the los angeles county museum of art (LACMA) has revealed new images of its planned permanent collection building, designed by swiss architect peter zumthor. the unveiling follows the announcement that philanthropist and entertainment executive david geffen has pledged $150 million USD toward the museum’s new galleries — the largest single cash gift from an individual in the museum’s history. the scheme will also open up three-and-a-half acres of new public outdoor space, including landscaped outdoor plazas, sculpture gardens, and integrated native and drought-tolerant vegetation.

peter zumthor reveals new images of LACMA's david geffen galleries
native and drought-tolerant vegetation will be integrated throughout the design
image by atelier peter zumthor & partner / the boundary (also main image)

 

 

the peter zumthor-designed building — to be known as the ‘david geffen galleries’ in honor of the gift — will be approximately 387,500 square feet, or 36,000 square meters. the plans include the construction of seven semi-transparent pavilions that support an elevated, organically shaped, and translucent main exhibition level. this structure would extend over wilshire boulevard to an area of land that is currently used as a parking lot. existing parking spaces will be relocated to a new 260-space structure to be built nearby.

LACMA david geffen galleries
the new building will house the institution’s permanent collection
image by atelier peter zumthor & partner / the boundary

 

 

‘this innovative addition to the LACMA campus will ensure ongoing and expanded access to their permanent collection,’ says david geffen. ‘LACMA will be able to touch millions of lives and create an even healthier and more vibrant community for everyone. at a time when federal funding for the arts is threatened, it’s important that we foster public-private partnerships, like this one, to support arts and cultural institutions. we must ensure that the public, everyone, has access to these venerable institutions.’

LACMA david geffen galleries
the plans include the construction of seven semi-transparent pavilions
image by atelier peter zumthor & partner / the boundary

 

 

the goal of the project is to replace the site’s four aging buildings — which have serious structural problems — and to improve the functionality of the museum building for the permanent collection. the project also includes a 300-seat theater for lectures, music, and performances. demolition and construction is anticipated to commence in late 2018 and be completed by the end of 2023, at the same time as LA’s metro purple line station opens.

LACMA david geffen galleries
the layout has been configured to allow for a range of different circulation routes
image by atelier peter zumthor & partner

LACMA david geffen galleries
the museum building presents carefully selected external views
image by atelier peter zumthor & partner

LACMA david geffen galleries
the galleries will be named after philanthropist and entertainment executive david geffen
image by atelier peter zumthor & partner / the boundary

LACMA david geffen galleries
zumthor has stated that he wants the museum to feel ‘elemental’ and ‘substantial’
image by atelier peter zumthor & partner

LACMA david geffen galleries
the goal of the project is to replace the site’s four aging buildings
image by atelier peter zumthor & partner

LACMA david geffen galleries
construction is anticipated to commence in 2018 and be completed by the end of 2023
image by atelier peter zumthor & partner

LACMA david geffen galleries
a range of indoor and outdoor dining options are offered
image by atelier peter zumthor & partner

peter zumthor reveals new images of LACMA's david geffen galleries
LACMA is the largest art museum in the western united states
image by atelier peter zumthor & partner / the boundary

peter zumthor reveals new images of LACMA's david geffen galleries
the new building shown in relation to the existing structure
image by atelier peter zumthor & partner / the boundary

LACMA david geffen galleries
sectional diagram
image by atelier peter zumthor & partner / the boundary

LACMA david geffen galleries
an aerial view of the proposed development
image by atelier peter zumthor & partner

LACMA david geffen galleries
conceptual site plan at ground level
(click for larger version)

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