Museum Story: From Past to Future
February 14 - April 27, 2003
The Story
Museum Story explores the Sonoma County Museum’s fascinating past and a glimpse into its remarkable future .Through rare historical photographs, documents, artifacts,architectural plans along with lively educational text, exhibition designer Gordon Chun, known for his work for the Oakland Museum, creates a dynamic and immediate experience for all ages, illuminating the dramatic history of Santa Rosa’s celebrated 1908 Beaux Arts Post Office.
The future of the Museum is explored in an adjacent gallery, which has been transformed into an architectural installation, immersing visitors in a space created by architect Michaela. This three dimensional architectural experience provides a window into Michael Maltzan’s design, who has been chosen as the architect for the next chapter in the amazing story of this dynamic building.
The Past
Rising from the devastation of the 1906 earthquake, Santa Rosa’s Post Office and Federal building was a symbol of pride and a rallying point for a town rocked to its foundations. Designed by architect James Knox Taylor in 1908, the new post office at 5th and A Streets was considered avant-garde and cutting-edge at the time utilizing the latest in technology.
Over time, Santa Rosa’s postal needs outgrew the building and by 1965 it was used by the County school system as office and storage space until it faced demolition in 1979. A grass roots effort saved the old post office - placing it on the National Register of Historic Places and moving it out of harm’s way. Inching its way to its new home on 7th Street, the old Post Office moved 750 feet over 79 days.
After a major restoration by historical architect Dan Peterson the building re-opened in 1985 in its new incarnation - the Sonoma County Museum. How fitting that this building, constructed between 1908 and 1909 as a place of community, communication and civic pride should be reborn as a cultural force.
The Future
In the near future the building will embark on yet another journey. Internationally renowned architect Michael Maltzan commandments fame will reveal plans for a new state-of-the-art architectural landmark Museum. The Museum will remain on Seventh Street, gracing and revitalizing the entire block with a signature building for all Sonoma County residents and visitors -revitalized and redefined by innovative programming from the historical to the contemporary.
Museum Story is sponsored by a generous gift from Sonne J. Pedersen.
