LACMA David Geffen Galleries

For those of you who are currently visiting Los Angeles or planning to, LACMA simply must be included in your list of LA attractions. The David Geffen Galleries which premiered in April of 2026 is simply fantastic. The architecture alone is a work of art. Its expansive design which travels across Wilshire Blvd will make you wonder, “How did they do that? What is holding that up?” When I first visited I felt like a child. I was awe-struck walking up the metal staircase and into the artistic monolith. With floor to ceilings glass windows in the 110,000- square-foot main exhibition space, art lovers can enjoy a 360-degree views of the city of Angels. This new addition which will house LACMA’s permanent collection has created a one-of-a-kind museum.

LACMA The David Geffen Galleries

LACMA David Geffen Galleries — Exterior view southeast toward Wilshire Boulevard with Tony Smith’s Smoke (1967) in foreground, David Geffen Galleries at LACMA, art © Tony Smith Estate/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, photo © Iwan Baan; courtesy of LACMA

LACMA’s Expansion

The architecture began with Michael Govan, Chief Executive Officer and Wallis Annenberg Director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). He had the vision for this massive expansion when he accepted the position in 2006. He immediately hired Swiss Pritzker Prize-winning architect Peter Zumthor. However, another architect named Renzo Piano was previously hired by Govan’s predecessor. Piano was working on The Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM), and the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion. His team ultimately completed the work on those two buildings while Zumthor began designing the David Geffen Galleries. BCAM opened in 2008 and then the Resnick Exhibition Pavilion opened in 2010.

LACMA’s expansion included a massive 155,000-item collection. However the museum will only display 1,800 works at a time.

Artist Lauren Halsey

One work that particularly interested me was a commission by LA artist Lauren Halsey. The artist was asked to reference Egyptian forms as well as subject matter while creating something entirely new. With that in mind Halsey utilized personal influences such as funk music and her South Los Angeles neighborhood where her family has lived for generations.

Needless to say between legendary and contemporary works, there is truly something for everyone. All should experience it. Furthermore KCRW Music Director Alejandro Cohen has created a special playlist tiled Currents. This comes to us with an edit of Brian Eno and Beatie Wolfe’s composition “Big Empty Country.” It crosses all genres, and makes for a unique companion to enjoy while you wander amongst the brilliant artworks.

Find out more on LACMA’s website. Just be sure to visit if you find yourself in Los Angeles.Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036; https://www.lacma.org