Historic Timeline of LACMA
- 1961 - The Los Angeles County Museum of Art was established as an independent art oriented entity from the Los angeles Museum of History, Science and Art
- 1965 - LACMA's current incarnation on Wilshire Boulevard was conceived and opened
- 1986 - The Anderson Building was opened (it is now called the Art of the Americas building--as of 2007); the structure is home to modern and contemporary works of art
- 1988 - The Pavilion for Japanese Art opened on the east side of the LACMA campus
- 1994 - LACMA acquired the historic May Company department store building on Wilshire and Fairfax (known as LACMA West)
Renzo Piano and LACMA
In 2001, world renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano was asked to compete to revamp LACMA. Among his competitors was another architecture visionary/legend, Rem Koolhaas. The latter was awarded the design contract only to get bumped in 2004 because his concept was too impractical and grandiose.
At the time of the original architecture 'battle of the bands,' Piano had taken one look at the museum and described it as "a mess" (according to the Wall Street Journal). In 2008, after Piano took on the project and completed it, the clean-up of that "mess" was unveiled: the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM)--a three-story, 60,000 square foot space for post-war art, as well as a new entrance plaza and walkways.
Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion
Piano's expertise was also procured for the much-buzzed Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion, which opened in the Fall of 2010.
In 2008, businesswoman and philanthropist Lynda Resnick and her husband and business partner Stewart (of POM Wonderful, FIJI Water and Teleflora) made an announcement that stunned many--particularly for its timing during a recession. They were donating $10 million in artworks and $45 million for the construction of a new exhibition pavilion to LACMA.
The resulting $54 million building was hailed by the media as a major testament to LA's art boom. The museum boasts that the Resnick Pavilion is "the largest purpose-built, naturally lit, open-plan museum space in the world."
LACMA Muse
This membership group is open to art fans in their 20s through 40s. For a fee of $50 in addition to any LACMA subscription, members are privy to invitations to special parties and social, educational and philanthropic activities.
One of the most well-known Muse events (also open to non-members) is the annual LACMA Muse Costume Ball which takes place on Halloween. The party often boasts great entertainment, including top LA DJs.
Major Exhibitions Held at LACMA
- Tim Burton
- California Design, 1930-1965: “Living in a Modern Way"
- Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs
- Your Bright Future: 12 Contemporary Artists From Korea
Chris Burden's 'Urban Light'
In 2008, as part of LACMA's face lift and the opening of BCAM, artist Chris Burden's 'Urban Light' installation was unveiled--or rather illuminated. The piece consists of 202 restored and operational '20s and '30s street lamps.
At the time of its debut, the artist told LA Times: "It sounds kind of corny, but when you walk through the lamps into the museum, it's like a pathway to enlightenment. It's symbolic."
The installation has since achieved even more, perhaps, than the artist had originally hoped for. For LA--which had in the past never been 'the city that never sleeps' like its sister metropolis of New York--it has become a nocturnal landmark.
Ray's and Stark Bar
Further adding to LACMA's expansion in the post-millennial years, Ray's restaurant and Stark Bar opened on the premises in 2011. Both were designed by Renzo Piano as well.
The Patina Restaurant Group venture is named after late film producer (and former LACMA trustee) Ray Stark. Its menu is Mediterranean inspired, and lorded over by executive chef Kris Morningstar.
Related: Cocktails at Stark Bar at LACMA
Visiting LACMA
Opening hours:
Mon.-Tue. and Thu., 12–8 p.m.
Fri., 12–9 p.m.
Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
The museum is closed on Wednesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors or students, and free for members and children
LACMA
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-857-6151
