The new David Geffen Galleries at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art have officially opened to the public after years of construction, controversy, and keen anticipation, offering visitors a meandering, elevated architectural space designed by architect Peter Zumthor. Stretching across and over Wilshire Boulevard, the concrete and glass structure resembles a spider or a snake and sits entirely on the second story of the construction.
Design and Architecture of the New Galleries
The long, thin gallery space features two entrances on opposite sides of Wilshire Boulevard, though visitors most frequently use the entrance closest to the LACMA plaza near the parking structure. Inside, the dark gray walls of architectural concrete provide a uniform, muted palette for the displayed works, while interior walls are slightly tinted to serve the artifacts. For the exterior galleries, metallic curtains designed by textile designer Reiko Sudo shield artworks from harsh sunlight while maintaining transparent views of the cityscape below.
Inaugural Exhibitions and Layout
According to the inaugural installation design, the overarching theme connects the world’s four major bodies of water—the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean—along with the coastlines and inland cultures inspired by them. Artworks flow loosely from one gallery to another, moving from ancient American art and Mesoamerican artifacts displayed on tables and pedestals to European masterworks, Mayan ceramics, photographs, a Matisse masterpiece, modern Mexican silver, and a Studebaker representing car culture. Visitors also encounter famous pieces such as “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” created by Japanese artist Hokusai in late 1831.
Did You Know? The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd. along Museum Row in west L.A. and stands as the largest art museum in the western United States.
Visitor Access and Practical Information
Access to the David Geffen Galleries is available via elevator or staircase from the old ticket booth, leading visitors past a large, orange-hued sculpture resembling a grouping of horses’ rear ends arrayed in a circle. While many artifacts sit behind glass in free-standing and wall cases, numerous objects are displayed openly without barriers, prompting visitors to note the astonishing proximity to the art. Text boxes, descriptions, and gallery maps provided at entry are minimal, with the bulk of pertinent information accessed online by downloading a Qcode.
Expert Insight: Navigating major museum transformations requires balancing public expectations with bold architectural visions. As long-standing campus structures are demolished to make way for new spatial concepts, institutions like LACMA trade traditional category-based display rooms for thematic, fluid environments that encourage open-ended artistic exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art?
The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday; and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The museum is closed on Wednesday.
How much do tickets cost for visitors?
Tickets are priced at $30 for adults, $26 for seniors, and $15 for visitors aged 17 and under. Prices are discounted for L.A. County residents, admission is free for members, and tickets can be pre-purchased online at lacma.org or at the box office on the museum plaza.
Where is parking available near the museum?
Parking is available in the designated museum garage for $24, and visitors can also find metered street parking along 6th Street behind the museum campus.
How do you feel about the transition from traditional category-based museum rooms to fluid, thematic gallery spaces like the new David Geffen Galleries?
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