The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is about to embark on a new chapter with the grand opening of its David Geffen Galleries on April 19th, 2026. This significant event completes a transformative journey spanning two decades, culminating in a striking architectural masterpiece by Pritzker Prize laureate Peter Zumthor. The new facility will serve as the primary showcase for LACMA's extensive permanent collection, offering an impressive 10,220 square meters of exhibition space within a 274-meter-long structure that gracefully bridges Wilshire Boulevard.
Designed with a flowing concrete form and elevated on piers, the David Geffen Galleries reimagines the museum's presence in Los Angeles. Access to this architectural marvel is facilitated by a network of floating staircases and elevators on both sides of Wilshire Boulevard. The north wing has been named the Elaine Wynn Wing in honor of a substantial donation, while the south wing awaits its future designation. The inaugural exhibition boldly departs from conventional chronological or medium-based displays, instead utilizing the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, alongside the Mediterranean Sea, as a thematic framework. This innovative approach emphasizes cultural exchange, migration, and commerce across millennia, fostering an environment where diverse artworks from various periods and origins coexist without prescribed hierarchies. Visitors can expect to see a rotating selection of approximately 2,500 to 3,000 objects from LACMA's vast collection at any given time, offering a continuously fresh and engaging experience. This expansive vision extends beyond the interior galleries, with 14,164 square meters of new outdoor space seamlessly integrated into Hancock Park, providing a vibrant setting for public art installations and educational programs.
The reopening also signifies the return of beloved artworks synonymous with LACMA's identity, such as Tony Smith's "Smoke" (1967) and Alexander Calder's "Three Quintains (Hello Girls)" (1964). Furthermore, a 743-square-meter garden along the north side of Wilshire Boulevard will feature sculptures by Auguste Rodin alongside pieces by Los Angeles-based artist Liz Glynn. Amenities on the plaza level, including the LACMA Store and LACMA Café, will open in phases, with the W.M. Keck Education Center launching on May 3rd, 2026, as part of the NexGenLA celebration. This comprehensive expansion strategy, which previously saw the addition of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum and the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion, brings LACMA's total exhibition area to an impressive 20,440 square meters, significantly increasing its capacity to showcase art.
The David Geffen Galleries not only physically transforms LACMA but also redefines its conceptual role, positioning Los Angeles as a critical nexus where global art histories converge. This revitalized institution, housing over 150,000 objects, continues to stand as the largest art museum in the western United States, inviting both Angelenos and international visitors to engage with art in new and meaningful ways. The vision behind this transformation reflects a commitment to cultural enrichment and accessibility, fostering an environment where art transcends boundaries and inspires connection across diverse communities.