ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Eli Broad's $56M Gift Transforms LACMA with Renzo Piano Design

architecture-design · 2026-04-23

In 2008, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) underwent a major transformation driven by billionaire philanthropist Eli Broad. Dissatisfied with the museum's chaotic six-building complex, Broad, a board member, funded a new director, Michael Govan, and hired architect Renzo Piano. He donated $56 million to construct the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM), a new building housing his renowned collection. The inauguration sparked controversy, which journalist Isaac Hernández explored in interviews with Govan and Piano.

Key facts

  • LACMA was a chaotic architectural labyrinth of six buildings.
  • Eli Broad, a board member, initiated the transformation.
  • Michael Govan was hired as the new director.
  • Renzo Piano was the architect for the new building.
  • Broad donated $56 million for the construction.
  • The new building is named Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM).
  • BCAM houses Eli Broad's celebrated collection.
  • Isaac Hernández interviewed Michael Govan and Renzo Piano about the controversy.

Entities

Artists

  • Eli Broad
  • Michael Govan
  • Renzo Piano
  • Isaac Hernández

Institutions

  • Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
  • Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM)

Locations

  • Los Angeles
  • United States

Sources