About the Randall Museum

The Randall Museum is a museum of science, nature and the arts as well as a San Francisco Recreation and Park Department community learning center.

Our Mission

To inspire creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning about the world around us.

Our Vision

To provide a hands-on community learning center with no entry fee where children and adults can explore STEM, nature, and the arts through engaging exhibits, activities, and classes.

Our Values

To promote learning, curiosity, creativity, fun, community, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Our History

Josephine D. Randall, San Francisco’s first Superintendent of Recreation, was determined to establish a nature museum for children “…that would foster a love of science, natural history, and the arts.” The original “Junior Museum” opened in the City’s old jail on Ocean Avenue in 1937, and ten years later Ms. Randall shepherded a $12 million bond issue for additional recreation capital projects including a new museum. In recognition of Ms. Randall’s vision, hard work, and dedication, the new museum, which opened in 1951 on a 16-acre park overlooking San Francisco Bay, was renamed in her honor. In 2004 the outdoor areas were renovated, and in 2016 the entire interior of the museum was redesigned and revitalized to better serve its visitors.

Josephine Randall

San Francisco Recreation and Parks

The Randall Museum is a facility of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (SFRPD), whose mission is to provide enriching recreational activities, maintain beautiful parks, and preserve the environment for the well-being of our diverse community. Learn more at www.sfrecpark.org.