$150 million landmark gift from David Geffen comes to life as museum unveils stunning new galleries
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has officially unveiled the long-anticipated David Geffen Galleries, a monumental new chapter for the West Coast’s largest art museum.
Designed by Pritzker Prize–winning Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, the building represents a bold reimagining of the museum experience—hovering above Wilshire Boulevard in a sleek, elevated ribbon of glass and concrete.
Named in recognition of a historic $150 million donation by entertainment mogul and philanthropist David Geffen, the new galleries consolidate and replace four former museum buildings.
The result is nearly 110,000 square feet of exhibition space, with a seamless blend of architectural innovation and curatorial ambition.
Though the full public opening is scheduled for April 2026, parts of the building are already accessible through special previews and summer programs.
“The David Geffen Galleries are more than just a space to view art,” said LACMA CEO Michael Govan.
“They represent a transformation in how we think about public art institutions—open, flowing, connected to the city, and grounded in philanthropy.”
Opening festivities included a public preview performance by renowned jazz musician Kamasi Washington, who led an orchestra of 100 musicians through the still-empty galleries in a stirring rendition of Harmony of Difference.
The performance marked the first of three “sonic previews” designed to introduce audiences to the space before the official exhibitions debut.
Geffen’s landmark gift—one of the largest in the history of American museums—has been pivotal in realizing Zumthor’s radical vision.
Additional support came from philanthropist Elaine Wynn (whose name graces the building’s north wing) and a $125 million investment from Los Angeles County.
The south wing remains unnamed, potentially signaling a future naming opportunity.
Images by Dutch photographer Iwan Baan, released this week, offer the first comprehensive look inside the new complex, where works by artists such as Tony Smith and Michael Heizer already anchor the space.
Outdoor installations will follow throughout the year, including Jeff Koons’s massive topiary sculpture Split-Rocker, permanently gifted by Lynda and Stewart Resnick.
As Los Angeles continues to rebuild from a series of devastating wildfires, Govan emphasized the museum’s renewed role in the city’s cultural and spiritual healing: “Harnessing the power of art to console, we hope this space becomes a symbol of resilience and renewal.”
With its striking design, global art vision, and one of the most significant philanthropic investments in recent cultural memory, the David Geffen Galleries stand as a testament to the enduring impact of private generosity on public institutions.