Herzog & de Meuron to turn a Novato warehouse into an Eames museum

Charles Eames once likened the designer to a thoughtful host, and the institute carrying his and Ray Eames's name is preparing to host a great many guests. The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is planned as an 88.5-acre campus and museum in Novato, Marin County, given over to art, ideas and nature, with Herzog & de Meuron leading the architecture.

The heart of the site is a striking 1965 warehouse by Jan Lubicz-Nycz and John Savage Bolles, built for McGraw-Hill. Its folded concrete roof looks, from a distance, like a run of white peaks. Birkenstock later used it as a warehouse and moved out in 2020. Working with San Francisco firm EHDD, the architects plan to keep the 185,000 sq ft structure and fit it with warm, timber-lined, column-free galleries, plus a café, shop, theatre and maker spaces. A former office building next door will host retreats and talks.

Inside, expect rarities from the Eames archive alongside contemporary art. Outside, Field Operations will lay out gardens, groves, play areas and water features, planted with herbs, olive trees and other Northern Californian species.

Building is due to start in 2028, with opening expected in 2030. Nothing to visit yet, but one for design lovers to keep an eye on.

Our summary of a story from Wallpaper*, published 29 October 2026. Read the original

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