THE CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM BRINGS NEW LIFE TO SAN FRANCISCO LANDMARK

Landmark Jessie Street Power Substation Facade; Free Cell Phone Tour of Site Now Available

San Francisco, Calif., August 3, 2007– The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) announced that major conservation work on the 1907 Jessie Street Power Substation is complete and has removed the scaffolding from the exterior of the building’s South wall, making its original terra cotta fixtures and masonry visible to the public.  

Under the creative direction of architect Daniel Libeskind, the CJM’s new home is an adaptive reuse of the landmark substation, which helped restore energy to San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. Inspired by the Hebrew phrase “l’chaim” (to life), Libeskind’s dynamic, contemporary design makes visible the relationship between the old and the new by incorporating the substation’s character defining features. The Museum is also working with Architectural Resources Group, an organization widely recognized for its significant expertise with historic building projects, to ensure that the integrity of the substation is preserved. 

"The conservation of the Jessie Street Power Substation brings us closer to the Museum's realization as a vibrant new center for connecting art, people and ideas, " said Connie Wolf, director of teh CJM.  "We are so grateful to the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency for granting us use of this historic landmark.  When the CJM opens in late Spring 2008, visitors will have access to this historic architectural gem for the first time in more than one hundred years" 

Constructed in 1881, the historic brick and terra cotta structure was remodeled by architect Willis Polk in 1907 after the 1906 fires. As part of the City Beautiful Movement, which sought to “beautify” urban industrial buildings, the substation was designed with neo-Classical elements, such as a towering, arched doorway, intricate cornice, and four cream-colored cherubs with garlands made of matte-glazed terra cotta, all of which have been carefully cleaned, patched and sealed to prevent further damage. Renovation on the substation’s other character defining features, including the interior surface of the South Wall, the towering sky lights, and historic crane and catwalk continues.

The new 63,000-square-foot facility, located on Mission Street between 3^rd & 4^th streets in downtown San Francisco, will enable the Museum to present an expanded array of engaging programming including art exhibitions, live music, film screenings, lectures and discussions, and educational activities for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. At the heart of the new facility is a large education center, which will allow the CJM to offer ongoing educational programs in conjunction with its exhibitions for youth, adults, and seniors.

Free Cell phone Tour Now Available:

Ongoing construction updates are available through a free cell phone tour, where visitors can hear from architect Daniel Libeskind, Museum Director Connie Wolf and Historian Kevin Starr, who provide their personal insights on the project.  The free cell phone tour provides callers with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Contemporary Jewish Museum's new facility. The cell phone tour is available free of charge except for cell phone minutes; long distance charges may apply when calling from a landline. Callers can dial (408) 794-0878 while viewing the facility from Yerba Buena Lane, located between Mission/Market and 3^rd & 4th streets. The tour can also be accessed on the CJM website at www.thecjm.org.                                                                                                                  

ABOUT THE CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM

With the opening of its new building in late Spring 2008, the Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) will usher in a new chapter in its 20-plus year history of engaging audiences and artists in exploring contemporary perspectives on Jewish culture, history, art, and ideas. The new facility, designed by internationally renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, will be a lively center where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather to appreciate art, share diverse perspectives, and engage in hands-on activities. Inspired by the Hebrew phrase “l’chaim” (to life), the building is a physical embodiment of the CJM’s mission to bring together tradition and innovation in an exploration of the relevance of Jewish values and traditions in the 21st century.

The Contemporary Jewish Museum gratefully acknowledges the generous annual support of an anonymous supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund; The Frances K. and Theodore H. Geballe Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund; The Simcha Foundation; Grants for the Arts/San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund; Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund; anonymous donors; and the Members of the Contemporary Jewish Museum. The Museum is supported by the Jewish Community Federation (JCF) of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties. The Museum is a non-profit, cultural organization.

For more information about the Contemporary Jewish Museum, call (415) 344-8800 or visit www.thecjm.org.

Contacts:                                                                                              

 

 

Stacey Silver The Contemporary Jewish Museum (415) 344-8833 ssilver@thecjm.org

Kate Patterson The Contemporary Jewish Museum (415) 344-8818 kpatterson@thecjm.org

 

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