LACMA's David Geffen Wing: A Tale of Two Lights

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has unveiled the David Geffen wing, a $724 million structure designed by Peter Zumthor, which has garnered mixed feedback depending on the time of day. This 110,000 sq ft building, commissioned 20 years ago by LACMA director Michael Govan, replaces a 1965 design by William Pereira. Stretching 900ft, the single-story, amoeba-shaped edifice features flowing glass walls that cross Wilshire Boulevard. Morning visits often reveal a 'dismal, dated, inelegant brute' with heavy bronze frames and dark concrete, while afternoon light enhances the space, warming the materials. Inside, 26 independent galleries are arranged around water features, highlighting Greek and Roman sculptures, including Francis Bacon's 'Three Studies of Lucian Freud' (1969). Despite the absence of a defined flow, the architecture subtly directs visitors, creating captivating views, especially in the Mediterranean gallery. Zumthor's design faced challenges such as fossil removal and American construction norms, prompting him to regret the omission of his signature elements. Ultimately, the building resonates with local significance, encouraging viewers to see it from new perspectives.