Since its closure in June, the Randall Museum has been preparing for major renovations to its location at 199 Museum Way. (A temporary location was established in the Mission in July, and will remain open while renovations take place.) Today, planners, community members, and elected officials joined together for a groundbreaking ceremony at the museum.
A crowd of roughly 50 people gathered around 9:30am this morning to celebrate the groundbreaking. Among those in attendance were San Francisco Rec and Park Director Phil Ginsburg, District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener, State Assemblyman David Chiu, and Randall Museum Friends President Mitchell Shapson.
Ginsburg kicked off the event by welcoming attendees. He spoke about the history of the Randall and the scope of the renovation project, and thanked fundraisers for their efforts. Wiener followed, discussing funding for parks, rehabilitating spaces like Randall and Dolores Park, and the collaboration to get the Randall project funded.
Next up was Chiu, who stressed the value of museums like the Randall. He thanked multiple agencies for securing state funds for the project, and spoke about advocating for parks on a state and local level.
Finally, Shapson touched on the future of the Randall, his appreciation for its emphasis on the natural ecosystem, and the volunteers of Randall Museum Friends.
Many attendees dug in an honorary shovel on the project, which is set to be completed by 2017. After the ceremony, a tour was provided of the space, to show off all the features that will change with the renovation. (For more on what to expect from the new museum, check out our story from June.)
While the project is underway, fans of science and nature exhibits can check out the Randall's temporary home in the Mission at 745 Treat Ave., and learn more about the museum's services on its website.
