Arts & Entertainment
Great Escape: City Museums Blend Entertainment, Education and Libations
DJs, dancing and America's National Parks will be at the California Academy of Sciences on Thursday, and high fashion and a communal art project come to the De Young on Friday.
You can blame the economy or our own short attention span, but many museums are attracting a wider audience by staying open late and offering a unique experience to their visitors with special lectures, communal art projects, performances and often a fully stocked bar. Here are two exciting outings you can enjoy this weekend, with or without kids.
Every Thursday night, the California Academy of Sciences cuts the price of admission in half, sets up cocktail bars and DJ decks, and raises the minimum age to 21. Every week brings a new theme and this week is all about national parks. There will be a photography exhibit by photographer and author Ian Shive, who will also premier his short film America's Galapagos: The Channel Islands, and discuss his work in documenting America's national parks.
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DJ collective Nu Funk Boutique, some of whom hail from Burning Man's popular Space Cowboys camp, will be in charge of getting the crowd moving in front of the giant igloo of the Piazza. NightLife starts at 6 p.m. and admission is $12 for adults over 21, and $10 for academy members.
Friday Nights at the de Young: Pre-Opening Celebration of Balenciaga and Spain
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This Friday at 6 p.m. you're invited to a free night of events at the de Young. The new exhibit Balenciaga and Spain, will only be open to members, but everyone can enjoy a flamenco performance by Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco and a special lecture on the American fashion cycle at the Koret Auditorium.
Kids and adults of all ages will also join in the making of a fabric art project, “Beads, Baubles and Balenciaga.” The museum's main collection will be open at the regular admission price of $10 for adults, $7 for seniors (65+), $6 for youths aged 13 to 17, and free for children 12 and under.
Keep in mind that most larger museums have caught on to this trend, so make sure to check the calendar of your favorite one to find out about unique events as well as food and drink offerings.