Bergamot (arts center) facts for kids
The Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica is a cool place filled with many different art galleries. It's a popular spot for visitors and is often listed as a top cultural destination. This campus-like center first opened on September 17, 1994. The city of Santa Monica owns it.
Contents
The Story of Bergamot Station
From Trains to Art
Long ago, from 1875 to 1953, the area where Bergamot Station now stands was a busy train stop. It was a place where trains, first steam-powered and later electric, would stop and store their cars. This train stop was part of lines like the Los Angeles and Independence Railroad and the Santa Monica Air Line.
Why the Name "Bergamot"?
The station got its name from a special wildflower called Wild Bergamot. This flower is native to North America and used to grow everywhere in this area. Even today, you might spot some wild bergamot flowers around the art center!
From Factories to Galleries
After 1953, passenger trains stopped using the line. The land was then used for carrying light goods. The train car storage was no longer needed. So, the Southern Pacific Railroad company rented out the land. Different companies used it for small factories.
What Was Built There?
Over time, big warehouse buildings were put up. These buildings were used for many things. First, they packed celery there. Then, it became a plant that made ice. Finally, it was where American Appliance made water heaters.
A New Purpose for the Land
By the late 1980s, the train line wasn't used much anymore. The City of Santa Monica decided to buy the whole area in 1987. They wanted to make sure the land stayed together. The city also thought that a new light rail train might use the path in the future. They believed the site would be perfect for a train yard and a new station.
From Empty Warehouses to Art Space
In 1993, American Appliance moved out. This left a large area of empty factory buildings. The new light rail project was still many years away. The City of Santa Monica wanted to find a good use for the empty space. They talked to Wayne Blank, who was a developer and owned an art gallery. Wayne Blank had helped the city before. He had turned an empty airport building into art studios.
The city was happy with his previous work. So, they asked him to come up with an idea for the Bergamot site. Wayne Blank, along with a talented architect named Lawrence Scarpa, designed the campus-like complex. They made sure to keep its original industrial look.
A Popular Art Destination
The Bergamot Station Arts Center quickly became very popular. It became such a success that the original plan for a train yard there changed. In 2010, a new light rail project, the Metro Expo Line, was approved. Because Bergamot Station was so popular, the city bought nearby land for the new train station.
The Train Returns!
On May 20, 2016, the 26th Street/Bergamot train stop opened. It is part of the new Expo Line light rail. This station is located just north of the art center's entrance. Now, visitors can easily take the train right to the Bergamot Station Arts Center!
Today, Bergamot Station Arts Center is a lively place. In 2023, it had 18 art galleries, two restaurants, and other businesses. It continues to be a major cultural spot in Santa Monica.
