The Relocation of the Berkeley Art Museum
A story about the changing purpose and audience of 2155 Center Street
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2155 Center Street, Berkeley, CA 94720
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What happens when a physical building stays but the people and institutions inside it change? What does it mean to change the structure of a building in order to refit the new purpose it is given? Why is said building left standing for years after it has been abandoned and not demolished? These are some of the initial thoughts that occured to me when thinking about the relocation of the Berkeley Art Museum. Originally the building was created as a pressing plant for the UC Printing Services but currently it is used as the home for the Berkeley Art Museum / Pacific Film Archive (BAM/PFA). The relocation of BAM/PFA resulted in the museum moving into the abandoned facility although it was initial supposed to receive a new location all together this decision was prompted by a lack of funds. By moving from the southside of Berkeley to the downtown area BAM/PFA has taken on a new role in the town / gown relationship between the city and school. However, this isn't all that it does, it prompts questions about the role of an art museum at intellectual insitutions like Berkeley that are best known for their S.T.E.M. programs. In this capstone project I take a look at the current physical location of BAM/PFA and at the history behind the building itself from it's days as printing plant for UC Printing Services to its abandonment in the late 90's and to it's restoration in 2016.
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Created by: Alexis Guzmanalexisguzman.v02@berkeley.edu
American Studies 102 Sarah Gold McBride |
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