Editorials

The Pacific Film Archive and Berkeley Art Museum will undergo a $4 million seismic retrofit starting in April of 2001, the University of California at Berkeley announced Friday.  

The two art facilities will continue operating in their current locations while university staff makes plans to build new, updated sites for the popular cultural attractions. The museum is not only in need of retrofitting, but is not now equipped to present some multi-media art exhibits. 

In September of 1999, a new Pacific Film Archive Theater was opened on the south side of the university campus, in a temporary facility. 

The retrofit will comprise a number of steel braces at several key locations inside and outside the building to support its walls.  

The university anticipates closing the galleries between May 28 and early September. Access to the museum garden will be restricted between April and October. 

Film screenings at the new Pacific Film Archive Theater on the south side of the campus will continue without interruption, according to the University. 

“I am delighted that we are making this move towards a permanent solution to the museum’s seismic challenges. Among our highest priorities is to ensure that the public can continue to enjoy our exceptional exhibitions, lectures and public programs while we make plans for a new, expanded facility that will better meet the needs of our local, national and international audiences,” said Kevin E. Consey, director of the film archive and museum. 

The galleries will close May 28 and reopen in stages, starting in late August. 

Work should be completed by early September, according to university officials.  

The city of Berkeley is planning an arts and theater district on Addison Street between Shattuck Avenue and Milvia Street.