The picturesque North Bay region is on the cusp of a significant cultural transformation as Novato’s iconic former Birkenstock building, a testament to striking mid-century architecture, embarks on its second act as a world-class art and design museum. This ambitious undertaking promises to redefine the local landscape and establish a premier destination for enthusiasts of pioneering Californian design.
Strategically located along Highway 101, the sprawling, two-football-fields-long structure, characterized by its distinctive spikey peaks and inherent mid-century charm, has long been a familiar, if often overlooked, landmark. Its impending metamorphosis into the Novato Museum, however, ensures it will soon command global attention, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience its revitalized purpose.
The acquisition of the 1960s-era building by Cary’s nonprofit, The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity, marks a pivotal moment in the preservation and celebration of design heritage. Plans are well underway to meticulously transform this substantial 88-acre campus into a vibrant hub primarily dedicated to honoring the profound legacy of Charles and Ray Eames, renowned for their revolutionary contributions to modern art and design.
Charles and Ray Eames, the legendary husband-and-wife design team, are celebrated globally for their innovative approach to furniture, architecture, and multimedia. Their iconic creations, such as the famous Herman Miller Eames chair and numerous other mid-century classics, exemplify a timeless elegance and functional artistry that will now find a dedicated home within this new Art & Design institution.
“We absolutely want to make this a world-class destination,” stated Cary, emphasizing the profound belief that the works and philosophical contributions of Ray and Charles Eames, alongside their influential contemporaries, warrant global interest and sustained support. This vision underscores the museum’s commitment to fostering a deeper appreciation for their significant impact on California culture and beyond.
While the expansive 88-acre campus footprint is largely set to remain, its internal and external spaces will undergo a sensitive yet dramatic reimagining. The project has enlisted the expertise of the same acclaimed architects responsible for the design of the esteemed de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, ensuring that the new Art & Design museum will blend historical respect with contemporary functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The economic implications of this North Bay Development are substantial, with projections anticipating that the museum will attract an impressive 200,000 visitors annually, significantly boosting local tourism and commerce. Although a definitive timeline for the project’s completion remains undisclosed, the substantial $36 million acquisition cost underscores the magnitude and serious commitment behind this cultural endeavor.
Marin County is already distinguished by its wealth of architectural treasures, including the iconic Civic Center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The transformation of this former sandal warehouse into a prominent cultural institution further solidifies the region’s standing as a hub for groundbreaking architecture and design, marking an exciting new chapter for the community and its engagement with the arts.
