The Academy’s recent rebuilding project provided a rare opportunity to rethink the entire museum-going experience. Rather than recreate the 12 separate structures that previously existed, the Academy chose to build a single entity that is physically and thematically intertwined.
The animals of the Steinhart Aquarium, for example, once confined to their own hall, are now found throughout the building. And the building, itself, now functions as an exhibit - inviting discussion about sustainable architecture and green practices.
One of the most notable changes to the Academy is simply the growth in its animal and plant population. The new Academy is now home to nearly 40,000 animals, more than six times the number at the old Academy.
Leafy Sea Dragons, Anaconda, Giant Octopuses, Amazonian Piranhas, Borneo fruit bats, Leaf-tailed Geckos, Tortoises, Stick Insects, Doves, Tanagers, Butterflies, and more!
