Before the first walls were raised or walkways paved, UC Merced existed as an idea on paper. The vision consisted of a campus master plan, detailed architectural designs and artistic renderings that illustrated a bold vision for a university at the heart of California’s Central Valley.
In celebration of the university’s 20th anniversary, UC Merced Arts is presenting “20 Years of UC Merced Art & Architecture” at La Galería. The exhibit explores how artistic and architectural expression shaped the campus and continues to guide its direction. The exhibition features original architectural conceptual designs, historical maps, architectural models of planned buildings and a brief history of art exhibits at UC Merced.
The exhibit opened with a reception Aug. 28 and will remain on display through Dec. 13. Admission is free and the gallery welcomes visitors from the Merced community and beyond.
La Galería is located in El Portal, Room 120, and open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Inspired by the Valley’s unique agricultural and industrial heritage, UC Merced’s earliest design concepts established an architectural language rooted in the region’s values. Campus buildings embody sustainability, durability and adaptability while borrowing design cues from the Valley’s agrarian landscape, such as agricultural metal structures and large grain silos.
Every building on campus is LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and many structures incorporate design strategies to reduce energy demands, including large overhangs and open-air walkways that provide natural shade.
Ongoing development follows the Physical Design Framework, a document that guides the planning and design of buildings and . This framework emphasizes creating an authentic sense of place and establishing memorable outdoor spaces that encourage gathering and interaction. It also promotes visual variety and architectural complexity, so each building contributes to a unique yet unified design.
“From early design renderings to models of upcoming capital projects, the exhibition traces the evolution of UC Merced’s architectural aesthetic ..."
The exhibition features architectural models of two buildings currently in development: the Classroom and Office Building 3 and the Field Education and Research Center. COB3 will include a performing arts auditorium and two lecture halls. The Field Education and Research Center will be located adjacent to the Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve and provide a space for students and researchers to explore the local ecosystem.
Visitors are encouraged to engage with the different displays, beginning with a vintage drafting table. Another table features several site maps, including topography and land use diagrams.
“We’re excited to share this anniversary exhibition with our campus and the wider Merced community," said Collin Lewis, UC Merced’s executive director for the arts. “From early design renderings to models of upcoming capital projects, the exhibition traces the evolution of UC Merced’s architectural aesthetic while also highlighting our history of presenting art and building a permanent collection rooted in the Central Valley.”
The Kolligian Library was one of the first spaces on campus to host art exhibitions. When the library opened in 2005, it featured “The Great Central Valley,” a photodocumentary project by Robert Dawson and Stephen Johnson, which remains on display. Over two decades, the library has hosted a variety of exhibitions, including student projects, research showcases, and other works drawn from the university archives.
The UC Merced Art Gallery, located in the Social Sciences & Management Building, was established in 2011 by Professor ShiPu Wang and has a rich history of giving the campus and surrounding community access to museum-quality art. Exhibitions showcase the artworks of students as well as local, national and international artists.
Last year, the gallery brought more than 300 pieces of art from Chicano artists to the Central Valley in an exhibition titled “Alma, Corazón y Vida.” It was presented at three venues in partnership with La Galería and the Merced Multicultural Arts Center.
Under the direction of Professor Tonya Lopez-Craig, the gallery also works with undergraduates in the Global Arts Studies Program to provide real-world experience in curating, installing and hosting public art exhibitions.
In 2022, Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz established the UC Merced Permanent Collection. The collection highlights work by California artists with a strong emphasis on those connected to the Central Valley. It includes paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures and mixed media. Highlights from the Collection are featured in the “20 Years” exhibition.
“Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have watched the campus grow over the past two decades, we hope '20 Years of UC Merced Art & Architecture' inspires reflection on UC Merced’s innovation and beauty.” Lewis said. “We’re excited to bring people to campus this fall to celebrate UC Merced’s 20th anniversary and to reflect on the university’s past, present and future.”
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