I Love the “Nightlife”

The new California Academy of Sciences opened last fall to much fanfaire here in the Bay area, and rightly so because it is San Francisco’s new must-see spot that’s been over a decade in the making। I’ve stayed away from the new facility due to the overwhelming crowds for the better part of a year, but I was anxious to go in person and see what all the hoopla was about.

The Rainforest dome looking up to the “Living Roof”

The new building serves the same functions the old building did as a natural history museum, planetarium and research facility except it has shed it’s Beaux Arts shell (mostly) in favor of a new, innovative and “green” building that has become world renowned.

The path through the Rainforest dome with “Nightlife” revelers.

Looking down from the Rainforest dome into the aquarium.

A few months ago the Academy started a weekly event called “Nightlife” every Thursday evening. The idea is simple: Re-open the facility at 6pm, sell food and cocktails, let local DJs play music and allow those 21 and older to enjoy the museum in a lively setting (sorry no kids allowed). Tickets are a very reasonable at $10 for the general public and $8 for members (much less than a normal admission). As with most events, VIP tickets are also available.

A DJ spinning in the midst of the Evolution exhibit.

There has been a huge amount of buzz about “Nightlife” with people exclaiming: “THIS is the way to see a museum!” I dropped in last Thursday and I was blown away। The event was fantastic! I couldn’t believe all the people, but the Academy staff somehow managed to make it quite civilized. Since it was my first time at the new museum we managed to see all the big attractions with the exception of the planetarium (they were having technical difficulties) and hear some great music! Seeing the new “Living Roof” at dusk was a definite highlight.

The “Living Roof” observation deck at dusk.
We capped off the night with a meal at the Moss room, which is a beautiful, world class restaurant just downstairs from the museum। The food was amazing and it was the perfect ending to a delightful evening.

The Moss Room restaurant downstairs from the museum.

I strongly encourage everyone in San Francisco to check out “Nightlife” first hand। You can buy tickets in advance online and it makes a great venue for large groups।

The “Africa Hall” which is housed in a part of the former Beaux Arts shell with the original animal habitat dioramas was host to a chocolate tasting.

Learn more about the California Academy of Sciences here.
Buy tickets to Nightlife click here.
Learn more about the Moss room here.

David Hansen