NCNHM Building

The proposed building will be the museum’s first exhibit. We are following the guidelines for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) to create a sustainable building.

The building location is along the historic Esplanade in Chico, near the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. The museum will create a gateway to campus and will accessible from the Memorial Way entrance to the mansion.

The building metaphorically reflects the uniqueness of Northern California in its architecture. The building concept is shown along two axes: one reflecting the geologic development of the North State and one showing the north-south character of the modern landscape.

Visitors approach the museum along a geologic time walk depicting events in the development of Northern California. A mountain-like feature on the building acts as a prominent landmark, guiding visitors to the entrance just as the region’s mountains have been used as landmarks for way finding from time immemorial.

Outdoor spaces of the museum will be used for education as well. An outdoor amphitheater will provide a place for groups to gather and for museum staff to provide group programs.

Additionally, the landscape of the museum site is planned to reflect the region by showing the northern montane forests, riparian corridors, and delta habitats.

Immediately upon entering the building visitors will be under a dramatic light shaft, towering high above them, forming an open and inviting lobby.

The Museum Store is immediately off to the left, and other visitor amenities are down the hall to the right.

Passing through the lobby, visitors enter another high and dramatic space, the Valley Gallery. Just as the Sacramento River is the backbone of Northern California, the Valley Gallery is the backbone of the museum. The magnificent river and its many tributaries are depicted flowing from north to south right on the gallery floor, and outdoor exhibits at either end of the hall extend the experience, connecting the interior and exterior worlds.

From the centrally-located Valley Gallery visitors access the other public areas of the building, including a Temporary Exhibit Gallery space, a Discovery Room with a Demonstration Laboratory, and the Main Exhibit Gallery.

The NCNHM building reflects the character of Northern California, and will provide space for the dynamic programs of the museum, becoming a major science education center for the entire region.