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Museum Awarded AAM Reaccreditation

OAKLAND, CA, June 2, 2009–The Oakland Museum of California was awarded reaccreditation by the American Association of Museums (AAM) this month. Only four percent of American museums are currently AAM-accredited.

"Accreditation is emblematic of a museum’s commitment to excellence, in all that it does. The citizens of Oakland can take great pride in the fact that the Oakland Museum of CA is one of the finest museums in the country ," stated AAM president Ford W. Bell.

"The Museum is delighted to receive this prestigious acknowledgment of our work," said Executive Director Lori Fogarty. "AAM accreditation is the hallmark of recognition in the museum field, particularly because it is determined by a committee of other museum professionals and leaders.

"We were also gratified to have AAM call attention to our service to the diverse Bay Area community and the outstanding stewardship of our extensive collections."

AAM reaccreditation is a rigorous undertaking, requiring interviews, site visits, and copious documentation. The museum devoted two years to the process; its reaccreditation is good through 2017. Its initial accreditation was awarded in 1973.

In the meantime, the Oakland Museum of California moves ahead with a major renovation and expansion of its landmark Kevin Roche building and a groundbreaking reinstallation of its collections of art, history, and natural sciences.

Since its founding in 1969, the Museum has served as the leading resource on the art, history, and natural environment of California. Through its collections, special exhibitions, and public programs, the Museum advances a broader understanding of this evolving state and its relationship to the nation and the world.

With the $58 million transformation, the Museum will create a more inclusive and interactive environment, achieve greater integration of its collections, and present the multilayered story of California and its people from a variety of perspectives-reflecting California’s demographic and the audiences served by the Museum.

"We are challenging conventional ways of interpretation and emphasizing flexibility, transparency, and community dialogue," said Ms. Fogarty. "Visitors will see themselves represented in the galleries and be encouraged to share their ‘California story’ with others."

OMCA’s renovation and expansion is overseen by the San Francisco architectural firm of Mark Cavagnero Associates, honoring the original architecture and landscape vision of Kevin Roche and Dan Kiley while upgrading visitor amenities. Modifications encompass new exhibition and programming space, seating, and state-of-the-art lighting in the galleries. A new 90-foot canopy over the Oak Street entrance will enhance the Museum’s street presence.

OMCA has reached 90% of its $58 million goal for the renovation and expansion.

For details or images of the Museum’s transforation, please contact Elizabeth Whipple, at [email protected] or 510/238-4740.

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The Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak @10th Street, in Oakland, is one block from the Lake Merritt BART. Call 510/239-2200 or visit www.museumca.org for information