The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has officially announced the grand opening of its highly anticipated new structure, the David Geffen Galleries, set to welcome members on April 19, with public access commencing on May 4. Members will enjoy an exclusive two-week preview of the building.
On May 3, LACMA will extend access to participants of its NexGenLA program, which provides complimentary membership to residents of LA County aged 17 and younger. Following this, the new galleries will open their doors to the general public on May 4. Members can currently secure reservations for the April 19 to May 3 window via LACMA's website.
Last summer, the public had an early glimpse of the David Geffen Galleries during a brief preview, where the museum hosted a musical event featuring composer Kamasi Washington and a remarkable ensemble of 120 musicians.
Designed by the renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, the new building spans 900 feet in length and crosses Wilshire Boulevard, offering a substantial 110,000 square feet of exhibition space. Visitors will be treated to a cohesive display of 2,500 to 3,000 pieces from the museum's permanent collection, all situated on a single level. The innovative design aims to break down traditional hierarchies often found in Western art museums, showcasing works from LACMA's 15 curatorial departments side by side, with 45 curators collaborating on the project.
While Zumthor's design has faced some scrutiny, leading to revisions after environmental assessments, the vision for the David Geffen Galleries has remained steadfast. The project has been in development for over a decade, culminating in a total investment of $720 million, slightly exceeding the initial estimate of $600 million from 2014. In 2023, LACMA successfully completed a $750 million fundraising campaign, receiving approximately $117.5 million from L.A. County and significant contributions from private donors, including $100 million from David Geffen.
Additionally, LACMA has appointed Willow Bay as co-chair of its board of trustees, joining current co-chair Tony Ressler. Bay, who has served as a trustee since 2007 and vice chair since 2015, succeeds Elaine Wynn, who passed away last April. Her contributions to LACMA include funding for the long-term preservation of the iconic outdoor installation, Urban Light (2008) by Chris Burden.
In a statement, LACMA's director and CEO, Michael Govan, expressed excitement about the nearing completion of the museum's campus upgrade, which aims to enhance gallery space and visitor experiences. He acknowledged the vital support from the County of Los Angeles, the board of trustees, donors, and the community, eagerly anticipating sharing this transformative museum experience with both locals and international visitors.
