Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting BAMPFA

Where is the new BAMPFA located?

The entrance to the new building is at 2155 Center Street, between Shattuck and Oxford, in downtown Berkeley. For a map and directions, visit the Getting Here page.

How can I get to the new BAMPFA?

The new building is one block from the Downtown Berkeley BART station and at the confluence of many AC Transit bus lines, including the 1, 7, 18, and 51B. If you arrive by car, two- and four-hour metered street parking is available in downtown Berkeley and is payable by credit or debit card. Nearby paid parking garages include the Center Street Garage (between Shattuck and Milvia), the Allston Way Parking Garage (between Shattuck and Milvia), and the Oxford Garage (on Kittredge west of Oxford). For more, go to our Getting Here page

How can I find out more about accessibility for people with disabilities?

For information about wheelchair access, please see our Accessibility page.

How do I arrange a group visit or tour?

Reservations are required for all groups of over ten people. For information and to make a reservation, go to our Group Visits & Tours page.

Is photography permitted?

Photography by the public is allowed unless otherwise posted. No flash photography is allowed. Recording devices are not permitted in the theater.

Does BAMPFA have a lost and found?

If you think you may have lost an item while visiting BAMPFA, you may check with the admissions staff in the lobby or call (510) 642-0808.

The UC Berkeley campus Lost and Found office is located at 2427 Dwight Way and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Phone: (510) 642-4936.

The Move

Why did BAMPFA move?

The impetus for moving was safety: a 1997 survey found that BAMPFA’s previous building—a 101,000-square-foot reinforced concrete structure—did not meet current seismic standards. A seismic bracing of the building completed in 2001 elevated it from a “very poor” seismic standard to a “poor” rating, and enabled BAMPFA to remain open during the construction of a new facility.

Who designed the new building?

The new building is designed by the New York City–based firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R), architects of Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art, the High Line in New York City, and The Broad in Los Angeles. The architect of record for the new BAMPFA is EHDD of San Francisco, a nationally recognized architecture firm with a long track record with the University of California, Berkeley. Learn more about the design.

How was the new building funded?

The $112 million project is funded through a philanthropic capital campaign and private sources.

General

Does BAMPFA rent its facilities for private events?

Yes! Contact bampfarentals@berkeley.edu for information.

How can I make a delivery to BAMPFA?

Deliveries via USPS, UPS, FEDex should be addressed to 2120 Oxford St #2250, Berkeley, CA 94720. Freight deliveries should be brought to the BAM/PFA loading dock, located at 2150 Addison Street. 

How can I submit proposals for exhibitions at BAMPFA?

Please see How to Submit Exhibition Proposals.

How do I make a gift of art or film to BAMPFA?

Please see our Donating Art & Film page for information on donating works to the BAMPFA collections or Film Library and Study Center. All donations to BAMPFA are tax-deductible.

Can I reproduce works from BAMPFA exhibitions and collections?

Questions regarding reproduction of works in the BAMPFA art collection can be directed to John Alexander, john.alexander@berkeley.edu. Film and video from the BAMPFA collection may not, under any circumstances, be reproduced. For questions regarding the reproduction of film and video stills, please contact the Film Library & Study Center.

Does BAMPFA offer art and film appraisal services?

BAMPFA does not provide appraisal services and cannot recommend specific art appraisers. This partial list of Bay Area art appraisers is offered for reference purposes only:

Bonhams Auctioneers and Appraisers, (415) 861-7500
Lynne Baer, (415) 819-8376
G. B. Carson, (510) 526-1930 
Jeanie Craig, (415) 381-1515
Amanda Doenitz (Photography). (310) 205-0316
Hobart Associates, (415) 292-3362
Lyon Appraisals, (650) 617-1065

How can I find out more about art conservation?

We do not have an art conservator on staff. Local conservators in private practice include:

Painting conservators:
Ria German-Carter, (415) 753-8540
Stephanie Limoges, Preservation Arts (510) 808-7894
Patricia O'Regan, (510) 527-7027
Alina Remba, (510) 388-5101

Paper conservators:
Julie Goldman, (415) 640-4339
Heida Shoemaker (510) 644-3852
Zukor Art Conservation, (510) 652-7915

Object conservators:
Rowan Geiger, Preservation Arts (510) 808-7894
Tracy Power, (415) 824-8762

Textile conservators:
Meg Geiss-Mooney, (707) 763-8694
Joyce Hulbert, (510) 845-0825

 

Online Ticketing FAQ

Our New Online Ticketing System

As of October 2021, we have a new online ticketing system. New and returning visitors will need to create a new account. Current and former BAMPFA members will need to set a new password for their accounts to access their benefits online. To learn more read our ticketing user guide, and review the information below.

I forgot my password. How do I get a new one?

If you are a registered user of the site and do not remember your password, visit the Login page and click FORGOT PASSWORD. Enter your email address and a temporary password will be sent to you immediately.

Can I buy tickets in person instead of online?

Yes, you may purchase advance tickets (without a surcharge) at the BAMPFA admissions desk during our hours of operation. If an event is not sold out, you may also purchase tickets in person at the event.

What is the Additional Feature ticket price category?

We offer a discount to patrons who attend more than one film screening in a single day. If you have already purchased, or added to your cart, a film ticket for that same day, you can select this option.

I was given a promo code to use when buying tickets for an event. Where do I enter this code?

Promo codes can be entered on the checkout page in the “promo code” box at the bottom of the page. They can also be entered any time during your transaction via the “promo code” box in the top right hand corner of the page next to “view cart”.

I was given a promo code to use when buying tickets for an event. I never received or lost my code. How do I get a new one?

Please contact Member Services at (510) 642-5186 or email bampfamember@berkeley.edu.

Can I purchase a membership at a discounted rate?

BAMPFA offers a ten-percent discount on a membership for:

      • People age 65+
      • UC Berkeley students, alumni, faculty, and staff members
      • People with disabilities

To purchase a discounted membership, please visit our admissions desk or call (510) 642-5186. Proof of status is required. 

How do I add a second cardholder to my membership?

Dual/Family Memberships and above can have a second cardholder. You may add the name of a second cardholder at the time you join online. To add or change a cardholder on your membership you can contact our Member Services by emailing bampfamember@berkeley.edu or by emailing our visitor services team at bampfa@berkeley.edu. You can also update your membership by visiting the Admissions Desk upon your next visit.

How do I purchase a gift membership?

Contact Member Services at (510) 642-5186.

What if I am still having trouble completing my online ticket purchase?

We are sorry that you are having difficulties. For help, call (510) 642-1412 to talk to a member of our staff; this line is answered from 9 AM to 7 PM Wednesday through Sunday. You may also visit the BAMPFA admissions desk during open hours, Wednesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM.