September 27 is the date. You can't miss it if you're in the park. It's emblazoned on every fence around the new Academy of Sciences building. September is when the doors open to this long-awaited structure on Music Concourse Drive.

So what's been happening since the various aquatic people (i.e. fish, penguins, and others) were moved to and from Howard Street, then back to Golden Gate Park?

The New Renzo Piano Building

The Academy website has some great, interactive previews of what you can expect when you buy that ticket on opening day.

There's a photo time lapse of the building's construction as well as a video explanation of the living roof -- created with native flora.

The exhibit spaces look stunning. And you can take a virtual and visual tour with images that pop up to show each section of the floor plan. Also check out the video tour of the building showing some familiar appointments from the old Academy of Sciences.

You can also see some San Francisco Chronicle images of the penguin's new home at the Academy.

California Academy of Sciences Children's Photo Contest

Tied in with the grand reopening is a photo contest for youths age 8 to 12.

The objective: To capture on film, the theme of "California in your backyard" -- and support the Academy's mission to explore, explain, and protect the natural world. Submissions will be accepted through May 26, 2008.

The prizes: Cash prizes and the chance to exhibit in the Children's Gallery at the grand reopening of the California Academy of Sciences.

Details at: http://www.calacademy.org/contest

Golden Gate Park

If you're new to San Francisco and have yet to explore the byways of the park, here's a guide to get you started -- a Map of Golden Gate Park with photos and map markers pointing to attractions.

Jennifer Alpeche also has a Guide to Golden Gate Park describing some of the park's more popular destinations.

^{Pictured: New California Academy of Sciences Building
Photo © Ingrid Taylar}