Matt Isble, Exhibition Designer and Lead Prepartor
Justin Marsh, Museum Experience Facilitator work on the interior design in the New Crocker. The Interior of the existing Crocker will also have a makeover.

"The new Anne and Malcolm McHenry Works on Paper Study Center (above) will enable the Museum to share the Crocker Art Museum's fine early collection of European drawings in the United States", says Kathleen Richards,Crocker Marketing Communications Coordinator. 

In addition to two dedicated galleries for special exhibitions, the state-of-the-art facility comprises a 926-square-foot storage room and an 810-square-foot study room for scholars, artists, and the public by appointment.

The Study Center will open in October 2010 with A Pioneering Collection: Master Drawings from the Crocker Art Museum, an exhibition of more than 50 rarely seen works by artists such as Albrecht Dürer, Fra Bartolommeo, Anthonie van Dyck, François Boucher and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. A Pioneering Collection marks the launch of a series of regular special exhibitions and programs for works on paper for the first time in the history of the Crocker.

For every day that master drawings are out of storage, they need to spend three days in storage, away from light and the elements.

This large storage area will store and protect large paintings.

An office space on the northwest corner of the New Crocker.

Hardwood floors are protected during the finishing of the large third-floor gallery spaces. Skylights allows natural lighting.

Comfortable stadium style theatre seating has recently been installed in the new auditorium. This new space will accomodate 260 people for films, concerts and lectures.

High-tech equipment will be used for the films, concerts and lectures in the auditorium. This room is located at the rear of the auditorium behind the last row of seats in the auditorium photo.

Looking down from the second floor into the atrium which will be used for eating, reading, visiting and relaxing.On the left are floor-to-ceiling windows looking into the courtyard.

Hardwood flooring is installed in a reception  area above the new entrance.

The balcony on the second floor above the new entrance.

Entrance to the auditorium on the northwest side of the new wing.

A water fountain is protect under the blue tarp in the courtyard.The new courtyard entrance gates will soon be installed as the massive frame bridging the courtyard entrance is finished. These gates will remain closed most of the time providing tranquility from the outside world. They will be opened for special events and other occasions; highlighting the flexibility this new building will provide to the community.

The Museum is expanding the campaign to build the New Crocker. The community is invited to show their support by purchasing and wearing an "I am the New Crocker" button. Buttons can be purchased at the Admission Desk and Museum Store for $5. Proceeds help fund the New Crocker.

The New Crocker opens October 10, 2010. It will be the culmination of a monumental endeavor in its 125-year history.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner