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    • Rendering of the grand entrance to the former Birkenstock distribution center reimagined by Herzog & de Meuron for the Eames Institute

    The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is ecstatic and humbled to share our plans for a world-class museum that will bring innovative design programming and immersive art experiences to the public.

    The museum will be housed in the former Birkenstock campus in Novato, California, 28 miles north of San Francisco. This new cultural destination will feature a wide range of offerings, including art and design exhibitions, makerspaces and workshops, educational programming, accessible public open space, culinary and retail experiences, and a rotating display of the Eames Collection archives and other major collections.

    The campus was originally designed in the 1960s for the publishing company McGraw-Hill by John Savage Bolles, a celebrated modernist architect with deep roots in the Bay Area. The Birkenstock footwear company became the primary tenant at the site from 1994 to 2019, and the Novato landmark has been vacant since 2020. Although the campus has been inaccessible to the public for most of its existence, the warehouse structure⁠—with its distinctive saw-tooth roofline⁠—is a beloved local icon. It is a striking and enduring example of mid-century modern design.

    The Institute has partnered with the Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron and San Francisco–based EHDD to reimagine the design of the campus into a dynamic public space that honors its architectural legacy while opening it to new generations of guests.

    This is just the beginning. We invite you to follow along as we shape the next chapter of this remarkable site⁠—and help turn it into a place for learning, inspiration, and joyful exploration. Eames Heart Symbol

    To share my grandparents’ vision with the world is the honor of a lifetime. Ray and Charles’s 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.

    Llisa Demetrios

    Chief Curator of the Eames Institute

    Rendering of the courtyard of the former Birkenstock distribution center reimagined by Herzog & de Meuron for the Eames Institute

    For media inquiries, please reach out to press@eamesinstitute.org. For general inquiries and further information, contact us at museum@eamesinstitute.org.

    Conceptual renderings by Herzog & de Meuron. Archival images show McGraw-Hill campus.

    Is the campus open to the public?

    The campus is currently not open to the public. We’ll share updates on future access and programming as soon as we can.

    When will the museum open?

    We’re in the early planning stages and developing a programmatic roadmap. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on our progress.

    What will the museum include?

    Our vision includes immersive art exhibitions, makerspaces and workshops, educational programming, public open space, culinary and retail offerings, and displays of the Eames Collection and archives, among many other collections and works of art and design.

    Who is designing the museum?

    The transformation will be led by the world-renowned Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron with support from San Francisco–based EHDD, ensuring the museum honors its legacy while becoming a dynamic public destination.

    How is the museum funded?

    The Eames Institute is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity, supported by donors and philanthropic contributions.

    How was Marin County selected for the location?

    Novato offers an iconic campus with architectural and historical significance, and we’re thrilled to anchor a vibrant cultural hub in Marin County that will benefit the entire Bay Area and beyond.

    Will there be jobs or volunteer opportunities?

    Yes! This project is expected to create jobs and extensive volunteer opportunities as it develops. Visit our Careers page to stay informed as new roles become available.