The Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento lays claim to being the oldest continuously operating museum in the Western United States. Yet the museum's best days may be ahead, thanks in part an ambitious renovation and expansion plan that saw 100,000 sq. ft. of new space added. Juxstaposed with the Crocker Art Gallery, family mansion and various additions through the years, the new volume is itself a modern work of art. It is clad with aluminum plate panels and Flat-Lock panels from RHEINZINK America Inc.

The museum's history dates back to 1885 when Margaret Crocker donated her family’s art collection to the City of Sacramento. Prior to the construction of the expansion, the Museum included the historic Crocker Art Gallery, family mansion and the various additions. The goal of the renovation was to not only expand the facilities, but to elevate the museum to the level of a world class venue.

Interfacing with the aluminum plate panels, the addition features approximately 30,000 sq. ft. of RHEINZINK Pre-weathered Blue Gray Flat-Lock panels. Both types of panels were installed using a rainscreen system.

The new addition includes lobby area, galleries, administrative space, reception area and a 260-seat auditorium.

Design services for the project were provided by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects LLC, New York, NY. According to the firm, the compositional strategy for the project was to establish a new and unique iconic presence for the addition while framing the existing complex in a visual and physical collaged image for both the new and historic structures.

The installation of the RHEINZINK panels was done by B.T. Mancini Company of Sacramento. The panels were fabricated by Oneto Metal Products, also of Sacramento.