Designed by Peter Zumthor in collaboration with SOM, the David Geffen Galleries mark a transformative new chapter for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). As the centerpiece of the museum’s redesigned campus, the building will showcase rotating selections from LACMA’s encyclopedic permanent collection, the most comprehensive in the western United States. To bring Zumthor’s bold architectural vision to life, LACMA engaged SOM as architect of record and structural engineer to guide the realization of this technically ambitious and expressive concrete structure.
Elevated above Wilshire Boulevard, the new building replaces four aging museum structures with a single, continuous gallery level that spans 900 feet. The design eliminates traditional hierarchies by presenting the collection in an open, flowing sequence of spaces, creating a democratic experience of art. An expansive glass facade wraps the elevated floor, offering panoramic views of Los Angeles and casting the city itself as a dynamic backdrop to the visitor experience. Architectural concrete serves as both structure and finish, giving the building a monolithic, sculptural presence defined by sweeping curves and dramatic cantilevers. At street level, a series of semi-transparent pavilions support the galleries above and host public amenities—including retail, dining, education spaces, and a new theater—anchoring the museum in its surrounding urban context.
This month, LACMA is offering a rare first glimpse inside the David Geffen Galleries, before art installation begins and ahead of the building’s official opening in April 2026. During this preview period, visitors will experience the raw, unfinished galleries activated through a trio of immersive performances led by renowned musician, composer, and bandleader Kamasi Washington. More than 100 musicians will perform at once across ten distinct ensembles throughout the 110,000-square-foot gallery level, creating a layered soundscape that transforms the space into a monumental acoustic instrument.
