Even while Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo and other dignitaries were breaking ground with ceremonial shovels…work crews were busy preparing the museum’s Harold Wing for construction…

"What we’re doing right now is actually stabilizing our current facility so that we can start the expansion." 

Museum Director Lial Jones says the expansion will more than triple the exhibit space. That will allow the Crocker to put more art on display.

And Mayor Heather Fargo says more space means the museum will attract exclusive shows. 

"We’ll be able to allow people to not have to travel elsewhere to see some of those very exciting exhibits because they’ll be able to see them here in our city." 

The expansion’s modern design is by New York architect Charles Gwathmey. It includes a café and a courtyard with seating for up to 1,200 people. Construction is expected to take three years.