OMCA's transformation is first and foremost about the galleries: new ways to learn and to discover Calfornia. But we're also including several components to make your next visit a welcoming experience.

Level two will become the central spot for visitors, with an expanded store, admissions hub, and security center. Level two is also the home of the reinvented Blue Oak café, featuring Chef Robert Dorsey, III (opening in June 2010). More than just a place to get your ticket and a keepsake mug, level two will be your entry to everything the Oakland Museum of California has to offer.

Howard Thornton, store manager, sees the store as a key place in the Museum where art, history, and natural sciences come together. His goal is to connect visitors with our singular mission. To that end, he is introducing several new categories of featured products: graphic novels and self-taught artists, the California food movement, ecodesign and architecture, and digital communications. Store events will feature local artists and authors with a wide selection of activities, such as book signings, trunk shows, do-it-yourself workshops, artist demonstrations, and a children's storytime hour. Thornton explains, "With our expanded footprint, we can highlight local artists or artisans on our "feature wall," an entire section devoted to this purpose. I'm really excited about keeping our visitors connected to the Museum beyond their visit. I know they'll want to come back for more."

See it for yourself at the grand opening "31 hours for the 31st State," Saturday, May 1, 11 a.m. through Sunday, May 2, 6 p.m.

A rendering of the store's northern entrance by Mark Cavagnero & Associates.

A rendering of the future admissions hub by Mark Cavagnero & Associates.

The admissions hub under construction. Photo: Claire F. Meyler