Two renowned architecture studios, Herzog & de Meuron and EHDD, are set to transform a historic 1960s warehouse complex in Northern California into a groundbreaking design museum dedicated to the legacy of Charles and Ray Eames. The ambitious project will convert the former Birkenstock campus in Novato, located just north of San Francisco, into what organizers describe as a "world-class art and design museum" for the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity.
The distinctive warehouse and neighboring office building, originally designed in the 1960s by modernist architect John Savage Bolles for publishing giant McGraw-Hill, sits on an expansive 88.5-acre site. The German shoe company Birkenstock later occupied the buildings before the Eames Institute acquired the property as part of its expansion plans.
"The acquisition of the Birkenstock campus is a transformational step for the Eames Institute – the culmination of a long-held dream and our deep commitment to the North Bay community," said John Cary, CEO of the Eames Institute. "This extraordinary space will enable us to expand our programming and reach a broader audience, while serving as a permanent anchor for creativity and innovation in the Bay Area."
The renovation plans call for preserving the warehouse building's most striking architectural feature – a distinctive tent-like concrete roof structure. Herzog & de Meuron, serving as design consultants, and EHDD, acting as executive architects, will maintain this historic concrete framework while updating the facility for its new purpose. Early renderings of the converted campus show the buildings clad in wooden slats, with the original concrete structure dramatically jutting over low-lying walls.
"Drawing on our expertise of adapting historic structures, most notably the Tate Modern in London, we are thrilled to now help transform this modernist campus into a vibrant public arts destination serving the Bay Area and beyond," said Simon Demeuse, a partner at Herzog & de Meuron.
The transformed campus will house an extensive range of cultural and educational offerings. Plans include displaying works from the comprehensive Eames archives, hosting contemporary art exhibitions, and providing maker spaces and workshops for visitors. The design team indicates that while the final plans are still being developed, the interiors will accommodate large-scale exhibitions that can properly showcase the breadth of Charles and Ray Eames' influential work.
The campus has remained largely inaccessible to the public throughout its history. According to local news outlet SFGate, Birkenstock used the facility only sporadically during its ownership, leaving much of the space underutilized. The location, situated just off the Redwood Highway, offers convenient access while maintaining the somewhat secluded character that has defined the site.
Architect John Savage Bolles, who designed the original buildings, was a significant figure in Bay Area modernist architecture. His portfolio includes other notable projects in the region, such as the now-demolished Candlestick Park sports stadium in San Francisco and the IBM Campus in San Jose. The preservation and adaptive reuse of his Novato warehouse represents an important conservation of mid-century modernist architecture.
The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity was established in 2019 and launched publicly in 2022. The organization currently operates from its headquarters in Richmond, California, where Llisa Demetrios, the granddaughter of Charles and Ray Eames, serves as chief curator and leads educational tours.
"To share my grandparents' vision with the world is the honor of a lifetime," said Demetrios. "Ray and Charles' boundless curiosity for solving problems through design has been at the core of the Eames Institute's mission, and this expansion will allow us to share those gifts with our community on an even larger scale."
The museum project comes at a time of renewed interest in the Eames legacy. Earlier this year, the famous Eames House and studio in Los Angeles reopened after sustaining damage from wildfires. The couple's innovative furniture designs, architectural projects, and films continue to influence contemporary designers and architects worldwide.
Charles and Ray Eames revolutionized mid-century design through their groundbreaking furniture pieces, experimental films, and architectural innovations. Their work, characterized by a blend of functionality, beauty, and accessibility, helped define the aesthetic of modern American design. The new museum will provide a comprehensive venue for exploring their contributions to design, architecture, and visual culture.
While the project remains in its design development phase, the collaboration between Herzog & de Meuron and EHDD promises to create a facility that honors both the original modernist architecture and the innovative spirit of the Eames legacy. The museum is expected to become a significant cultural destination in the Bay Area, attracting design enthusiasts, students, and tourists from around the world.
The transformation of the former Birkenstock campus represents more than just a museum project – it symbolizes the ongoing relevance of mid-century design principles and the importance of preserving architectural heritage while adapting it for contemporary use. When completed, the facility will serve as both a repository of design history and a living laboratory for future creative innovation.
