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LACMA Unveils Peter Zumthor’s David Geffen Galleries

The single-level building reorganizes the collection by ocean themes to nudge visitors into chance encounters.

The David Geffen Galleries, designed by architect Peter Zumthor, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is seen Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Palm trees line the David Geffen Galleries, designed by architect Peter Zumthor, at the Los Angeles County Museum Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
People attend the inaugural ceremony for the David Geffen Galleries at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
The David Geffen Galleries, designed by architect Peter Zumthor, at the Los Angeles County Museum is seen Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Overview

  • LACMA’s new central building opens to members first after a years-long, $724 million project, with public access set for early May.
  • The Peter Zumthor design is a 900-foot, elevated glass-and-concrete structure that places all galleries on one second-story plane.
  • A 45-curator team installed 110,000 square feet of art in sections named for the Pacific, Indian, Atlantic, and Mediterranean to encourage cross-cultural wandering.
  • The debut leans on acquisitions from the past 20 years and adds site-specific works such as Do Ho Suh’s Jagyeon Hall, with Matisse’s La Gerbe moved into a new, visible location.
  • Early reactions are mixed as some visitors enjoy the freedom to roam while others feel disoriented by the non-hierarchical layout, with letters also criticizing the prominent David Geffen signage.