On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the Palo Alto Museum opened its doors for a special “Sneak Peek” event during the City’s 101st May Fête Parade. Held in the newly restored Roth Building at 300 Homer Avenue, the event welcomed hundreds of visitors eager to explore the museum’s progress and celebrate Palo Alto’s rich heritage. 
The Roth Building, initially constructed in 1932 as the Palo Alto Clinic, has been meticulously restored to preserve its historical significance. Visitors were captivated by the original Victor Arnautoff frescoes adorning the front portico area. Arnautoff, a protégé of Diego Rivera, created these murals as part of the original Clinic building in 1932, and they have been carefully conserved as part of the building’s transformation into a museum.. Nadya Chuprino, the City of Palo Alto’s Public Art Program Coordinator, was on site sharing her vast knowledge on the significance of these beautiful artworks.
The Sneak Peek featured exhibits highlighting the history of the May Fête Parade, a cherished Palo Alto tradition since 1924. Attendees enjoyed viewing vintage photographs, videos, and memorabilia from past parades, offering a nostalgic journey through the City’s communal celebrations.
A notable collaboration with the neighboring Museum of American Heritage enriched the event. They generously loaned a collection of antique toys, tricycles, and baby carriages, providing a tangible connection to the past and delighting visitors of all ages.
The event also attracted former patients and employees of the original Palo Alto Medical Clinic, who reminisced about their experiences within the historic building. Young visitors, including students from Juana Briones Elementary School, were thrilled to see a piece of Juana Briones’ adobe home, linking them directly to the City’s early history.
Local dignitaries, including Mayor Ed Lauing, Vice Mayor Vicki Veenker, and other current and former council members, attended the Sneak Peek, underscoring the community’s support for the Museum’s mission. Their presence highlighted the Museum’s role in preserving and celebrating Palo Alto’s unique cultural narrative.
A special thanks to all of our volunteers and docents who worked so hard to make the day so memorable!
🎉 Congratulations to Nicole Keegan, winner of our May Fete Sneak Peek prize— a personalized brick that will be proudly installed at the Museum! Nicole has asked to dedicate the brick to her grandmother, Virginia Keegan, a long time Palo Alto resident.
Together, we’re building more than a museum—we’re building a shared story.
The Palo Alto Museum is set to officially open in Spring 2026. Until then, events like the May Fête Sneak Peek offer invaluable opportunities for the community to engage with the Museum’s development and contribute to its evolving story.
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