BADM’s reimagined campus will serve as an important early learning resource for the Bay Area.
Sausalito, CA: The Bay Area Discovery Museum (BADM) today announced that it is partnering with world-renowned architecture firm Olson Kundig to break ground on an $18.5 million campus renovation, resulting in a world-class experience for all children. BOLD: Spark Curiosity, Inspire Innovation, the campaign for the Bay Area Discovery Museum, will include five exciting new research-backed exhibits; a new dedicated classroom space for school field trips; improved on-site amenities; and a better visitor experience.
“We are thrilled to be taking the first steps toward updating the exhibits on our campus, and realizing our bold vision for the future of our community’s children,” said Karyn Flynn, CEO of BADM. “Our architect Alan Maskin and his team—in collaboration with our in-house research division—have designed stunning new exhibits that develop key creative problem-solving skills, spark children’s curiosity, and, ultimately, are really fun for families to enjoy together.”
BADM will remain open throughout the renovation project, which will happen in phases and begins in March 2019.
As an institution, BADM has always believe that providing children with the high-quality learning experiences that will allow them to be successful is the best investment we can make as a society. The BOLD campaign is a continuation of BADM’s legacy of forward thinking and bold vision. As research continues to prove the importance of these types of experiences—particularly those which incorporate early science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education—BADM recognized the need to make significant updates to its campus to ensure it continues to provide fun, high quality, authentic STEM and art experiences for all.
To this end, lead architect Alan Maskin and his team from Olson Kundig have collaborated with early learning experts from BADM’s in-house research division on the design and content for the museum’s reimagined campus. In addition to Olson Kundig, BADM is also partnering with landscape architecture firm SURFACEDESIGN INC. and Pacific Studio on creating its new exhibits.
“When I first set foot on the property and saw what is arguably one of the most spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay, I was astounded to learn what was once a World War I military installation was now a learning campus for child,” said Alan Maskin, the project’s lead architect. “I was excited about the opportunity to renovate the Bay Area Discovery Museum and align Olson Kundig’s design with their visionary education theories and practices.”
When complete, the renovated campus will allow BADM to extend its reach throughout the Bay Area by providing transformational learning experiences for 400,000 visitors annually, including 17,500 school children on field trips to the museum and more than 100,000 visitors with free or reduced admission.
BADM has currently raised $14.5 million of its $18.5 million goal to complete the renovations, and is continuing to fundraise as renovations begin. The new exhibits and museum spaces include:
- The Try It Studio, which will house a new early math exhibit as well as BADM’s high-tech WorkShop
- A new STEM Classroom, which will increase the number of students who can participate in BADM’s award-winning STEM programs
- New Bay-themed and Forest-themed exhibits in BADM’s toddler-only space, Tot Spot
- How Things Work, a new exhibit that removes the outer shell of household items to reveal their inner workings
- A new outdoor exhibit designed specifically for older children ages 5 – 10
BADM will remain open throughout exhibit upgrades, which will be completed over the next two years. Once complete, the campus-wide renovation—in addition to the museum’s institutional expertise, history of innovation, and bold vision for the future—will establish BADM as a world-class resource for Bay Area children, families, and educators.
For more information about planned exhibits, project updates, opportunities for community support, or to view the BOLD campaign video, please visit BADM.org/BOLD.
About the Bay Area Discovery Museum
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a children’s museum in Sausalito, that applies the latest research to develop early learning experiences that inspire and build creative problem-solving skills in children, transforming the way they learn and the way they contribute to the world. As a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, the museum provides STEM-focused, inquiry driven experiences that develop creativity and conceptual thinking, critical components of problem solving. BayAreaDiscoveryMuseum.org
About Olson Kundig
Olson Kundig is a Seattle-based design practice founded on the ideas that buildings can serve as a bridge between nature, culture, and people, and that inspiring surroundings have a positive effect on people’s lives. Led by five owners, the firm’s work can be found across the globe, with projects as wide ranging as huts to high rises, homes—often for art collectors—to academic, cultural and civic projects, museums and exhibition design, places of worship, creative production, urban design and interior design. More information at olsonkundig.com.
Media inquiries
For further inquiries, information, and image requests, please contact: Joanna Kauffmann, JKauffmann@badm.org