Eames Institute Submits Novato Museum Master Plan
The nonprofit proposes a new art and design museum at the former Birkenstock campus on Redwood Boulevard.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Financial Planning
Live Poll
Should your city prioritize large cultural projects funded by high-profile private donors?
The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity has submitted a formal master plan to the city of Novato to transform a former warehouse site into a major art and design museum. The organization envisions an extensive renovation of the property at 8171 Redwood Blvd.
Why it matters
The project represents a significant cultural investment in the region and a physical expansion for an organization currently housing 40,000 objects in Richmond. It aims to revitalize a large industrial site while establishing a major public-facing institution in Novato.
The institute projects 200,000 annual visitors and $14 million in yearly visitor spending once the museum opens. The nonprofit acquired the 88.5-acre property for $36 million in 2025.
The players
Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity
This nonprofit organization preserves and shares the work of designers Charles and Ray Eames.
Joe Gebbia
A co-founder of Airbnb and billionaire philanthropist who donated more than $25 million to the Eames Institute.
The details
The proposal features an 185,000-square-foot facility that retains the original warehouse roof while incorporating new gardens and a 275-seat theater. Plans also call for a 120-foot-long stainless steel bridge spanning the interior of the main structure.
Timeline
The warehouse building was constructed for McGraw-Hill in the 1960s.
The nonprofit received $165.4 million in contributions from 2021 through 2024.
The institute purchased a 193-acre property near Petaluma for $20 million in 2024.
The institute purchased the 88.5-acre Novato property for $36 million in 2025.
The institute submitted the master plan to Novato in October 2026.
Market Dynamics
The museum proposal follows the pattern set by the repurposing of the Birkenstock campus by converting vacant industrial infrastructure into a public cultural asset. This transition reflects a broader shift toward transforming former manufacturing sites into destination-driven community spaces.
The proposed museum could enhance local property values and increase foot traffic near the Redwood Boulevard corridor. Residents should monitor city council hearings for potential impacts on local zoning and traffic management.
The takeaway
Large-scale cultural investments often transform local economic landscapes by driving tourism and sustained visitor spending. Property owners and residents near major development sites should track long-term urban planning proposals to understand shifting land-use patterns.
What happens next
The institute expects to break ground on construction in 2028 with a planned grand opening for the museum facility in 2030.
Further reading
For more information on local development and investment trends, visit Novato Financial Planning.
Live Poll
Should your city prioritize large cultural projects funded by high-profile private donors?
