By the Museums

The California Academy of Sciences is the big fancy new museum. With an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under a living roof (their words) it is rather impressive. Impressive, and incredibly crowded. Interestingly, the rebuild to this structure with its green roof was prompted due to earthquake damage to the previous one. And the previous one was in Golden Gate Park because the prior downtown Academy was destroyed in an earthquake. Not quite creative destruction, but destruction leading to creativity isn't the worst.

The newest iteration of the De Young Museum was completed in 2005. Its the newest iteration due to the same reason for the Academy, and even the same earthquake. Two museums in one earthquake, stupid earthquakes.

We did find a nice bench to people watch from. One may suspect we were the watchies as much as the watchers. Along with her sweet red shoes this lady had a handmade red felt purse with a snowman happy face. She's the all around awesome vacation mom.

Reading under Francis Scott Key, enjoying a $140,000 renovation to a $60,000 sculpture. Katherine one upped me on history here, I had no idea who Mr. Key was. Those in the know will tell you, he wrote the Star Spangled Banner. Those in the know will also tell you, its to the tune of a drinking song. Bonus.

Perched atop Mr. Key is what I assume is sculptor William W. Story's interpretation of "Ms. America". Standing guard with her crown of eagle, she commands the birds to take wing and defend the constitution against all enemies.

There he is! Wow! What a man.

A large stage at the end of the promenade was under construction, perhaps from an earthquake? So I got a nice shot of its corner.

And this naked dude. Honestly, what does he hope to accomplish with his little dagger running around naked? Probably before people with guns or arrows.

Our buddy here is half man half lion. I'm sure there is a specific term for such a travesty of nature, but I am not aware of it.

Overall the museum grounds were really cool. Not pictured is a grove of gingkoes that is the anchor to the grounds. On each point of the compass rose from there you see the museums north to south, the stage to the west and Francis Key to the east. The newer museums are interesting architecture in the sustainable development and earthquake resistant technology, but the museum campus in Chicago with its classically imposing structures is sadly missed.

I'll finish up with one of my favorite things, graffiti. Well, we're mostly through the first full day in San Francisco. Still one bus ride and a trip to meet up with a friend to go! Enjoy, jon