The San Francisco County government meeting held on June 15, 2023, focused on various cultural and operational updates from local institutions, including the Legion of Honor and the Academy of Sciences.
The meeting began with a presentation on the Legion of Honor, highlighting its successful exhibition program that emerged during the pandemic. The museum showcased nearly 900 works from 762 artists, allowing them to retain 100% of their profits. A significant upcoming event is the exhibition of paintings and drawings by Renaissance master Sandro Botticelli, anticipated to draw national attention to the Bay Area arts community. As the museum prepares for its 100th anniversary in 2024, plans include upgrading the aging building and expanding the collection, with several infrastructure projects requiring city support.
Following this, the Academy of Sciences provided an overview of its financial expectations for the next fiscal year. Attendance is projected to be slightly below pre-pandemic levels, with an expected 1.1 million visitors. The Academy expressed gratitude for the city's financial support of $7.46 million, which is an increase from the previous year. The budget will focus on capital projects, salaries, and utilities, with a notable increase in funding for salaries due to the hiring of additional engineers to support the facility's maintenance and animal care.
The discussions also touched on the transition of the Musi Concourse parking garage, which is now under city management following voter approval. Initial reports indicate increased revenues and full capacity usage, attributed to changes in road access. However, concerns were raised regarding accessibility for seniors and individuals with disabilities, with plans to address these issues in future discussions.
Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of cultural institutions in San Francisco and their ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement and operational efficiency, while also navigating financial challenges. The next steps include continued collaboration between city departments and cultural organizations to ensure the success of upcoming projects and events.