| 1999 | Board of Trustees accepts Master Plan calling for revitalization of the interpretation, narrative, and presentation of all three permanent galleries. |
| 2001 | Periodic series of presentations to Museum Advisory Councils, community groups, and outside museum professionals begins to solicit feedback and ideas about gallery plans. |
| 2002 | Measure G passes by 75 percent of Oakland voters, providing $23.6 million for capital improvements. |
| 2005 | California Cultural and Historical Endowment provides $2.9 million for History Gallery. |
| 2006 | Board of Trustees agrees to one overall project to be built in two phases: |
| Phase I: Art, History, California Collections and Research Center, Entry, Building Systems | |
| Phase II: Natural Sciences, Education Facilities, Store, Enhancements. | |
| Construction completed on the California Collections and Research Center | |
| 2008 | Construction begins on the Art and History Galleries. |
| 2009 | Art and History Galleries reopen. |
| Museum unveils Oak Street front entry. | |
| Construction begins on Phase II. | |
| 2011 | Phase II projects—Natural Sciences Gallery, Education Facilities, Store, Enhancements—complete. |