The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has opened its new central building, the David Geffen Galleries, to the public. Designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor at a cost of $724 million, the 347,600-square-foot structure reorients the museum with a single, flowing second-story floor plan, eschewing a traditional main entrance or atrium to encourage wandering and serendipitous encounters with art. The galleries are named for major oceans and are designed to blend cultures and artworks from different eras.
The opening marks the culmination of a two-decade renovation and a major identity shift for LACMA. CEO Michael Govan describes the building as a 'machine of discovery,' intended to foster accidental engagement with art. The design prioritizes natural light and city views, using curtains to control illumination for both aesthetic and conservation purposes. The project, funded by a mix of county money and private donations including a major gift from David Geffen, aims to solve longstanding issues of museum navigation and visitor psychology, creating a new civic landmark for Los Angeles.