Sightglass Planning ‘Immersive and Distinct’ Retail Experience Inside Renovated SFMOMA

Rendering of the renovated San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

When the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) reopens in the Spring of 2016 after a $610 million renovation project, it will be home to the third retail location of venerable roaster/retailer Sightglass Coffee.

Aside from the development of close sourcing relationships and a quality-forward roasting and drinks program, Sightglass knows a thing or two about visual connections. The company’s four-year-old roasting headquarters and flagship on 7th St. in SoMa remains one of the world’s most breathtaking coffee facilities.

The existing Sightglass flagship. Photo by Sightglass Coffee Roasters.

“In keeping with SFMOMA’s enduring commitment to fostering creativity and supporting new ways of seeing and experiencing our world, our coffee bar will offer visitors an immersive and distinct specialty coffee experience — one that truly embodies the Sightglass brand, feel, coffees and new environment we find ourselves in,” Sightglass said in an announcement today.

The SFMOMA location will be Sightglass’s third permanent retail location — its second roastery and bar opened in the Mission early last year — in addition to a regular presence inside the Ferry Building during the Saturday Farmers Market.

“We couldn’t be more elated to partner with and participate in the remarkable expansion of one of San Francisco’s most iconic arts institutions,” Jerad Morrison, who founded Sightglass along with his brother, Justin Morrison, said in an prepared announcement today. “All of us at Sightglass are overjoyed for the opportunity to share our craft at SFMOMA, and contribute to the greater experience that the museum will offer its guests.”

According to SFMOMA, the new Sightglass will offer “a selection of artfully handcrafted coffee beverages and pastries, as well as a space in which to reflect and connect.” The shop is scheduled to occupy renovated space on the third floor of the museum, adjacent to the brand new Photography Interpretive Center. The photo gallery is part of the 15,500-square-foot John and Lisa Pritzker Center for Photography, which, when completed, will be the largest museum photo exhibition center in the United States, according to the museum.

Rendering of the renovated staircase and atrium.