Art Isn’t Easy…

April 15, 2007 was a banner day for the City of Claremont and for one of it’s many historic buildings, The Packing House. On that day a long-held dream became a reality, the Claremont Museum of Art officially opened it’s doors and The Packing House came alive again.

Built in 1922. the Packing House began its life as an industrial building and spent it’s first fifty years as a storing, packing and shipping site for Claremont’s lemon growers.

When the citrus industry moved out of Claremont and tract housing moved in, The Packing House looked like it would go the way of two of it’s fellows – demolition and redevelopment seemed to be it’s fate.

As late as few short years ago The Packing House seemed destined for the scrap heap, however, a very close (3-2) vote spared the building (the largest historic building in Claremont), but what to do with the 90,000 square foot building? No one knew.

Then along came Arteco Partners, a Pomona-based company focused on arts communities and adaptive reuse properties and the Claremont Museum of Art, (Incorporated in 2004), the long nurtured dream of local Claremont artist and Padua Hills resident Marguerite McIntosh.

With the benevolence and support of the Claremont community, the Claremont Museum of Art became a reality and the citizens of Claremont are all the richer for it.

Best of all, from now until May 31, 2007 visitors may enjoy the museum free of charge. Beginning June 1, visitors 18 and over, will pay a $3.00 admission fee, those under 18 will still be able to visit free of charge.

So if you are looking for a great way to spend the day and a great place to spend it, come to the Claremont Museum of Art located just west of the The Village in down town Claremont.

Take care & have a beautiful day!

Tisza

The Claremont Museum of Art is located at 536 W. First Street, Claremont, CA 91711, for more information including Museum hours and special events call (909) 624-3591.