| The first M. H. de Young Memorial Museum was built in 1894 and became a stripped down and ugly in the fifties, as was common in those days. After the ’89 earthquake damaged the building, Herzog and Meuron together with Arup were chosen to build a replacement. Some native to the city don’t like that the historic building was completely torn down rather than refurnished to what it once was. I agree that the new building, as wonderful as it is, simply doesn’t contain the style and essence particular to San Fransisco.The museum signifies a revitalization of Golden Gate park. The park was once full of drug needles and trash. But now the park is full of meticulous flower gardens and recreation. A new California Academy of Sciences is almost completed across from the museum, the plaza between them is almost completed, and other buidlings are coming up nearby.
The 195ft tower gives it away as one approached up the street. The copper plate exterior cladding gives an impressive approach as one enters through a sort of tunnel into a courtyard. The copper changes texture over the years until it becomes a greenish staple like any of the trees surrounding it. |
(second image by shared/WT on wikipedia)
