Herzog & de Meuron Reveal Eames Institute Master Plan in California
New museum design transforms a 1960s industrial warehouse into a public cultural destination.
1Adaptive Reuse Strategy
The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity project transforms an 88.5-acre industrial site in Novato, California. Originally built in 1965 for McGraw-Hill and later occupied by Birkenstock, the property features a sawtooth-roofed warehouse. Herzog & de Meuron are leading the architectural adaptation, converting the former industrial campus into a public museum space.
2Architectural Design Elements
The design includes a 400-foot-long Great Hall, positioned as one of the country's largest single-span art installation spaces. A 120-foot polished stainless-steel bridge will traverse the gallery areas, connecting various zones. The material palette utilizes color-stained plywood, plaster, and aluminum windows to maintain a dialogue between the original structure and new additions.
3Landscape Integration Plans
Field Operations is designing the grounds, drawing inspiration from landscape architect Tito Patri’s original plans. The design incorporates berms to buffer the site from the adjacent highway, alongside native stormwater gardens. The arrival sequence will be reconfigured to transform the previously truck-oriented industrial campus into an accessible, public-facing cultural destination for visitors.
4Functional Interior Spaces
The warehouse will house galleries, maker spaces, a cafe, and a 275-seat theater. The former office building is slated for conversion into a dedicated pavilion for events. Wood and ceramic workshops will be distributed throughout the facility, reflecting the practical and functional design philosophy championed by Charles and Ray Eames throughout their careers.
5Project Timeline Milestones
The Eames Institute acquired the property in 2025 to establish a permanent exhibition space for its extensive collection. Following the release of these master plan visuals, the project is scheduled for groundbreaking in 2028. Officials project that the museum will begin its phased opening process starting in the year 2030.
6Curatorial and Design Vision
Co-founder Llisa Demetrios emphasizes that the museum embodies the Eames legacy of curiosity and intentional design. By working within the constraints of the existing 1960s warehouse, the team aims to demonstrate how functional industrial architecture can be reimagined. The project seeks to honor the Eames spirit through careful, site-specific architectural interventions.
7Stakeholder and Funding Context
The Eames Institute was founded in 2023, with a headquarters established in 2024 featuring branding by the agency Manual. The project is backed by Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia. Gebbia, who was appointed as America’s first Chief Design Officer in 2025, has faced some public criticism regarding his involvement in this specific cultural development.
8Impact on Cultural Infrastructure
This development represents a significant shift in how industrial heritage sites are repurposed for public cultural use. By integrating large-scale art galleries with functional workshops and gardens, the project sets a precedent for adaptive reuse. It successfully bridges the gap between private industrial history and the growing demand for public exhibition spaces.