Why is the Museo doing a capital campaign?

· After Dr. Jerome Cocuzza, a longtime benefactor of the Museo, donated from his estate a building to be used for the purposes of promoting and sharing Italian heritage and culture, the Museo drafted plans to embark upon a capital campaign to renovate the building to serve as its future home.

· The goal of the capital campaign is to create the preeminent cultural experience in the U.S. dedicated to the significant, indispensable and untold artistic, cultural and social contributions of Italians and Italian Americans.

· The theme of the capital campaign is Radici e Rinascimento/Roots and Renaissance and it highlights the Italian roots of the neighborhood and the renaissance of the building at 940 Battery Street, which has been shuttered since the 1990’s.

What are the Museo’s plans for its new home?

· Once renovated, the building will have a basement (lower) level and five floors. The Museo will occupy the lower level and the first two floors, with a grand staircase linking its floors. Floors 3 and 4 will be leased to commercial tenants to support the Museo’s sustainability. The fifth floor will be a multi-use space, available for commercial lease or private event rental, with an outdoor terrace offering spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay, the Financial District and Telegraph Hill.

What is the neighborhood of the Museo’s new home?

· The neighborhood surrounding the building has a decidedly Italian American history and flavor; the Northeast waterfront location, once a prominent commercial trade and warehousing center dating back to the Gold Rush era, is now a designated historic district. The original “Italy Harbor,” where Ligurian fishermen moored their feluccas in the latter part of the 19th century, was located approximately where the building stands today. Quintessential Italian American businesses populated the area, including the Italian Swiss Colony, Ciocca-Lombardy Wine warehouses, and the Petri Italian American Cigar Company.

Who are the Museo’s partners for this project?

· Former Italian Consul General Lorenzo Ortona and Mrs. Sheila Pierce Ortona are our champions!

· Real estate developer, philanthropist and Italophile Steve Oliver is our contractor (our project literally could not be happening without him)

· Acclaimed firm Mark Cavagnero and Associates is our architect

· Commercial broker Barry Bram is marketing the rental floors to prospective commercial tenants

· Exhibit firm Macchiatto is designing our new history exhibit and interior spaces

Tell us about the Museo’s plans for a new historical exhibit

· Although Italian immigrants and their descendants have made significant contributions to nearly every aspect of California, there is currently no single location that publicly documents, shares, and honors these dynamic stories. The Museo will present this compelling and living history in a 4,000 square-foot exhibition highlighting the substantial ways in which Italian immigrants and their descendants have shaped our state’s history and continue to leave their vibrant mark. Designed by San Francisco firm Macchiatto, this exhibit will also be formally dedicated to the memory and legacy of A.P. Giannini, founder of Bank of America.

How can I learn more about the capital campaign?

· Contact Capital Campaign Counsel Mecca Billings for more information and to request a print copy of the capital campaign brochure.

Email: mecca@sfmuseo.org Phone: (415) 578-0224

Capital Campaign Frequently Asked Questions