UC Davis Manetti Shrem Museum of ART

The Jan Shrem & Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art is a contemporary art museum on the UC Davis campus that began construction in March of 2014 and was completed in November 2016. The 32,000 sq. ft. project is named in honor of Jan and Maria Manetti Shrem for their donation to the facility’s construction. It is grounded in the legacy of the first artists to join the University’s Department of Art in the 1960s, and currently houses nearly 6,000 works of art.

A focal point of the Shrem Museum’s design is its 50,000 sq. ft. Grand Canopy, a perforated aluminum and steel structure that shrouds the facility, whose geometric design was inspired by surrounding Davis farmland. The lobby’s polished concrete floors and floor-to-ceiling glass walls allow views of its spacious exterior courtyard and outdoor projection walls. In addition to the museum’s art galleries, it also offers classrooms, studios, offices, and an auditorium for educational purposes.

The Shrem Museum earned LEED Platinum certification in 2016 for New Construction. The museum achieved several notable landmarks in sustainability, including a 58% reduction in energy use from baseline. This was made possible through the use of highly efficient and daylight responsive lighting systems throughout the facility. The museum also achieved a 44% reduction in water use through efficient fixtures, and a 57% reduction in irrigation water use through drought tolerant plant species and drip irrigation, while implementing best practices for storm-water retention and treatment. The project site maintains 50% open space, and its reflective roof reduces heat island effect while minimizing light pollution. Inside, CO2 sensors monitor the indoor environmental quality while air intake filters work to reduce indoor chemicals and pollutants.

During construction, 81% of waste was diverted from landfill and 20% of the site’s building materials were recycled. The museum also provides access to parking, fueling stations, and public transportation, as well as walking and biking access to campus core and downtown. Custodial services adhere to the Sustainable Green Cleaning Program and Policy through the use of sustainable cleaning products and practices.

The Jan Shrem & Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art is a prime example of the campus’ commitment to sustainability, education, and innovation within the Davis community. It is described as a creative hub for thinkers, creators, and innovators, and is an emblem of the university’s artistic legacy for current and future generations.