Science!

One might think that with all this spare time on my hands that I visit the SF museums every week and soak up the culture.  Not true, although this past weekend I did go to the Legion of Honor to see the "Pulp Fashion" exhibit and today I actually, finally went to the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.

The "Pulp Fashion" exhibit is quite amazing. It sounds sort of simple, reproductions of historical clothes made out of paper, but it is anything but simple.  The work is extraordinarily detailed and the "fabric" is vibrant and gorgeous.  Totally worth seeing.

But the Academy of Sciences:  what can I say?  When my kids were little we went there often, visiting the fish round-about and tidepools, the African Hall with the huge animal dioramas, the glass cases with snakes and spiders and, of course, the alligators.  There always seemed to be sun in the little courtyard area and it was a great place for kids to run around and play.  Yes, things were sometimes a little old or dusty, but it was still a cool place to visit.

Now, with its total transformation, it is a stunning museum, not just in its look but in the accessibility of the information and the exhibits.  Everything is beautiful, so well organized and well presented.  The Rain Forest compound is full of birds and butterflies, frogs and lizards and the entire four-story room is beautiful with tropical plants and misting water vapor.  It is really amazing.  The museum incorporates subjects that are essential to our immediate world, like climate change, biodiversity, sustainability. As you wander around, wherever you look there is something to read or touch or learn about.  The Planetarium show and the aquarium exhibits and the Living Roof are all perfectly done.

The African Hall is still intact, although the backdrops have been repainted so they look much, much better.  The cafe has great lunch options and there are plenty of places to sit when you feel the need to rest your legs.

Yes, it is expensive, but check this out:  unbeknown to us, the third Wednesday of the month is free!  Yes, there was a long line at opening time but it moved through the entrance quickly and the place never felt crowded until after noon. So, if you haven't yet visited, do it.  Go early.  You will not be disappointed.

Weather Forecast:  still nothing on the horizon.

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