Press Release: Temporary Closure of the Hearst Museum

Temporary Closure of Museum from July 1st, 2012

The Phoebe A. Hearst Museum is engaged in a period of profound transformation spearheaded by two major initiatives. The first is fully funded by the University of California and will provide a contemporary collections environment for 1.7 million objects in our care. This project will enable the Hearst to concurrently renovate and transform its public spaces to orient the Museum toward the broader Bay Area community and beyond.

The transition we are engaged in is designed to create a sound foundation for the future.  It centers on preservation of and access to collections, while supporting research and teaching and enhancing public participation. It is essential for the well-being of the collections that our facilities are brought up to contemporary standards; and it is of equal importance that our public spaces are designed to facilitate exhibitions and programs for the community, engage visitors, and inspire support for the future.

To realize these projects the Museum must close for two years from July 1st, 2012. Construction in the collections facilities of Kroeber Hall and the Museum Gallery makes this necessary for the safety of visitors, staff and the collections.

When we re-open in 2014 visitors will enjoy a newly renovated facility that will include a Welcome Center, refurbished Museum Galleries, a multi-use Study Center, and a renovated Terrace featuring a native Californian basket weaver’s garden. For further details on the transformation please see: hearstmuseum.berkeley.edu/what's ahead.