LACMA's David Geffen Galleries

Redefine the Museum Experience

BY ACCA JOURNAL

The art world stands on the cusp of a profound shift, and on April 19, 2026, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) will lead the charge. The ribbon-cutting for the David Geffen Galleries isn't merely the opening of a new building; it's the culmination of a visionary, two-decade transformation that promises to redefine how we engage with art. This endeavor, championed by countless individuals and brought to life through extraordinary ambition, heralds a truly experimental chapter for the largest art museum in the western United States.

At its heart, this transformation is an architectural marvel. Pritzker Prize-winning architect Peter Zumthor’s elevated, 900-foot-long structure, soaring across Wilshire Boulevard, is nothing short of iconic. But its genius lies not just in its scale, but in its philosophy. By embracing a "non-hierarchical" design, art from diverse cultures and epochs now resides on a single, expansive level. This intentional fluidity encourages visitors to forge their own paths, fostering a deeply personal and unconstrained journey through humanity's creative spirit—a welcome departure from the often-prescribed narratives of traditional museum layouts.

This radical thinking extends brilliantly to the curatorial vision. Abandoning rigid divisions by medium or historical period, a dedicated team of forty-five curators has conceived an inaugural display of 2,500 to 3,000 objects organized by the very oceans that connect our world: the Pacific, Indian, Atlantic, and the Mediterranean Sea. This innovative framework powerfully underscores the profound historical themes of migration, commerce, and cultural exchange. It’s a bold statement, celebrating art not as isolated movements, but as a continuous, interconnected global dialogue. Imagine encountering Henri Matisse’s La Gerbe and Georges de La Tour’s The Magdalen with the Smoking Flame in conversation with recent acquisitions like Francis Bacon’s Three Studies of Lucian Freud or Vincent van Gogh’s Tarascon Stagecoach, all through a lens of shared human experience.

Further enriching this groundbreaking approach are new commissions from contemporary artists such as Todd Gray and Lauren Halsey. Gray’s "Octavia's Gaze" (2025), a gift from the 2024 Collectors Committee, alongside other site-specific works, forms a crucial bridge between historical narratives and present-day perspectives. By integrating these modern voices with "museum favorites," LACMA doesn’t just pay homage to the past; it actively shapes the future of art interpretation, affirming its commitment to experimentation and the multifaceted tapestry of art histories.

The impact of this ambitious project resonates far beyond the galleries. LACMA's footprint has nearly doubled, with exhibition space growing from 130,000 to 220,000 square feet. Critically, 3.5 acres of new outdoor space seamlessly integrate the museum with Hancock Park, inviting the community to experience art and nature in harmony. Monumental sculptures like Alexander Calder’s Three Quintains (Hello Girls) and Tony Smith’s Smoke reclaim their place, while an 8,000-square-foot garden dedicated to Auguste Rodin’s sculptures promises tranquil contemplation. This fusion of culture and community engagement underscores a vital understanding: a museum is not just a repository of objects, but a living, breathing hub for public life.

This monumental achievement was forged through an inspiring collaboration between the County of Los Angeles, the board of trustees, and a dedicated network of donors and artists. As LACMA prepares for its public debut, with priority access for members followed by a community celebration for NexGenLA youth, it’s clear this is more than just a grand opening. It’s a testament to the power of vision, partnership, and a steadfast belief in art’s enduring ability to inspire, connect, and transform. LACMA is not just opening its doors; it is opening minds, offering a new, inclusive home for 6,000 years of global artistic expression, and charting a course for museums worldwide.

Related Programming

Conversation between artist Todd Gray and Michael Govan, LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director, as they discuss Todd Gray: Portals, as well as Octavia’s Gaze, Gray’s monumental commission for the new Geffen Galleries at LACMA, opening to the public in April 2026.

Perrotin, Los Angeles

Todd Gray and Michael Govan in Conversation

Tuesday March 24 | 6:30 PM

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