Berkeley Art Museum

TheBerkeley Art Museumand Pacific Film Archive in the University of California Berkeley are two of the most treasured areas on campus. The museum was founded in the year 1963 when 45 paintings were donated to the university along with $250,000 from teacher and artist Hand Hofmann. There had been a design competition for the museum in 1964 and in 1970, it was finally inaugurated.

On the other hand, Sheldon Renan founded the Pacific Film Archive, which started screening films in 1966. It specializes in international films and also contains an extensive library that has an online database of film documentations. Browsing through its collections will truly be a treat to film aficionados.

The present day building of the Art Museum was a creation of Mario Ciampi and was erected in 1970. It had all the artistic features fitting for the pieces of art that it house. However, in 1997, it was found out that the building was unsafe during earthquakes so iron braces had to be added in 2001.

Today the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive are favorite destinations of tourists that visit the university, either for their studies or for leisure. The museum’s collections are priceless and are definitely a must-see for everyone who has the passion for history. And speaking of passion, film enthusiasts will surely be delighted to browse the rich collection of the Pacific Film Archive. International films of different genres can be found in this archive that will definitely fuel the passion of every film lover.

Whether you are going to the university to do some research for your work or study or simply taking a leisurely time away from your busy schedule, a trip to the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is highly recommended. Ask you tour guide, if you have one, for a day in these amazing places.

Berkeley Art Museum