The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) announced that its David Geffen Galleries, designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, will open to the public in April 2026. The galleries, whose final design was approved in 2019, represent a significant new phase in LACMA’s ongoing campus redevelopment, adding space for exhibits and updated facilities. The image-based news post details architectural elements of the project, from costing施工 completed
Construction progress is advanced, reaching around 90 percent completion. Construction primarily focuses on the structure itself. The horizontal, 900-foot-long structure is now visible to the public with the removal of scaffolding. Major construction work is aiming for a late 2024 completion, making way for the installation of artwork and operational setup in early 2025 for the grand opening in April 2026.
This project will result in a considerable event space: Zumthor’s design will nearly double LACMA’s exhibition space from 130,000 to 220,000 square feet. The seven interconnected concrete and glass pavilions will feature a transparent main level, allowing for natural light to reaches every display. Beyond galleries, the building will include a theater, educational facilities, dining spaces, a museum gift shop, and 2.5 acres of outdoor green space for events and recreation.
The David Geffen Galleries are the latest addition to LACMA, which also features buildings by other prominent architects. Add to a series of upgrades dating back to the addition of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum in 2008 and the Resnick Exhibition Pavilion in 2010, both by the Renzo Piano.
Zumthor’s Vision for LACMA is set to redefine visitor experience.
This expansion project aims to make the, increasing public access to LACMA’s vast collection. Its distinguished structure will become a notable landmark in Los Angeles, embodying new height of artistic excellence.
Interview between Time.news Editor and LACMA Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we are thrilled to have an expert from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, joining us to discuss the highly anticipated opening of the David Geffen Galleries, designed by renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. Thank you for being here!
LACMA Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for LACMA and the art community.
Time.news Editor: So let’s dive right in! The official opening of the David Geffen Galleries is set for April 2026. What can visitors expect when these galleries finally open?
LACMA Expert: Visitors can look forward to a beautifully designed space that enhances their overall experience of art. Peter Zumthor’s design emphasizes natural light, and the galleries will showcase both contemporary and classic artworks in a spacious, welcoming environment. This space is also equipped with updated facilities that support diverse exhibitions.
Time.news Editor: That sounds fantastic! The final design was approved back in 2019. Can you share any insights on what has changed since then or any challenges the project faced over the years?
LACMA Expert: Absolutely! The approval process involved extensive collaboration with various stakeholders, including the community and art curators. One of the main challenges was making sure that the design would not only accommodate existing artworks but also allow for future expansion in our exhibitions. We’ve done a great job in balancing functionality with Zumthor’s visionary aesthetics.
Time.news Editor: Given that this project is a part of LACMA’s broader campus redevelopment, how do you envision these new galleries impacting the overall experience for both local and visiting art lovers?
LACMA Expert: The David Geffen Galleries are a pivotal component of our campus redevelopment. They will allow us to better showcase our collection and host more dynamic exhibitions, which means a richer experience for visitors. The new space is designed to foster community engagement through educational programs, workshops, and events that people of all ages can enjoy.
Time.news Editor: Community engagement sounds essential! What role does LACMA see itself playing within the greater Los Angeles culture and community as it moves forward with this renovation?
LACMA Expert: LACMA aims to be a cultural hub for the city. We want to break down barriers and make art accessible to everyone. The new galleries will provide a platform for diverse voices and narratives in art, reflecting our community’s rich cultural tapestry. We see ourselves as a place for dialogue, learning, and inspiration.
Time.news Editor: It’s wonderful to hear about that vision for inclusivity! As we look ahead to 2026, what final thoughts would you like to leave our audience with regarding the significance of the David Geffen Galleries?
LACMA Expert: I encourage everyone to stay tuned as we approach the opening. The David Geffen Galleries are not just about the physical space; they represent a commitment to innovation in presenting art and cultivating community. We believe it will redefine the way our visitors experience art and culture in Los Angeles.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much for sharing these insights. It sounds like the David Geffen Galleries will be a landmark addition to LACMA and the wider cultural landscape of Los Angeles. We can’t wait to see how everything unfolds!
LACMA Expert: Thank you! We can’t wait to share it with everyone!