Alfred Eichler: Art and Architecture in the Golden State

Like many state architects, Alfred Eichler’s name is not widely known, yet the structures he designed reflect the everyday lives of many Californians – schools, hospitals, office buildings, prisons, border inspection stations, bridges, historic restoration projects, and state parks and fairgrounds. Eichler often worked on a structure from concept to completion, although some of his project designs were never built or were modified before construction. At times, Eichler’s artwork was based on designs by other architects, illustrating how a building might look once completed.

The architectural drawings and paintings featured in this exhibition were created by Alfred Eichler from 1925 to 1962. The selections are drawn from the Alfred Eichler Collection, within the Architecture Division of the Department of Public Works records housed at the California State Archives. Eichler utilized a variety of styles and art media to create these pieces. Each one is an example of the Golden State’s efforts to address the needs of a diverse and growing population through public projects.