Architectural History

1969

The architecture of the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is an alluring blend of innovative design, community engagement, and a reflection of California's diverse cultural heritage. Designed by Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates (KRJDA) in collaboration with landscape architect Dan Kiley, the museum's architecture has become an iconic symbol of Oakland, California, and modernist architecture.

Kevin Roche and his team aimed to create a space that seamlessly integrated the museum's exhibits, architecture, and natural surroundings. The building features a three-tier design that harmoniously blends indoor and outdoor spaces. Each level has a distinct purpose: the lower level houses the natural sciences and history galleries, the main level is dedicated to art and special exhibitions, and the top level accommodates administration and support services.

One of the most notable features of the OMCA's architecture is its terraced gardens, designed by landscape architect Dan Kiley. These gardens provide visitors with serene outdoor spaces, showcasing California's diverse plant life while offering stunning views of Lake Merritt and the surrounding landscape. The integration of natural elements into the design creates a seamless transition between the built environment and the natural world.

The architecture of the OMCA reflects the diversity and multicultural heritage of California. The design intentionally incorporates elements from various architectural styles, including modernism, Brutalism, and the Spanish colonial revival style. This amalgamation of styles symbolizes the rich tapestry of California's history, embracing the state's multicultural identity.

2010 - 2022

In 1999 Mark Cavagnero Associates began working with the Oakland Museum to address much needed restoration and preservation.  They presented a master plan which was reviewed and approved by Kevin Roche and adopted by the Museum. In 2010 they completed renovations of 94,000 square feet in the Art and History galleries and created two new 5200 SF exhibition spaces. 

These new extended galleries are able to accommodate larger scale works of art and are supported by a lightweight steel structure that complements the existing concrete building. Clerestory windows run around three sides of the new spaces, allowing diffused natural light to fill the extension. Mark Cavagnero Associates also added a stainless-steel canopy at the Oak Street entry to create a visual focal point to accentuate the Museum’s entrance and to draw in visitors. In addition, they added sky light canopies over the central stairway as cover from the elements and to further connect the galleries to the visitor experience. They also renovated the 280-seat auditorium for special events and visiting classrooms. 

In 2011 the Museum shifted from being a city entity to an independent nonprofit. These renovations will contribute to the opportunity for the Museum to continue to serve as an artistic, educational and social center engaging the broader audience of Oakland and the Bay Area. Approximately 400,000 visitors a year come to the Museum, including 39,000 students from all over Northern CA. 

In 2019 the Oakland Museum of California turned 50 years old. Once again Mark Cavagnero Associates came aboard to continue renovations. This phase is funded by an $85 million capital campaign focused on strengthening OMCA’s commitment as a neighborhood and community gathering space. The biggest change came from three 20-foot openings cut into an exterior border wall along the Museum’s northern side, facing Lake Merritt, creating a new entrance and a physical opening to the gardens from a major pedestrian corner just across from the lake. Mark Cavagnero said about this new entrance “The Museum was always about sky and garden. Now it’s sky, garden, water, it adds a whole new dynamic. Now you feel like nature is really connected here with the presence of water”.

A major part of the latest renovation is a refresh of all the terraced gardens at each of the Museum’s three stories. Designed by Walter Hood of Hood Design Studio, with an emphasis on the garden perimeter and keeping with the legacy of Kevin Roche and Dan Kiley. The re-plantings have begun and include new environmentally sensitive, drought resistant, CA native plants. 

The recent renovations also included building a new stage and canopy, redesigned lighting, and a sound system in the terrace garden, to be used for the Museum’s outdoor programming. In addition, a new 40 foot long window was added in the café directly above 10th street and a new entrance ramp was built to provide greater visibility and access to and from the café from the street outside. The interior of the café was also expanded into existing office space to the north, restoring the dining room to its original size. 

These renovations and additions were completed in 2021.