LACMA is transforming a stretch of Wilshire Boulevard in front of its new David Geffen Galleries into a 'living gallery' with the inaugural Art Parade on June 20, 2026. The event, created by gallerist Jeffrey Deitch and originally held in New York’s SoHo from 2005 to 2008, will feature 1,400 participants, a mirrored inflatable sculpture, a custom-painted 1959 Cadillac powered by humans, an 18-piece marching band, a cotton candy-themed entry from Meow Wolf, and a presentation by L.A. artist Gary Baseman titled 'Peace Thru Purr.' Naima Keith, senior vice president of education, public programs and regional partnerships at LACMA, described the parade as evoking Mardi Gras and celebrating L.A.'s vibrant art community.
This event matters because it embodies LACMA director Michael Govan’s vision of the museum and its surrounding space as a communal 'living room,' blurring the line between institution and public realm. By activating Wilshire Boulevard with a free, participatory art spectacle, LACMA aims to engage a broad audience and reinforce Los Angeles’ identity as a dynamic art capital. The parade also highlights the museum’s commitment to community outreach and public programming at a time when local news outlets like LAist face funding challenges.