Expansion FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Building and Construction

How will this expansion change SFMOMA?

Expanding SFMOMA and doubling its endowment will accommodate the tremendous growth of the museum's audiences, educational programs, and collections that has occurred since our current building opened in 1995, and will allow us to better serve more visitors in the 21st century. The expansion will provide approximately 100,000 square feet of additional gallery and public space as well as approximately 60,000 square feet of support space, including larger and more advanced conservation facilities and an expanded library. SFMOMA's current 225,000-square-foot building consists of 65,000 square feet of galleries including the 14,400-square-foot Rooftop Garden.

How long will the project take?

Depending on the pace of fundraising and public approvals, we anticipate that the project will take approximately six years to complete, with an expected opening planned for 2016.

Where will the expansion be located?

The museum is working with space on Howard Street between Third and New Montgomery extending north to Natoma Street, including 670 Howard (formerly owned by Heald College), which SFMOMA purchased in 2007. The design includes additions that will connect to the rear of the museum spanning from Minna Street to Howard Street, creating galleries that will merge seamlessly with the existing museum. The final expansion design will be subject to the City of San Francisco's approval process for public buildings.

What will the expansion look like? How will it relate to the current building?

Snøhetta is committed to designing an expansion and renovations to the existing facility that are both forward-looking and complementary to the current Mario Botta-designed building. To date, SFMOMA has announced the conceptual designs for the project. Full schematic designs will be announced in fall 2011.

Will SFMOMA be closed during the expansion process?

The answer to this question will depend in large part on the design of the expansion and the sequencing of construction activities. This will be studied as part of the design process, which is just beginning. SFMOMA is committed to doing everything possible to maintain access and a high-quality museum experience throughout the construction process.

About the Architects and the Selection Process

Who are the architects, and why were they selected?

Snøhetta was recommended by SFMOMA's architect selection committee for its unique designs, collaborative philosophy and firm structure, and ability to apply elegant approaches to complex civic and cultural projects. This is a defining moment for SFMOMA and the committee believes this is also a defining chapter in Snøhetta's history and impact as a firm.

How did SFMOMA approach the selection of an architect for this project?

A committee of museum and community leaders evaluated distinguished architects worldwide; invited a select group of firms to submit proposals; narrowed the field to a short list of four firms (Snøhetta, Adjaye Associates, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Foster + Partners); and ultimately recommended Snøhetta to design the expansion. The final choice was ratified by the Board of Trustees.

Who was on the architect selection committee?

In addition to SFMOMA Director Neal Benezra and Board Chair Charles Schwab, the selection committee was composed of civic leaders and museum trustees with expertise in the realms of community service, art collecting, philanthropy, and real estate development: Gerson Bakar, Robert Fisher, Mimi Haas, Helen Schwab, Bill Wilson, and Robin Wright. The committee was advised by David Meckel, FAIA, director of research and planning at California College of the Arts, and assisted by the museum's Deputy Director Ruth Berson.

About the Budget and Fundraising

How much will the project cost?

The total projected budget is $480 million, which includes $230 million for the museum's endowment.

How will SFMOMA pay for the expansion?

The museum has already raised $250 million in challenge pledges, of which $100 million will go toward the endowment. These pledges from museum leadership have given the project momentum and put us in an excellent position at a very early stage. SFMOMA's leadership is energized and fully committed to realizing this project.

Why does the budget for this project include money for the endowment?

A healthy endowment provides the bedrock for any nonprofit organization to fulfill its mission and service to the community. SFMOMA plays a vital role as an educational, economic, and cultural resource in the Bay Area. Growing the museum's endowment is the single most important form of investment to support and sustain SFMOMA for future generations.

About the Fire Station

What will happen to Fire Station 1 on Howard Street?

SFMOMA is collaborating with the city to assist in the creation of a new, modern, and seismically safe fire station nearby on Folsom Street as a gift to the community, enabling the city to finally replace the outdated Howard Street station at no taxpayer expense. Subject to City approvals, SFMOMA will fund, design, and construct a new station in accordance with current building codes for essential facilities. In return, the City has agreed to deed to SFMOMA the existing Fire Station 1 and a portion of Hunt Alley directly behind the station. The new station represents a gift to the city valued at more than $10 million.

Who will design the new fire station?

The local architectural firm Leddy Maytum Stacy has been retained to design the new firehouse.

What is the timeline for the firehouse project?

Environmental impact review is slated for fall 2011 with construction starting in winter 2011. Construction is targeted to finish in spring 2013.

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151 Third Street between Mission + Howard Streets San Francisco, California 94103 USA