Garden Conservancy Completes $100,000 Grant Partnership with Oakland Museum of California

December 2024

The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) and the Garden Conservancy have successfully completed a five-year partnership that has significantly impacted the restoration and enhancement of the museum’s iconic modernist landscape.

The $20,000 annual grant, provided by the Garden Conservancy from 2020 to 2024, has played a crucial role in OMCA’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its campus. Kate Rittmann, a former OMCA trustee and member of the Garden Conservancy Society of Fellows, played a pivotal role in initiating the partnership.

“OMCA’s landscape is a masterpiece, and it deserves to be celebrated,” said Rittmann. “I am grateful to the Garden Conservancy for their commitment to this project.”

The museum, a landmark designed by renowned architects Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo, features a distinctive tiered landscape by landscape architect Dan Kiley. This innovative design seamlessly integrated indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a unique urban oasis. OMCA tapped landscape architect Walter Hood to lead the renovation of the outdoor portion of its seven-acre campus, a $15 million project.

“We are grateful for the Garden Conservancy’s support in enhancing this extraordinary landscape,” said Lori Fogarty, OMCA’s Executive Director.

“This collaboration helped us preserve the legacy of Kiley’s design and ensure that the garden continues to be a vital part of our community.”

OMCA completed significant enhancements to its urban gardens. The newly redesigned garden highlights California native plant communities and addresses the critical need for urban residents to have access to a space of beauty and nature, learn more about the biodiversity of California, and enjoy vibrant cultural activities in the heart of Oakland. The Garden Conservancy’s support has enabled OMCA to implement a comprehensive enhancement plan, including:

• Replanting with native California species to create a more sustainable and resilient garden
• Upgrading pathways, terraces, and irrigation systems
• Developing educational programs and events to engage visitors of all ages

The partnership between OMCA and the Garden Conservancy stands as a testament to the power of collaboration to preserve cultural heritage and create vibrant public spaces.

While the formal partnership has concluded, OMCA remains committed to its newly redesigned garden and will continue to seek support from various sources to complete the vision.