Visiting the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)
Whether you’re majoring in Film and Media Studies or simply dabbling in the arts, the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) has something for everyone! BAMPFA is open Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and is free for UC Berkeley students (with Cal 1 Card student ID). Up to one guest is allowed for every ID-bearing UC Berkeley student, and it typically costs $14 for non-Cal students (except for the first Thursday of any month, when entry is free). Not only is BAMPFA host to several rotating exhibitions and thousands of films (that are often screened in their Barbro Osher Theater as a part of their film series), but it’s also a hub for community building and learning. Join me in exploring every nook and cranny of one of UC Berkeley’s underrated treasures.
Exhibitions
BAMPFA’s exhibitions are primarily impermanent, but I’d like to highlight a couple of my favorites. If you’re interested in what’s currently available, check out their On View page.
The Rose D’Amato: Mission Chevrolet mural. Photo by Milana Berhe.
Rose D’Amato: Mission Chevrolet – This mural was created by artist Rose D’Amato, who is a second-generation sign painter and pinstriper. Based on the recently uncovered Mission Chevrolet Service billboard in San Francisco, the art wall serves as a memorialization of muralizing and a celebration of D’Amato’s personal lineage. This piece will be on view until December 15, 2024.
A piece from the Shah Garg Collection. Photo by Milana Berhe.
Making Their Mark: the Shah Garg Collection – This exhibit showcases more than 70 pieces that are from the Shah Garg Collection. With an aim to uplift and amplify the reach of women artists, this exhibition will be available until April 20, 2025.
Another piece from from the Shah Garg Collection. Photo by Milana Berhe.
Film Library & Study Center
The Film Library and Study Center is an impressive collection of multinational films, screenplays, art books, and other media files. To be able to explore, you must first make an appointment by emailing bampfafilmlibrary@berkeley.edu, then just show up! When I emailed, I was offered a tour of the library, which consists of a few shelves filled with all kinds of media, tables where you can perform some research, and screening areas. Setting up an appointment is crucial, especially if you plan on exploring a specific subject. Much of their film collection is stored offsite and takes time to transport to the library. Not to mention, materials cannot be removed from the library, but don’t worry if you’re unable to spend a long time in person! Much of the Film Library’s records and collections have been digitized, which you can find on the website CineFiles.
Flipping through a film photo book in the Film Library. Photo by Milana Berhe.
Events & Opportunities to Get Involved
BAMPFA is always looking for ways to involve the community in all kinds of art. Let’s briefly take a look at some of these events and opportunities for students.
BAMPFA’s Outdoor Screen: There are frequent (free!) showings of films and current events on BAMPFA’s Outdoor Screen. I recently attended a live broadcast of the 2024 presidential debate that was displayed on the screen. BAMPFA was able to block off a section of Addison Street (which is directly in front of the screen) to create more space for all 500+ people who attended.
Movie Screenings: BAMPFA’s Barbro Osher Theater is often used to host large viewing parties of all kinds of films—old and new, experimental and documentary, and everything else. When my friends and I saw the announcement about a La La Land screening, we bought tickets immediately! Being in a large space with other moviegoers and film appreciators was incredibly fun and made for a lovely night.
Work-Study: Aside from social and recreational activities, BAMPFA offers opportunities for employment to UC Berkeley students. BAMPFA hires exclusively work-study students, so if you have a positive, friendly attitude and passion for art, don’t hesitate to apply when they post openings on the website. If you want to learn more about work-study, visit our blog on Work Study Jobs: How to Apply.
Student Committee: BAMPFA’s Student Committee is an essential part of many events that BAMPFA puts on. With several sections to choose from—Marketing, Web, Blog, Socials, Art Curatorial, Film, and Zine—any art lover can find their place on the committee.
There’s a whole world of exhibits and activities free for students to discover at the BAMPFA.
Milana Berhe, Class of 2028, is undeclared.
Want More?
- Interested in a virtual tour? Watch Berkeley Life’s Instagram reel.
- For more museum talk, read about Rachel’s Museum Visit: The Magnes.
- Art lovers, read All About Cal Performances.