Director's Message
Welcome! The Oakland Museum of California is in the midst of the most exciting reinvention in its forty-year history and we invite you to be part of the transformation underway here. Building on its tradition as the "museum of the people" OMCA is celebrating the many people, places, inspirations and aspirations that shape the California identity and experience.
Over the past several years, the Museum has set about really redefining the role of this institution in our very diverse urban community and in the context of the broader changes in the 21st century. While we are enhancing the physical spaces of the Museum—making them lighter, brighter, more welcoming, and more comfortable—we are also hoping to change the whole relationship we have with our visitors.
When people ask me what these transformations are really about, I highlight two important changes that are taking us in whole new directions. First, we are no longer just about presentation of our collections and the art works, artifacts, and specimens that make up our exhibits. We are also focusing on the experience our visitors will have of these collections —how you learn in different ways, what you want to do when you're at the Museum, and why you've come here in the first place and how we can meet your interests and needs.
Secondly, as we invite you to this "home" that we consider the Museum, we want you to be part of the dialogue. It's not just on voices you'll hear or the stories we decide are important. You'll hear the voices of artists, scientists, and historians—as well as the stories of the many cultures, many perspectives, and many communities that make up California. Many voices. Many stories. It's a simple way of saying that we hope that you will be part of this story and bring your voice to this conversation.
The California spirit is in all of us—whether you've just arrived or have been here for many generations. We look forward to having you be a part of this "Golden State of Mind."
Lori Fogarty
Executive Director