LACMA's David Geffen Galleries a Sight to Behold

Significant progress on LACMA's David Geffen Galleries is now viewable along the Miracle Mile.

Under construction since 2020, the project drew controversy for replacing the museum’s original William Pereira-designed buildings with a new two-story structure that spans Wilshire Boulevard. Inside, the facility will include gallery space, a new theater, classrooms, a restaurant, a shop, event space, and other back-of-house functions.

Architect Peter Zumthor designed the structure with an irregular footprint and an exterior of concrete and glass. The upper levels, illuminated by natural light, are intended to display sculptures, tiles, and ceramics—artworks that can safely be exposed to daylight.

With an updated price tag exceeding $700 million, the David Geffen Galleries will total around 350,000 square feet, including 110,000 square feet of gallery space. Although this is less exhibition space than the structures it replaces, LACMA has explained that art storage and office functions have been moved off-site. The museum also notes that its overall footprint will grow to 220,000 square feet, up from 130,000 square feet in 2007.

While a proposed expansion at the Frank Gehry-designed SELA Cultural Center in South Gate remains under consideration, LACMA formally dropped plans last year for a campus in South Los Angeles.

The David Geffen Galleries are scheduled to open in 2026, accompanied by a new public plaza featuring artwork to complement outdoor installations like "Urban Light" and "Levitated Mass."

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