peter zumthor's LACMA expansion nears completion, opening in phases from summer 2025

Zumthor’s LACMA Expansion Nears the Finish Line

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is approaching a major milestone as construction on the David Geffen Galleries, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Peter Zumthor, nears completion. Spanning Wilshire Boulevard and unifying LACMA’s campus, the highly anticipated building is planning phased openings in summer 2025, with the full debut scheduled for April 2026.

Set on elevated piers, the fluid concrete form of the David Geffen Galleries redefines the presence of the museum in Los Angeles. A network of floating staircases and elevators provides access to the building from both the north and south sides of Wilshire Boulevard. The north wing of the structure, named the Elaine Wynn Wing in recognition of a $50 million donation, anchors the project, while the south wing remains open for future naming.

all images via @LACMA, unless stated otherwise

public activation begins in 2025

While the grand opening is slated for 2026, the LA-based museum is set to begin activating public spaces in 2025. The plaza level will house Ray’s and Stark Bar, a new LACMA Store backed by Kelvin and Hana Davis, and shaded outdoor areas for programming and events. New dining spaces, including a south-side restaurant funded by Ann Colgin, Joe Wender, and Ryan Seacrest, and a north-side café supported by Ashley and Marc Merrill, will follow in 2026. The East West Bank Commons, situated beneath the elevated galleries, will provide a covered gathering space for up to 500 visitors. The transformation extends to educational programming with the W.M. Keck Education Center anchoring the plaza level. The new Steve Tisch Theater will serve as a screening venue and gallery for time-based media art.

the fluid concrete form of the David Geffen Galleries redefines the presence of the museum in Los Angeles

expanding the outdoor art presence of the museum

Spanning 3.5 acres, the outdoor areas will showcase major new artworks, including Mariana Castillo Deball’s Feathered Changes across both sides of Wilshire Boulevard and a textile piece by Sarah Rosalena. Additional works by Liz Glynn, Thomas Houseago, Shio Kusaka, Pedro Reyes, and Diana Thater will be integrated into the landscape.

LACMA’s iconic sculptures will return, including Tony Smith’s Smoke (1967) and Alexander Calder’s Three Quintains (Hello Girls) (1964). The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Sculpture Garden will be redesigned to house the museum’s Rodin collection.

Ahead of the 2026 debut, LACMA members and donors will gain early access to the raw interior spaces, followed by a site-specific music series by Kamasi Washington in June 2025. Art installations will commence later in 2025 as the museum prepares to unveil its permanent collection in the new galleries.

the highly anticipated building is planning phased openings in summer 2025