The California Academy of Sciences is offering residents a chance to explore its newly rebuilt site for free beginning in September.
As part of the Academy’s “Neighborhood Free Days” promotion, each neighborhood, defined by zip codes, will have two opportunities to visit for free over a three-day weekend beginning on Sept. 11.
“The Academy has been a part of the San Francisco community since 1853, and we want to open it to locals who have been supportive for many decades,” said spokeswoman Helen Taylor. “Science education is fundamental to our mission and we want to make sure that the Academy is available to any and all who wish to come.”
The Sunset, Parkside, Stonestown, Lakeshore and St. Francis Wood neighborhoods will kick off the promotion on the weekend of Sep. 11-13.
The Castro, Noe Valley, Diamond Heights, Miraloma Park, Cole Valley and Haight neighborhoods will have an opportunity to visit for free on the weekend of Sept. 18-20.
The Richmond, Seacliff, Western Addition, Pacific Heights, Laurel Heights and Presidio neighborhoods will enjoy a free weekend on Oct 2-4.
On the weekend of Oct. 9-11, the Excelsior, Ingleside, Bayview, Hunter’s Point and Visitacion Valley will enjoy free admission.
The Russian Hill, Telegraph Hill, North Beach, Cow Hollow and Marina neighborhoods will be admitted for free on the weekend of Oct. 16-18.
The Mission and Bernal Heights neighborhoods will enjoy a free weekend on Oct. 30-Nov. 1.
The final weekend of free admission will be enjoyed by the Chinatown, Tenderloin, Downtown, SOMA, Potrero, Treasure Island and Mission Bay neighborhoods on Nov. 6-8.
The Academy doubled the number of free days this year following its reopening at Golden Gate Park in 2008. The first series ran from May 1 to June 14.
Visitors are required to prove residency by showing a driver’s license or a utility bill. Information about Neighborhood Free Days is available at www.calacademy.org and at (415) 379-8000.
Non-residents can enjoy free admission on the third Wednesday of every month.
