Art and History Galleries on the Move

Since January, staff members have been hard at work de-installing the Art and History Galleries to prepare for construction. Crews in both galleries have been carefully removing and packing artworks and artifacts, often creating travel cases and frames to protect the objects before removing them.

The Art Department staff is proud to announce that, as of April 15, the de-installation is complete! After all artworks were safely placed in storage, the crew began removing larger structural pieces from the gallery — including the ceiling-to-floor edifice, the American Trust Company Arch, formerly home to the marble sculpture California Venus by Rupert Schmid. Working with Atthowe Fine Arts Services, crews removed the arch in pieces over two days. Within the last month, 40% of the gallery walls have also been removed.

In the History Gallery, de-installation is 98% complete, with only a few large objects remaining. Once all the smaller objects were safely packed away, the history crew created ramps to roll out the big vehicles, including the 1950s Mystery Car, the Mud Wagon, and the millionaire's carriage. 

Special care was required to move the American LaFrance Steam Pumper, a steam-powered fire truck built in 1898. History staff members removed decorative bells and whistles, then wrapped the auto's body in soft archival materials and moving blankets. Working with Atthowe Fine Arts Services, staff members created a wheeled platform and lifted the nearly 4,000-pound pumper onto it. With these precautions, the brilliantly-painted red and gold wooden wheels will be protected from wear as the pumper moves through the gallery on its platform.

Heavy construction will begin in June, including removing carpets, electrical components, and interior gallery walls.

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