The David Geffen Galleries, the new $724-million building at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), opened to members, drawing thousands of visitors on its first day. The massive concrete structure, which has been a subject of public debate for its cost and design, finally allowed Angelenos and dedicated travelers to experience its spaces and inaugural installations firsthand.
The opening marks a pivotal moment for one of the nation's major art museums, concluding years of anticipation and controversy over its architectural ambition and financial scale. The public's initial reactions provide the first real-world test of whether the building successfully serves as a functional and inspiring home for art, setting the stage for its broader public debut and its long-term role in Los Angeles's cultural landscape.