CNN iReport

The Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, CA is on its way to becoming the NEW Crocker with its expansion project underway.

Upon completion it will:

Serve the needs of audiences of all ages and abilities

Welcome visitors with a striking two-story atrium and event space, that will facilitate larger receptions, seating as many as 400 for a formal event inside and, with the courtyard, be capable of seating as many as 1,200

Triple the size of the Museum

Quadruple the size of temporary exhibition space, enabling “blockbuster” exhibitions to come to Sacramento

Include a 7,000-square-foot courtyard and a café with indoor/outdoor seating

Feature onsite collections care that includes safe and secure art storage not susceptible to flooding and a new conservation lab that will help ensure the proper care and restoration of the collection

For the first time in the Crocker's 125-year history, it will provide a state-of-the-art auditorium able to seat nearly 300 for a full-range of cultural programs as well as other dedicated programming space

Include an educational center that features three functional and flexible studio art spaces, a children’s participatory gallery, a teacher resource center, an expanded library and new student exhibition space

Be a gracious gathering space for all.

Windows will soon be installed.

The existing museum is being given a fresh coat of paint. Colors were inspired from the original Victorian palette and complement the materials of the new construction.

Sometime in 2010 the expansion will be ready and opened.

Photos were taken Sept. 18, 2009.

Photos | Kati Garner

Please visit:

http://www.newcrocker.org