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David Geffen Galleries Open at LACMA After Two Decades of Development
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art unveiled the David Geffen Galleries, a $724 million building project completed after 20 years. The new structure, designed by Peter Zumthor, spans 347,000 square feet and connects previously separate parts of the campus. Museum director Michael Govan oversaw the project, which reimagines the presentation of the museum's collection.
Apr 8, 12:44 PM·1m read1 source
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The David Geffen Galleries opened at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on April 20, 2024, marking the completion of a $724 million expansion project. The building, designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, covers 347,000 square feet and replaces four older structures demolished in 2021. The galleries connect the eastern and western parts of the LACMA campus across Wilshire Boulevard.
Construction on the project began in 2019, following two decades of planning and fundraising. The design features a single-story structure with a porous, organic form made of concrete and glass. It includes 130,000 square feet of exhibition space to display portions of LACMA's permanent collection, which spans 6,500 years of art history.
The galleries aim to provide a new way to organize and display art from different eras and regions.
Exhibitions will rotate, with initial displays focusing on themes rather than chronological order. The building incorporates sustainable elements, such as natural light and views of surrounding parkland. Funding for the project came from multiple sources, including a $150 million gift from philanthropist David Geffen in 2018, which named the galleries.
Other donors contributed to reach the total cost. 5 million annual visitors.
Michael Govan, LACMA's director since 2006, led the project from its early planning stages.
The galleries are expected to enhance the museum's role as a major cultural institution in Los Angeles. Future programming will include special exhibitions and public events to engage diverse audiences. The opening coincides with broader efforts to revitalize the museum's campus.
LACMA plans to maintain other buildings, such as the Ahmanson and Hammer structures, for specific uses. The project has drawn attention for its scale and approach to urban integration.
