Part Two: Bonita Museum & Cultural Center Getting A New Look

Susan Heavilin
5 days ago
1 min read

You might have noticed the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center looking a little different lately. If you drive by at night, the building may be blue or red or even other colors. Not painted, but just colored lights.

I don't know if the lights will continue to shine but there soon will be a new, more permanent facade on the building.

Back in July 2024, then-Museum Board President Michael Cohen visited the Sweetwater Community Planning Group and the Sweetwater Valley Civic Association meetings to tell guests about the new look proposed for the museum. Shown below is an image of the idea he proposed:

I remember that a hush fell over the room in both meetings. Residents just didn't seem to care for it. One planning director—an internationally renowned artist—described it as "garish".

Despite the lack of community support, the Museum Board forged ahead. They will be having "The Big Reveal" on May 16, 2026.

The artist, Michael Leaf, is pictured below with the proto-type:

I guess the Bonita-Sunnyside community will find out in May if they like it or not.

Read the original article "Bonita Museum & Cultural Center Getting A New Look" to learn more about the project and see the art they plan to add to the parking area.