The Shift Toward Non-Hierarchical Museum Architecture
Modern museum design is moving away from the traditional “white cube” and rigid corridors. The trend is shifting toward inclusive, fluid spaces that blend the institution with the surrounding urban landscape.
A prime example of this evolution is seen in the design of the David Geffen Galleries. By utilizing a horizontal, free-flowing form of glass and concrete that spans Wilshire Boulevard, the architecture actively engages with the city of Los Angeles rather than remaining isolated from it.
This approach reflects a broader industry move toward “non-hierarchical” spaces. Instead of directing visitors through a strict sequence, these designs encourage organic exploration, mirroring the diverse communities they serve.
Integrating Sustainability and Accessibility
Future architectural trends are prioritizing sustainability and accessibility. The leverage of elevated piers and a network of floating staircases and elevators ensures that the transition between different city levels and museum wings is seamless.
As seen in Peter Zumthor’s recent work, the focus is now on creating sustainable, inclusive environments that can house massive permanent collections while remaining open to the public.
Reimagining Curation: Beyond Chronology
The way art is organized is undergoing a fundamental change. For decades, museums relied on chronological or medium-based narratives. The new trend is “thematic connectivity,” where works are grouped by shared human experiences or global movements.
The “oceanic framework” used for the inaugural installation at the David Geffen Galleries exemplifies this. By using the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea as a guide, the curation highlights exchange, migration, and commerce.
This method allows objects from different eras and cultures to coexist, breaking down the prescribed hierarchies of art history and allowing for more surprising connections across time and place.
The Scale of Global Narrative
To achieve this level of interconnectedness, museums are scaling their displays. The David Geffen Galleries, for instance, are designed to have approximately 2,500 to 3,000 objects on view at any given time, spanning 6,000 years of art history.
The Rise of the “Experience Economy” in Art Events
Art institutions are increasingly blending traditional exhibition openings with high-tech, multi-sensory spectacles to attract a wider demographic of creative and philanthropic supporters.
The integration of technology—such as the Franchise Freedom drone show performed by DRIFT—shows a trend toward “eventizing” the museum experience. These spectacles transform a gallery opening into a cultural landmark event.
Beyond technology, the inclusion of diverse live performances, such as those by the Seki Foundation, the Mona Khan Company, and Mamo Camilo, suggests that the future of art engagement is multidisciplinary, combining visual art with sound, dance, and digital media.
New Models for Philanthropic Fundraising
The financial sustainability of massive art projects now relies on a blend of corporate sponsorship and high-impact philanthropic galas. The ability to mobilize L.A.’s creative community has turn into a key metric for success.
Recent data shows the effectiveness of this model; a single opening gala for the David Geffen Galleries raised nearly $11.5 million, setting a new record for LACMA. This was achieved through a combination of presenting sponsorships from entities like Genesis and East West Bank, and support from long-time partners like Gucci.
the trend of “wing naming” continues to provide essential capital, as seen with the Elaine Wynn Wing, which was anchored by a $50 million donation.
Key Data Points in Modern Museum Expansion
- Total Project Cost: Some major reinventions, such as the Geffen Galleries, can reach costs as high as $724 million (NYT).
- Exhibition Space: New structures are introducing massive capacities, such as the 10,220 square meters of exhibition space provided in the new 274-meter-long structure.
- Engagement: High-profile events can now attract over 800 notable guests from philanthropic and creative sectors in a single evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the David Geffen Galleries at LACMA?
The galleries were designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Peter Zumthor, in collaboration with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
What makes the curation of the Geffen Galleries unique?
Instead of using chronology or medium, the inaugural installation uses an oceanic framework (Pacific, Indian, Atlantic, and Mediterranean) to connect works across time and place.
How has the museum’s size changed with this addition?
The gallery space has expanded from approximately 130,000 square feet to 220,000 square feet.
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