LACMA opens the doors to its controversial new building

LACMA opened its controversial new David Geffen Galleries for a special preview weekend featuring Kamasi Washington and over 100 musicians performing throughout the empty 110,000-square-foot spaceTime Out+1.
The $750 million building designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor features an amoeba-shaped concrete structure that spans across Wilshire Boulevard and consolidates collections into a single floorTime Out+1.
Washington's "Harmony of Difference" performance transformed the concrete galleries into an acoustic experience, with different musical ensembles positioned throughout the space before any artwork is installedTime Out+1.
The building is nearly 90% complete and scheduled for its grand public opening in April 2026, with some features becoming available to the public in summer 2025Unframed+1.
The project has faced years of controversy over its design, cost, and the decision to demolish older museum buildings, but represents one of the most significant museum expansions in recent historyUrbanize LA+1.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has opened its new David Geffen Galleries for a special preview weekend featuring performances by saxophonist Kamasi Washington and over 100 musicians, offering the public their first glimpse inside the controversial $750 million Peter Zumthor-designed building ahead of its planned April 2026 grand opening.

Peter Zumthor's Architectural Vision

Peter Zumthor's design for LACMA's new building represents a dramatic departure from traditional museum architecture, featuring seven concrete and glass pavilions connected by a transparent main exhibition level that hovers above Wilshire Boulevard. The Swiss architect's vision evolved significantly throughout the design process—initially conceived as a black, organically-shaped structure inspired by the nearby La Brea tar pits, it later transformed into a harder-edged form with light earthy mineral tones that Zumthor hoped would appear "like some kind of an Inca temple that's always been in the sand."ArchDaily+3

The architectural philosophy behind the David Geffen Galleries emphasizes visitor freedom and exploration, with Zumthor and LACMA director Michael Govan envisioning a space where visitors can "wander through a museum, like you could wander through a park, making your own path." The design creates 2.5 acres of open green space and incorporates sustainable features like natural lighting and solar panels. Despite facing initial backlash and competing proposals from other firms, Zumthor's vision prevailed, with construction now well underway and expected to be completed by the end of 2024, creating what he describes as "elemental" architecture that feels "less slick and more substantial."ERNSDORF DESIGN CONCRETE FURNITURE AND ART+3

Kamasi Washington's Sound Installation

Grammy-nominated composer and jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington transformed the empty David Geffen Galleries into an immersive sonic experience with his performance of "Harmony of Difference," a six-movement suite originally released in 2017. For this landmark event, Washington strategically positioned over 100 musicians throughout the 110,000 square feet of gallery space, turning the building itself into an acoustic instrument. As visitors moved through the concrete structure, they experienced different musical elements—woodwinds overlooking Park La Brea through floor-to-ceiling glass, choirs creating harmonies that floated across the span crossing Wilshire Boulevard, and Washington himself soloing at the center.LACMA+4

The performance perfectly complemented the architectural space, with Washington noting, "The Geffen Galleries has a truly unique acoustic environment that is perfect for 'Harmony of Difference.'" LACMA Director Michael Govan described the event as "an unforgettable experience" that allowed visitors to explore the building through waves of sound before any artwork is installed. Washington's musical celebration of diversity through different notes, chords, and rhythms served as a fitting metaphor for both Los Angeles's cultural landscape and LACMA's mission to bring together diverse artistic traditions.LACMA+1

The $750 Million Price Tag

The David Geffen Galleries project has seen its budget evolve significantly since inception. Originally pitched at $650 million, the estimated cost grew to $750 million by the time construction began. Of this total, approximately $715-720 million represents the building cost itself, with additional funds allocated for contingencies related to tar and fossil impacts encountered during construction. The museum successfully reached its fundraising goal in August 2023 through an unprecedented public-private partnership, with 80% ($625 million) coming from private donations and the remaining 20% ($125 million) contributed by Los Angeles County.LACMA+4

Despite the official figures, some sources suggest the true cost may be higher, with internal emails between Los Angeles County officials warning it could reach $900 million, while others estimate the entire project cost at closer to $835 million. The construction cost breaks down to approximately $1,400 per square foot—reportedly at the lower end of the range for new museum construction in major metropolitan areas ($1,250-$1,800). Major donors include David Geffen ($150 million), Elaine P. Wynn, the W.M. Keck Foundation (both over $50 million), and filmmaker George Lucas with his wife Mellody Hobson (over $10 million).Unframed+3

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