Randall Museum
Operated by San Francisco’s Recreation and Parks Department, the Randall Museum is focused on science and natural history, as well as arts and crafts. Admission is free to the museum’s many exhibitions which include interactive features and live animal species that are native to Northern California. Films, lectures and classes are available for both kids and adults, although the main focus of the museum is on educational children’s programs which include classes in pottery and woodworking.
The Randall Museum was named for Josephine D. Randall, although the institution was originally established as the Junior Museum in 1937. Randall, a graduate of nearby Stanford University, was the first Superintendent of Recreation for the city, which is a role she filled for 25 years. Through her handwork and dedication, she developed the department into one of the best in the country and was recognized for her efforts on a national level. In addition to founding one of the first Girl Scout Troops in the US, Randall was able to acquire hundreds of acres of land to be designated as park space for the city.
The Randall Museum is located at 199 Museum Way which is in Corona Heights Park, situated between San Francisco’s Haight and Castro Districts. Sitting on a hill that offers breathtaking views of the city and the bay, The Randall Museum draws inspiration from its scenic surroundings and inspires its visitors in kind.
The Randall Museum is open to the public 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays. On certain days visitors can enjoy the model trains of the Golden Gate Model Railroad Club which has occupied a space in the building for over 50 years. The Railroad Club is open to the public on Saturdays only, from 10 AM to 4 PM and hosts an event the third Saturday of every other month where children are given the opportunity to operate the model trains. The museum is closed on January 1, New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving (and the day after) as well as Christmas Day. The Randall Museum also hosts classes and other events and performances throughout the year. You can find out more about these events and programs and other information on the Randall Museum by visiting their website at http://www.randallmuseum.org or by calling 415-554-9600.