Expansion Project - The Building Has Begun
The Museum has begun the first phase of its expansion construction-- see our progress! This first phase includes a public Plaza facing onto on Main Street, which will welcome visitors through an open columned entrance, as well as the new Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Event Pavilion. The Pavilion can be used for lectures, programs and events, and will seat 200 for dinner, with the option to tent the front plaza for an additional 180 guests. The Plaza and the Pavilion are scheduled for completion in late 2010.
Phase two, which encompasses the renovation and expansion of the galleries, library, collection department and administrative offices, will follow.
As we continue construction, we are asking the community to help us bring the $12 million expansion project to completion. More than seven million has been raised already, with over $1 million raised for the Museum's endowment funds, which will support the ongoing programs and operations.The Museum of Ventura County will serve the region well into the future as a place where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to learn more about their community and enjoy exhibits and cultural programs. When the new Museum opens, we expect to attract over 100,000 visitors per year, nearly double prior attendance.
Take a look at images taken for a Ventura County Star article about the Expansion Project
Building a Place to Learn, to See and to Grow
Expanded gallery spaces, as well as a new education center and event pavillion will provide welcoming places for audiences of all ages to enjoy receptions, lectures and educational experiences. “Meet me at the Museum” will become a phrase heard countywide.
The Museum will host important traveling exhibitions, making priceless collections available to the public. In addition, one new gallery will be dedicated to the Museum’s permanent collection, while another will display items from the library collection. Additionally, the Huntsinger Gallery’s exhibits on Ventura County history will be reinstalled.
The new Berry Research Library housing the Museum’s collection of 150,000 documents, books, maps, historic photographs, manuscripts, electronic histories and other priceless items – will be a valuable resource for local and national researchers. A comfortable, state-of-the art reading room will accommodate visitors, while new storage facilities will ensure proper care of the collection.
Please check back soon to see new developments in expansion project.
How You Can Help
Help us build the new Museum by participating in the campaign. Donations of all sizes are welcome! Honor a friend or loved one with an inscribed tile for $1,000, or name a doorway or area of the new building. For information on naming opportunities, please contact Robin Woodworth, Director of Development, at development@venturamuseum.org.
For more information please contact our Development Office at development@venturamuseum.org