LACMA's David Geffen Galleries to Open in April 2026

Pritzker Prize-winning architect Peter Zumthor's design redefines the museum experience.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is set to open the David Geffen Galleries, a 900-foot-long structure designed by renowned architect Peter Zumthor, on April 19, 2026. The building, which spans Wilshire Boulevard, integrates the museum with the surrounding Hancock Park and the city, breaking from the traditional 'white cube' model of museum design.

Why it matters

The David Geffen Galleries represent a shift in museum architecture, prioritizing accessibility, connection to the environment, and creating a more immersive visitor experience. The curatorial approach also challenges traditional art historical narratives by using the world's oceans as a framework, highlighting exchange, migration, and commerce across centuries.

The details

The design incorporates floating staircases and elevators, providing access from both sides of Wilshire Boulevard. The inaugural installation will feature approximately 2,500 to 3,000 objects, moving away from conventional categorization by medium or chronology. The project also includes 14,164 square meters of newly accessible outdoor space integrated with Hancock Park, blurring the lines between the museum and the city.

  • The David Geffen Galleries will open to the public on April 19, 2026.
  • Member access will begin before general admission on May 4, 2026.

The players

Peter Zumthor

A Pritzker Prize-winning architect who designed the David Geffen Galleries.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

The museum that is set to open the David Geffen Galleries, a culmination of a two-decade campus transformation.

David Geffen

A philanthropist who donated $150 million to make the David Geffen Galleries possible.

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What’s next

The public will be able to visit the David Geffen Galleries starting on April 19, 2026, with member access beginning before general admission on May 4, 2026.

The takeaway

The David Geffen Galleries at LACMA represent a significant shift in museum architecture and curatorial approaches, prioritizing accessibility, community engagement, and a more immersive and interconnected understanding of art history. This project serves as a model for the future of cultural institutions, blending tradition and innovation to redefine the museum experience.