Re-building begins!

It’s been a busy summer at the Oakland Museum of California! And we are pleased to announce that the construction is running on-schedule.

Since mid-May, construction crews have been hard at work, removing sections of concrete on the second and third levels – all to make way for a new ADA ramp, enhanced Oak Street entry, and expanded Art Gallery. August was a milestone month, as crews began the first round of “new construction,” laying out fresh concrete, rebar, and steel. Over the next few months, you will also see stainless steel canopies take shape over the central stairway.

Meanwhile, Museum staff members have been busily crafting plans for the new Art and History galleries. Staff members are working on innovative media components, such as immersive video and sound installations, artist interviews and oral histories, and interactive learning games. The History Department is also working with a fabrication firm to create inviting display cases and furniture.

The Natural Sciences department continues to research components for the level one gallery reinstallation, slated for 2010. In August, staff members organized a colloquium of local museum practitioners to discuss exhibition elements. In November, the team will meet with national museum leaders to make sure that our Museum continues to be a leader in the field.

 

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