Overview

Together, we will create a 21st century showcase worthy of California’s past and its future, with more welcoming spaces; easier, friendlier ways to navigate the Museum; and exciting ways to personalize your experience, whoever you are, and whatever your interests.

: Oak Street Entrance with stainless steel canopy and ADA access ramp, architectural rendering by Mark Cavagnero Associates

The key elements of the project

Enhanced interactive experience through transformed Art, History, and Natural Sciences galleries, and Education facilities.

Addressing changing demographics by including the newest standards and most current methods of gallery interpretation.

Expanding visitor amenities and way-finding to create a first-rate facility.

: Side view of Oak Street Entrance with view of new Art Gallery addition in the background, architectural rendering by Mark Cavagnero Associates

The Project takes place in two phases:

Phase I, 2006-2009:
      Art and History Galleries (under construction, will reopen in 2009)
      California Collections and Research Center (completed in 2006)
      Oak Street Entry
      Building Systems

Phase II, 2009-2011:
      Natural Sciences Gallery
      Education Facilities
      Store Enhancements and Visitor Amenities

For a complete project timeline, please click here.

For project updates, please click here.

: Stainless steel covered central stairway, architectural rendering by Mark Cavagnero Associates

“Change is always necessary because society changes. The museum is not going to change its basic nature; it’s just going to become even better at telling its stories. It’s time to get re-started, to make this museum as good as it can possibly be.”

Ira Michael Heyman, Secretary Emeritus, Smithsonian Institution; Honorary Chair, Start Here: The Museum of California Campaign