The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has finally unveiled its new flagship building, the David Geffen Galleries, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. The concrete-and-glass structure famously straddles Wilshire Boulevard, featuring a continuous glass facade that offers panoramic views of the Los Angeles landscape and newly installed outdoor sculptures. Inside, the layout encourages a non-linear experience, moving visitors through varying light conditions and diverse gallery sizes that house a mix of contemporary and classical works.
This opening marks the culmination of a decades-long, often controversial project led by CEO and director Michael Govan. The architectural design facilitates a radical shift in curatorial strategy, moving away from traditional national borders toward a geographical organization based on oceans and cross-cultural connections. By integrating contemporary art with ancient artifacts, the museum aims to challenge historical silos and modernize the encyclopedic museum model for a global audience.