The David Geffen Galleries at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) are set to open their doors, marking the culmination of a two-decade-long project. The new building, described variously as a 'machine of discovery' and a 'radically alive' space, aims to redefine the museum's presentation of art. Spanning 110,000 square feet and situated on a single upper level, the structure hovers over Wilshire Boulevard, presenting a stark architectural statement that has already generated significant commentary.
The building's design, by Peter Zumthor, is a departure from conventional museum architecture. Its concrete and glass facade, appearing to float above the bustling street, offers panoramic city views through broad windows. Internally, the galleries are arranged with a focus on creating new connections across time and continents, featuring approximately 90 exhibition spaces. This ambitious approach seeks to position LACMA as a truly global institution.
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However, the project has not been without its complexities. Reports indicate that the process was fraught with challenges, with Zumthor himself reportedly expressing that the difficulties encountered during its realization might preclude him from working in the U.S. again. Funding also presented a hurdle, though significant contributions from private donors, including David Geffen, an influential entertainment mogul and art benefactor, were crucial in bringing the project to fruition.
While the Geffen Galleries are lauded for their ambition and innovative exhibition strategies, the building’s design is also noted for being "divisive" and "disorienting." Some concerns were raised about the actual gallery space, with the new structure offering approximately 10,000 square feet less than the buildings it replaced. Despite these critiques, the mood surrounding the opening is described as "jubilant," with museum leadership, including CEO Michael Govan, presenting the nearly completed galleries as a significant cultural landmark for Los Angeles. The building is scheduled to open to members on April 19 and to the general public on May 4.
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