Museum Opening Begins with a Bang

The Oakland Museum of California began its 31 hours block party with prayer and an aerial dance on the sidewall of its Oak Street home.

After a two year $62 million capital improvements campaign that kept its doors shut for nine months, the museum was ready to celebrate and a large, diverse crowd was ready from the start.

On this very warm sunny morning, things began when Artists Linda Yamane, a Native American Ohlone tribe member, offered a prayer for the space. Then Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums spoke, before Congresswoman Barbara Lee offered the museum congratulations.

But it was the dance against the wall that got the crowd going.

 Project Bandaloop did a graceful aerial wall dance on the side of the museum’s Oak Street entrance to sounds from OMCA’s California Library of Natural Sounds. There were lots of iPhones taking pictures.

Soon, the museum doors were opened and people streamed into the Art and History galleries and the outdoor courtyard area to get a personal look at the newly designed building, the unique history installations and fresh art exhibits.

Families, young adults and the elderly were all in agreement that the newly transformed museum was a good thing for Oakland.

“Oh, my lord, this is just wonderful. This is just wonderful for Oakland. I’m really enjoying this event, said West Oaklander Sandra Wilson, who has lived in the city since 1973.

Outside, the museum’s expansive courtyard was filled with folks who munched on tasty treats from various food vendors. Children played on the grass around newly installed outdoor art pieces.

“We were going to go wine tasting, but we decided to come here instead,” said Inger Cople of Richmond. “And I’m glad. This is great.”

Many said museums play an important role in any city.

“Museums are important,” said Monica Jackson. “They can really help define a city.”

Expectations ran high for the museum. In 2002, Oaklanders voted overwhelming for Measure G, a bond measure that gave the museum $26.2 million.

Visitors said the museum’s new transformation was a success that will potentially be a big boon for Oakland.

“Revising the museum is a big plus for the city,” said Temescal resident Tracy Harris. “Anything that can attract people to this part of town is good.”

Taylor Higashi, who regularly rides his bike past the museum agrees.

“Hopefully, this is another positive step for Oakland,” Higashi said.

Lake Merritt resident David Burian said this was the best thing to happen to Oakland since the Parkway Speakeasy Theater closed.

“It’s exciting to see fresh energy here,” he said.

Museum staff seemed overjoyed by the positive response from the visitors.

Harriet Hanauer, a docent at the museum for 10 years said she enjoyed seeing visitors interact with a replica chair used by Huey Newton which appeared in the famous black and white portrait of Newton sitting in the chair clutching a spear and a shotgun in each hand. A framed print of that photo hangs next to the replica chair.

Visitors can sit in the replica chair in the museum, and when people do sit in the chair, hesitant at first, their faces light up.

“It’s a very empowering chair,” she said.

Oakland Museum Executive Director Lori Fogarty said the opening was an amazing experience.

“We’re seeing a whole range of people,” she said. “It looks like Oakland.”

Rene de Guzman, Senior Curator of Art at the Oakland Museum of California, said he plans to be at the museum the whole 31 hours of its opening.

“I’m going to take naps,” de Guzman explained of his plan to stay overnight. “I’ve brought a pair of pajamas.”


This story originally appeared in Oakland Local.