By Tim Jue / Beat Staff Writer

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For all the hype surrounding this coming Saturday’s grand re-opening of the new California Academy of Sciences museum in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, every bit of it is justified. We’re talking about a remarkable new science museum – one of the oldest in the nation – that’s about to give new and returning visitors a chance to explore the fascinating creatures that we rarely get to see.

We got a sneak peak this past Sunday when ABC 7 News in San Francisco aired a beautifully shot one-hour documentary called “Under the Living Roof.” It gives us a stunning look from above, ground-level and from below the new museum. An encore presentation airs this Friday at 9PM on ABC 7 (KGO-TV Channel 7 in the San Francisco Bay Area). Selected clips are streamed on their website as well. It’s well worth your time – an engaging and captivating inside look at how this new museum building arose after being demolished.

The name “Under the Living Roof” alludes to the topside of the museum, where grass and plants are actually growing on man made hills. If you visit the museum, you’ll get a chance to walk across the rooftop garden and see for yourself the eco-friendliness of the building.

Also read these CAS stories from the California Beat:

Long Lines and Long Waits: Free California Academy of Sciences grand opening draws big crowds (9/28) and What the buzz is all about: A round-up of what people are saying about the new California Academy of Sciences in SF (9/26) 

Inside, you will see the favorites: the alligators, the anaconda snake and the beloved penguins. But there will be new attractions too like an amazing coral reef exhibit.

This weekend (Sept. 27-28) is the opening celebration weekend for the California Academy of Sciences. There will be live music, plenty of festive activities for the crowds of people that are expected. On Saturday, admission is free. The museum opens its doors at 9:30 a.m. both days. It stays open late – until 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, but closes at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

You know where the California Beat will be both days.

Online Resources

Also read these CAS stories from the California Beat: Long Lines and Long Waits: Free California Academy of Sciences grand opening draws big crowds (9/28) and What the buzz is all about: A round-up of what people are saying about the new California Academy of Sciences in SF (9/26) 

California Academy of Sciences

abc7news.com: ‘Under the Living Roof’ Special Documentary clips

PROGRAMMING NOTE: You can catch an encore presentation of ‘Under the Living Roof’ in its entirety this Friday evening (Sept. 26) at 9:00 p.m. on ABC 7 (KGO-TV Channel 7 in the San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey Bay) after the Presidential Debates.