LOS ALTOS, CA (Jan 18, 2022) – Los Altos History Museum is temporarily closing its main and upper galleries and lobby Store to make way for the installation of the new, Permanent Exhibition featuring cutting-edge technology and interactive experiences. The retiring of the decades-old exhibition located in the upper gallery, and reconstruction of the new exhibition, will begin Feb 7.
While the historic J. Gilbert Smith House and outdoor Agricultural Exhibition will remain open, the temporary closure of the main building will allow the fabrication company to do the heavy work of dismantling walls as Museum staff carefully remove and store artifacts. Fans of the 1930s model train diorama and other favorite attractions in the Crown of the Peninsula exhibit are encouraged to visit the Museum before the closing, as the upper gallery will remain off limits until the slated debut of the new Permanent Exhibition in early 2023.
The main floor changing exhibit gallery and Museum Store will reopen Feb 17 with a photography exhibition titled “Every Wrinkle Tells a Story.” Photographer Maud Daujean profiles residents of Los Altos, capturing their lives in story and in portrait.
Regarding the temporary closure, Museum Board President Gary Hedden said, ”The project fell into place quickly. The design team and contractor are excited to get started and they have the availability now, which brings us one step closer to opening the new Permanent Exhibition, and that gets us excited! We can’t wait to see the innovative, new Permanent Exhibition when it opens.” He reassured, “The train diorama will return with enhanced features and exciting new augmented reality capabilities.”
The Museum will continue its active programming calendar throughout the year, including its Signature Fundraiser, “Dancing through the Decades: Entertaining the 20s,” rescheduled to April 2.
To help bring the Permanent Exhibition project to completion, the community is invited to join in support by donating to the Capital Campaign at losaltoshistory.org/donate. To receive notices of upcoming programs and events, visit the Museum’s homepage and sign up under “Get Updates” at losaltoshistory.org.
Los Altos History Museum began in 1977 with the opening of the J. Gilbert Smith House historic farmhouse, built in 1905. In 2001, the Los Altos History Museum opened its modern building next door, which houses the Museum’s collections, permanent and changing exhibits, store and administrative offices. The Museum and its grounds are available for rent during evenings and weekends. Its collections are owned by the City of Los Altos and are managed by an independent nonprofit organization, whose staff and volunteers are responsible for all programs and operations.
The Museum is open Thursday through Sunday, from noon-4pm. Admission is free. Tours of the J. Gilbert Smith House are available during open hours subject to docent availability. The outdoor agricultural exhibit, gardens and picnic area are accessible beyond Museum hours. For more information, visit: losaltoshistory.org, email hello@losaltoshistory.org, or phone 650.948.9427 x14.
Media Contact: Marketing@losaltoshistory.org
Los Altos History Museum: Elisabeth I. Ward, 650.948.9427 x10, eward@losaltoshistory.org
