California Academy History: Timeline and Milestones

A quick timeline through the Academy’s milestones — collections, community, and a living‑roof era.

Highlights

• Early collections and public education mission.
• The rise of Steinhart Aquarium and natural history.
• Modern rebuild with sustainability at the core.

Tip: Historic photo panels add human stories behind the science.

Bottom Line

Across time, the Academy’s identity holds: science, education, public wonder.