Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) is a vibrant cultural hub nestled in the heart of Berkeley, California. This multifaceted institution, associated with the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, is a treasure trove for art and film enthusiasts alike. With its rich history, diverse collections, and innovative exhibitions, BAMPFA offers a unique and captivating experience for visitors of all ages.

A Rich History

BAMPFA's roots trace back to 1963, when artist and teacher Hans Hofmann made a significant donation to the University of California, Berkeley. His gift included 45 paintings and $250,000, which laid the foundation for the museum. The building, designed by Mario Ciampi and his associates, opened its doors in 1970. Over the years, BAMPFA has grown and evolved, becoming a vital part of the North American Reciprocal Museums program and a beacon of artistic and cinematic excellence.

The Art Collection

BAMPFA's art collection is nothing short of extraordinary. It houses over 22,000 works of art, spanning various periods and styles. Among the highlights are Ming and Qing dynasty Chinese paintings, Mughal dynasty Indian miniature paintings, Baroque masterpieces, old master prints and drawings, early American paintings, African-American quilts, 19th and 20th-century photography, Conceptual art, and contemporary international art.

The museum has showcased works by renowned artists such as Ant Farm, Joe Brainard, Joan Brown, Theresa Hak Kyung Cha, Robert Colescott, Jay DeFeo, Juan Gris, Eva Hesse, Paul Kos, Robert Mapplethorpe, Barry McGee, Richard Misrach, Bruce Nauman, Peter Paul Rubens, Martin Puryear, Sebastião Salgado, and William Wiley, among others. The MATRIX Program for Contemporary Art has featured influential artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Louise Bourgeois, James Lee Byars, Sophie Calle, Jay DeFeo, Willem de Kooning, Juan Downey, Eva Hesse, Sol LeWitt, Shirin Neshat, Nancy Spero, Cecilia Vicuña, and Andy Warhol.

Special Acquisitions

In recent years, BAMPFA has made notable acquisitions that have further enriched its collection. In 2009, the museum received a gift of 56 paintings and drawings from the Abu Ghraib Series by Fernando Botero. This poignant series has been a regular feature in the museum's annual Art for Human Rights exhibitions. In 2014, BAMPFA acquired San Francisco collector and dealer Steven Leiber's collection of Conceptual art and art materials, along with his extensive library of reference and artists' books related to Conceptualism and the Fluxus movement. This acquisition has positioned BAMPFA as one of the world's foremost centers for the study of Conceptual art.

In 2019, the museum received a bequest of the Eli Leon Collection, which includes almost 3,000 works by African-American quilt makers, with over 500 pieces by Rosie Lee Tompkins. This collection now represents about 15 percent of the museum's holdings. The 2020 retrospective of Rosie Lee Tompkins' work was hailed by The New York Times as a triumph, solidifying her status as one of America's great artists. Looking ahead, the exhibition Rooted West: Twentieth Century African American Quilts in California is set to open in June 2025, drawing from the Eli Leon Collection.

In 2021, a generous gift from the Richard and Mary L. Gray Collection added 15 significant works on paper to the museum's collection, including pieces by Guercino, Tiepolo, Guardi, Géricault, Juan Gris, Paul Klee, and Miró.

The Pacific Film Archive

The Pacific Film Archive (PFA) is a cornerstone of BAMPFA, offering an extensive and diverse film program. Founded by Sheldon Renan in 1966, the PFA specializes in presenting films within a theoretical or critical context. It boasts a collection of 16,000 films and videos, including the largest collection of Japanese films outside of Japan. The PFA also features a library and study center, providing a wealth of resources for film scholars and enthusiasts. Online catalogs and databases make it easy to explore the archive's holdings and associated documentation.

Architectural Marvel

The current BAMPFA building, located at 2155 Center Street in downtown Berkeley, is a stunning blend of old and new. The original structure, a 1939 Art Deco building that once housed the University of California Press printing plant, has been transformed by the New York firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The $100 million renovation preserved the historic shell while adding a modern, metal-clad, skylighted addition. The new building features several galleries, a 232-seat theater, a store, and a learning center, offering a total of 83,000 square feet of space, including 25,000 square feet of gallery space. The museum reopened to the public on January 31, 2016, and has since become a cultural landmark in Berkeley.

Conclusion

BAMPFA is more than just a museum and film archive; it is a dynamic cultural institution that celebrates the intersection of art and film. With its rich history, diverse collections, and innovative programming, BAMPFA offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors. Whether you are an art aficionado, a film buff, or simply curious, a visit to BAMPFA promises to be an unforgettable journey through the worlds of art and cinema.