USC Pacific Asia Museum to Install HVAC System and Transform Permanent Collections Storage into a State-of-the-Art Facility
June 12, 2017 | In the PressUSC Pacific Asia Museum, the only museum dedicated to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands, has announced that it has received a generous grant from The Ahmanson Foundation for the Museum’s Permanent Collections Storage Renovation Project. The grant will be used to install an HVAC system and controls to transform the Museum’s permanent collections storage into a state-of-the-art facility.
Three separate collections storage rooms, optimized for temperature and humidity controls will be created. A compact shelving system, funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services, will optimize storage space and further secure collection items. The completion of this project will result in dramatically enhanced collection care capabilities and practices.
“We are extremely grateful to The Ahmanson Foundation for its generosity and for recognizing the unique value that USC PAM brings to our community,” said Dr. Christina Yu Yu, USC PAM Director. “The Grace Nicholson Building that houses the museum, it’s collection and staff, is one of the most precious artifacts in the museum’s collection and its needed renovation will support the museum’s future growth and excellence.”
The museum temporarily closed in July 2016 to commence the first phase of the USC PAM Master Plan that includes a year long seismic renovation of its historic building and construction of a modern collections care and conservation center. Developed in association with architect Kelly Sutherlin McLeod, FAIA, the USC PAM Master Plan will realize physical, system and equipment enhancements that will bring the museum to current standards for public access and collections care. Phase I addresses the most pressing needs, including seismic retrofitting, foundation reinforcement, water proofing, installation of modern HVAC and electrical systems, and creation of a modern collections storage facility. Phase II will enhance exhibition galleries and staff working areas and transform guest amenities, including a 1,544-sq. ft. roof top terrace overlooking the San Gabriel Mountains and a 1,544-sq.ft. multi-purpose event venue and conference center.
Structural, electrical and HVAC systems upgrades realized in the museum’s basement will serve as the foundation for completing Phase II of the master plan by supporting architectural and systems enhancements throughout the museum that will enhance museum and exhibition experiences for guests; increase the museum’s access to important museum and collections loans for staging special exhibitions; and expand the museum’s capacity to host symposia, conference, cultural festival and special events.
HVAC system and control upgrades begin immediately and will be completed for the reopening activities planned in Fall 2017 and the opening exhibition Winds from Fusang: Mexico and China in the Twentieth Century, as part of the Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA Celebration Beyond Borders exploration of Latin American and Latino Art led by the Getty.