UPDATE: The Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) received a critical boost today as Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear announced a funding allocation of $3.59 million for its renovation and expansion project. This funding, presented to the city of Oceanside earlier today, is a significant milestone for the museum as it aims to restore the historic Fire Station 1 and expand its campus.
This funding comes from California’s 2025-26 state budget, enabling the museum to proceed with restoring the exterior of the vacant fire station to its original 1929 Irving J. Gill design. The renovation is expected to extend OMA’s campus to a full city block, significantly enhancing access to the arts for local residents.
“I fought to bring $3.59 million home for the Oceanside Museum of Art, and today I was thrilled to present that funding,” Blakespear stated. “Restoring Fire Station 1 and expanding arts access will make a real difference for families and students here in our community!”
Mayor Esther C. Sanchez echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of this investment. “This historic renovation represents everything we value in Oceanside—preserving our cultural and historic heritage while building our future,” she said. “Arts and culture are essential to building vibrant and economically resilient communities.”
The funding is a crucial step in a two-year fundraising effort by OMA, which opened its first exhibition in 1997 and expanded in 2008. The museum currently attracts nearly 30,000 residents and visitors annually and serves over 6,200 students through its education programs, including all third and fifth graders in Oceanside public schools.
Maria Mingalone, OMA’s executive director, expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “This generous grant is a huge part of the next transformative chapter in OMA history, and will help to define North County’s cultural arts future.” OMA is currently in the final stretch of a $10 million capital campaign aimed at modernizing the Pier View Way campus.
Once completed, the museum’s expansion will increase its space from 20,000 to 30,000 square feet, allowing for more classrooms, exhibition space, and room for a permanent collection. The project is set to create a lasting legacy of historic preservation and community engagement in Oceanside.
As the city prepares for this transformative renovation, all eyes are on the upcoming developments that will shape the arts landscape of Oceanside. Residents are encouraged to stay informed as OMA aims to become an even more vibrant hub for culture and education in the region.
The urgency of this funding and the project’s potential impact on the community cannot be overstated, making it a significant moment for Oceanside’s cultural future.
