This month, LACMA exclusively invites members to preview its newest debut, the David Geffen Galleries, a new permanent-collections building. With the official opening on April 19, 2026, the museum’s newest endeavor holds fresh perspectives and cultural visions, bringing Los Angeles a distinctively profound global art collection.

Designed by Architect and Pritzker Prize-winner Peter Zumthor, the building is constructed with both concrete and glass and enveloped almost entirely in windows to allow optimal natural light and create a more organic and comfortable environment. Palm trees and drought-resistant foliage are sprinkled across the landscaped plazas and gardens, painting the scene for California’s atmosphere. Curving across Wilshire Boulevard at over 345,000 square feet, and only a few miles from Hollywood, the building’s architectural design focuses on monolithic and modern influences, allowing the art and installations to illuminate the structure in a seamless and intentional approach. 

The gallery will feature exhibits from various artists, architects, and artisans alike, including artworks from artists Vincent van Gogh and Henri Matisse, as well as a wide array of installations from MesoAmerican stonework to Central African and African American textiles. Various galleries include Shaping Dutch Identity: The Mr. and Mrs. Edward Carter Collection and The Stuff of Alchemy: Plastic in Art, allowing guests to experience and take witness to a broad range of artistry and design. 

Aside from wandering the exquisitely adorned exhibits, the David Geffen Galleries will offer various amenities for guests, including an education center, restaurant, café, theater, wine bar, art studio, and various event spaces for screenings, live music, and other public activities. The outdoor plazas work to unite the grounds of LACMA with the neighboring La Brea Tar Pits and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, fostering a community for art and history appreciators. 

Allowing members to enjoy a preview screening, forty-five curators assembled to create the inaugural installation for the David Geffen Galleries, which holds works of art filling over 100,000 square feet of gallery space. Inspired and influenced by the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea, this installation explores the artistic connections between different cultures and traditions, expanding what defines art history. Other events include an opening gala and a block party in late June, hosted by LACMA with free gallery admission for attendees. The opening events will finish with the inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 19. Members can receive invites to more exclusive, special events as well as priority access to the inaugural exhibition.

LACMA’s newest installation sets the tone for a more natural and non-contrived museum environment, allowing artwork to speak freely without fabrication and a controlled ambiance. Serving as a center for creativity and entertainment, guests can indulge in a more relaxed and elevated experience with the fortune of appreciating beautiful works of art.

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