Tour: Oakland Museum of California

Situated between serene Lake Merritt and busy downtown Oakland, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is one of the most significant architectural examples of mid-century modernism in the United States. When it opened in 1969, OMCA's design by Pritzker prize–winning architect Kevin Roche was acclaimed for its bold and innovative premise: a museum that also serves as a vibrant urban park and public space.

The Museum integrates architecture and landscape architecture and indoor and outdoor spaces into one building program. Its terraced roof gardens and central courtyard, designed by noted landscape architect Dan Kiley, continue to serve as a village green for Oakland residents and visitors from the Bay Area and beyond. Visitors to the Museum will discover three levels of galleries, with gardens on each level that form the roof of the level below. Broad flights of stairs and trellised walkways connect one level to the next and guide you through the landscape designs,

The Museum is currently undergoing a $62.2 million renovation and expansion project overseen by the San Francisco architectural firm of Mark Cavagnero Associates, honoring the original architecture and landscape vision of Kevin Roche and Dan Kiley while upgrading visitor amenities and integrating the museum experience. Modifications encompass new exhibition and programming space, seating, and modernized lighting for better viewing of the collections. A new 90-foot canopy over the Oak Street entrance enhances the Museum's street presence. The Art and History Galleries are now open to the public; the Natural Sciences Gallery and classroom and education facilities will be completed by early 2012.


8/14/10 Tour: Oakland Museum of California
Attendees are encouraged to gather and continue the discussion at the Lake Chalet Seafood Bar and Grill after the tour for a "dutch treat" lunch.
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street, Oakland.
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: $5.50 for AIA East Bay Members; $11 for non-members. Registration is required. Click here to register.
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For more information: 510/464-3600