Golden Gate Park in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The California Academy of Sciences
The 1906 earthquake had devastating consequences for the California Academy of Sciences. Immediately following the earthquake, dedicated staff members were able to rush to the Academy before the fire arrived and saved one carload of precious specimens and books, however, the majority of the specimen collection and library that took 50 years to collect was completely destroyed.
The Academy made a final move to the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park in 1916. The museum in Golden Gate Park expanded through decades of renovations and additions including the Steinhart Aquarium in 1923, the Alexander F. Morrison Planetarium in 1952 and Cowell Hall in 1969. Due to long-term wear and tear caused by over 100 million visitors and damage caused by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the first Golden Gate Park building was closed in early 2004 to make way for the new Renzo Piano designed Academy of Sciences building.
The façade of the 1916 building was incorporated in the new design of the building and can be seen flanking the main entrance. The California Academy of Sciences has a rich history of education and technology and the current building is no exception.
The California Academy of Sciences before Golden Gate Park
The California Academy of Sciences has been associated with Golden Gate Park for many years, but has actually been housed in more than four locations. The Academy of Sciences started with humble beginnings; the first building was founded in Lewis W. Sloat's office at 129 Montgomery St. in San Francisco. Lewis W. Sloat and Andrew Randall wrote the constitution for the Academy on April 4, 1853.
When the Academy outgrew Sloat's office, the first museum was opened in 1871 in the First Congregational Church on the corner of California and Grant (then named Dupont). In 1890, it became apparent that the Academy was outgrowing their facilties once again and proceeded to move to 819 Market St. in San Francisco.
Erected by San Francisco Recreation & Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Entertainment • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 37° 46.293′ N, 122° 28.03′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Golden Gate Park. Marker is at the intersection of Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive and Bowl Drive, on the left when traveling west on Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. Marker is at the north corner of the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94118, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pair of Sphinxes (within shouting distance of this marker); The Vintage Vase (Le Poème de la Vigne) (within shouting distance of this marker); General Pershing Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park (about 300 feet away); The California Midwinter International Exposition (about 400 feet away); The Music Concourse (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named California Midwinter International Exposition (about 500 feet away); Japanese Tea Garden (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
Also see . . . California Academy of Sciences. (Submitted on April 12, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 316 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 12, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.