Housing & Development · Novato, CA
Eames Institute Submits Novato Museum Plan for Former Birkenstock Campus
The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity submitted a master plan Tuesday to the city of Novato to convert the former Birkenstock campus at 8171 Redwood Blvd. into a 185,000-square-foot art and design museum. The nonprofit purchased the 88.5-acre property for $36 million in 2025 and projects 200,000 annual visitors, 85 to 120 jobs, and $14 million in yearly visitor spending, with construction anticipated in 2028 and initial openings in 2030 subject to approvals. The plan includes a nearly 400-foot Great Hall, six exhibition galleries, workshops, a 275-seat theater, and Marin-inspired landscapes designed by Field Operations. No total construction budget has been announced, and the institute confirmed it still must raise funds.