Marin County has something big brewing. The iconic former Birkenstock factory in Novato is about to become a museum dedicated to Charles and Ray Eames, two legends of midcentury design.
The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity just bought the distinctive white, multi-peaked building along Highway 101 for $36 million. They’re planning to turn the massive 123,000-square-foot space into a museum that’ll show off revolutionary furniture designs and the creative spirit of the Eames legacy.
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This project will give Novato a fresh identity as a destination for design lovers. At the same time, it’ll keep a quirky piece of local architecture alive.
A Landmark Transformation in Novato
Anyone who’s driven the 101 corridor between San Rafael and Petaluma knows the building—it’s hard to miss. The place started out in 1964 as a McGraw Hill distribution center, then became Birkenstock’s North American headquarters.
It sits on 88.5 acres of prime Novato land and has plenty of space, including the main facility and extra office buildings. That’s a lot of room for something new.
Architectural Excellence Meets Design History
The museum’s design will be in the hands of Herzog & de Meuron, the Swiss architecture firm behind San Francisco’s deYoung Museum. They’ll work with Bay Area firm EHDD to give the place a fresh look, but they plan to keep the building’s unique silhouette.
That shape has become a familiar sight for anyone traveling between Mill Valley and Novato. It’s got a certain charm, honestly.
Llisa Demetrios, the Eames’ granddaughter and a leading force at the Eames Institute, wants to create a lively cultural hub. She hopes it’ll attract folks from all over Marin—Corte Madera, Larkspur, Sausalito—as well as design fans from far beyond.
The Institute itself got started in 2019 and went public in 2022. It’s separate from the Eames Foundation, which still takes care of the couple’s famous Case Study House in Los Angeles.
A Design Legacy Finds a Home in Marin
Charles and Ray Eames changed the game in the 20th century. Their fresh approach to furniture, architecture, and even filmmaking set a new standard.
Their most famous piece, the Eames lounge chair, was first made by Herman Miller in 1956. It’s still a high point of midcentury modern style and keeps inspiring furniture makers from San Anselmo to Tiburon.
From Richmond to Novato: A Collection’s Journey
The new museum will house the Eames Collection and archives, which are currently in Richmond. Visitors can expect:
No one’s announced the museum’s official name or opening date yet. Still, the project feels like a major cultural investment for Novato and Marin County.
Architects have a big job ahead, turning an industrial space into a museum that can protect and display delicate design pieces. That’ll probably take a few years, honestly.
For now, design fans from Greenbrae, Kentfield, and pretty much anywhere can check out a special exhibition of later Eames furniture at the Transamerica Pyramid Annex Gallery in San Francisco. This temporary show gives a little preview of what the full collection might look like once it lands in Novato for good.
The museum could become a cultural anchor for Northern Marin. It might even draw new visitors and businesses to the area, while shining a light on California’s design heritage.
Here is the source article for this story: Prominent Midcentury Building By 101 Freeway In Novato Will Become Museum Dedicated to Charles and Ray Eames
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