FRIGHT:) A HAPPY BIRTHDAY INDEED, AZALIA & CATALINA (SIXTH BIRTHDAY)
LOVE BIRTHDAY GIRL, CATALINA S.
2023-03-21T14:51:35-07:00
Dear Claude
Claude! It’s been so awesome every time I go to the California Academy of Sciences. As soon as I get there. First thing that I do is go straight until find you in your island or taking a nap in your pond. When I see you it makes me feel in peace because nobody else but you know how brave you are. I read your book and makes me cry and be sad but at the same time makes me feel happy and lucky to have you here in San Francisco. When I go there, I sit and start reading the story to you and the people who I am with. You are such an incredible animal and I love you so much. All my family includes my friends knows already about you and not as “The Albino Alligator”. They know you as “Claude” I will never get bored of going to the California Academy of Sciences because there’s much to see and appreciate! It’s just pure magic to enjoy and admire.
Love, Eri
2023-03-21T14:36:56-07:00
Dear library
I have been going to the Academy/Aquarium since 1943. Many years later, as a volunteer in the Academy Library, I had the task of organizing some boxes in the stacks. I came across a letter from John Muir to Alice Eastwood. His signature was enormous! and what a privilege and thrill for me, viewing and holding a part of the history of the California Academy of Sciences. I have been a member for as long as I can remember ...
Julie Alden
2023-03-21T14:28:43-07:00
Dear staff
For our 6-year-old son, the experience of visiting your museum was something unique. Seeing in his eyes how he marveled at the beautiful things of nature was something priceless. Total thanks.
Reynoso Family
2023-03-21T14:13:41-07:00