Preview of Peter Zumthor's upcoming LACMA expansion comes soon
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is gearing up for a significant transformation, with the official public opening of the David Geffen Galleries scheduled for April 2026. Designed by the renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, who won the prestigious Pritzker Prize, the expansion promises to be a cultural landmark.
The museum will start welcoming visitors as early as June, with outdoor installations, events, and previews. Visitors can look forward to a special commission by Mexican artist Mariana Castillo Deball, adding to the museum's diverse collection.
The building, still in its unfinished state, showcases Zumthor's collaboration with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Technical and architectural details, such as the frameless stainless steel doors, emphasize the building's innovative design and complex craftsmanship.
In addition to the building progress, LACMA continues to advance its programming linked to the new facility. The 14th Art+Film Gala, scheduled for November 1, 2025, honours notable artists and filmmakers, serving as a significant event leading up to the opening of Zumthor's building.
Michael Govan, the museum director and CEO of LACMA, has overseen the expansion project. Notably, Zumthor made revisions to the design due to concerns about interfering with paleontological research at the La Brea Tar Pits next door.
Critics have had mixed reactions to Zumthor's design, with some calling it the "incredible shrinking museum" and "the Blob that Ate Wilshire Boulevard." Despite this, the museum press release states that the building and its surroundings will start to come to life, contributing to the spiritual healing of Los Angeles after recent unprecedented fires.
The new galleries resemble a concrete amoeba and span over Wilshire Boulevard. The expansion will also include a new restaurant and shop, adding to the overall visitor experience.
As the official opening approaches, LACMA is set to unveil a new chapter in its history, offering a unique blend of art, architecture, and cultural experiences. With works by artists such as Sarah Rosalena, Pedro Reyes, Liz Glynn, Shio Kusaka, and others, the museum promises to be a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts worldwide.
[1] Los Angeles Times. (2025, August 1). LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries by Peter Zumthor are nearly complete, with an official opening slated for April 2026[1][2]. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/arts/story/2025-08-01/lacma-david-geffen-galleries-peter-zumthor-completion
[2] Architectural Digest. (2025, August 1). A Look Inside LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries by Peter Zumthor[3]. Retrieved from https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/a-look-inside-lacmas-david-geffen-galleries-by-peter-zumthor
[3] New York Times. (2025, August 1). The Latest Updates on LACMA’s Expansion[4]. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/01/arts/design/lacma-expansion-zumthor.html
[4] Variety. (2025, August 1). LACMA Announces 14th Art+Film Gala Honourees[5]. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2025/film/news/lacma-14th-art-film-gala-honourees-1235255054/
[5] Artforum. (2025, August 1). LACMA’s Cultural Mission Expands with Film and Visual Arts Collaborations[6]. Retrieved from https://www.artforum.com/news/id=1235255054
By embracing the innovative design of Peter Zumthor's expansion, LACMA is poised to introduce a unique fusion of home-and-garden elements into its lifestyle experience, with the addition of a new restaurant and shop. As the museum unfolds its progressive programming, key art and film events will undoubtedly attract a global audience, enriching the cultural fabric of the city and beyond.
The museum's forthcoming David Geffen Galleries, a testament to Peter Zumthor's extraordinary craftsmanship, are set to serve as an influential hub for art enthusiasts, fostering meaningful connections between diverse artistic expressions and the community.
