Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA Hey all -- we went to San Francisco this past summer, and visited the newly designed and opened de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. Finally got around to writing a trip report about it. Check it out below. <a href="http://www.2adults1child.com/Museum_Madness_Home/DeYoung/DeYoung_page1.htm" target="_blank">http://www.2adults1child.com/M useum_Madness_Home/DeYoung/DeYoung_page1.htm</a>
Originally Posted By Lisann22 As a girl who grew up part of her life in SF and spent many a days playing amongst the cherry trees across from the de Young museum, I was SO disappointed with the architecture of the building. I love the sprucing up of the park but I hate the tower. It's so blah and unitarian. Not at all the personality of SF that I know. ;< Next time your up in the Bay Area you need to let us know if you like. Us locals could show you around or just get some coffee or something. ;>
Originally Posted By gadzuux I'm with you. I've been there twice, and not only do I not care for the building, I don't care for much of the art inside either. They have an extensive collection of african art - tribal masks and carvings and such - almost too extensive. This exhibit occupies more than half of the second floor, and it just leaves me cold. My most recent visit was just two weeks ago (on one of the free days) and they had a temporary exhibit on the quilts of (something) corners - a series of quilts done by a team of women in the south that were - "humble". I've marveled at quilts displayed at the local county fairs - none of these quilts in the museum were anywhere near as good. The building is stark and severe by design, and seems like a brutal assault on it's beautiful park setting. And you're right - the building's color is now akin to a dirty penny, but over time it will become a more acid green as the metal exteriors oxidize in the foggy, salty air. For my tastes, it's already ugly and it's only going to get worse. Fortunately there's a silver lining. Directly opposite the "new" de young is the "about-to-be-new" academy of sciences. They've taken the old museum and gutted it, maintaining a wall or two, and are building what looks to be a very impressive new museum. Although it's not intended to be "destination architecture" it's muted dignity may help to offset the hard-edged and aloof architecture of the de young. They promise a sod roof with guest access, and they're replacing the dusty old taxidermy displays in the old museum with more sophisticated and interactive exhibits, and a more contemporary feel. So come back in a few years and see what you think then.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 It's going to be awesome gadzuux. I've seen the prints and designs as I've was asked for my opinion on some of the Native American exhibits that will go inside.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 <I've was> I'll blame that on the time of night. LOL Meet in two years - DEAL! ;>
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo OMG!!! They ruined it! I used to love the De Young and the Steinhart as a young boy. They ruined it with the rebuild. It used to be like the great Museums in London and Paris, and now it seems like a convention centre anywhere in the world ugh! Hmmmm - I do miss the Japanese Tea Garden, the Buffalo Herd, the Conservetory of Flowers and Dutch Windmills. Please tell me they are still in park???!!?
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 As a kid, I always felt sorry for the alligators or crocs that were in the Steinhart. They sat there all day with pennies on their backs. Made me sad and gave me the creeps Thanks for the report on the new deYoung Jim.
Originally Posted By mj9401 Yes we seen the Buffalo this past January. My kids were pretty thrilled as we don't have any buffalo here in Australia.
Originally Posted By irishfan I have to say that the building is very uninspiring. To be honest, it looks like a relic from the 60's which has had it's grey concrete just recladded.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad I'm not alone in feeling this way about the de Young.
