LACMA Unveils Peter Zumthor's New Building with Mixed Historical and Contemporary Art Displays

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has opened its new flagship building in Los Angeles, designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. The structure spans Wilshire Boulevard with concrete-and-glass galleries elevated above the street, offering an organic, flowing exterior. Inside, the architecture features a labyrinthine layout with numerous interior galleries of varying sizes, creating alternating experiences of sunlight and shadow through tinted windows and curtains. CEO and director Michael Govan's vision integrates contemporary art with classical sculpture, organized loosely by oceans rather than continents to avoid chronological or geographical constraints. The opening follows years of criticism and anticipation for Govan's project. Photos by Ben Davis document the building and artworks, including pieces by Pedro Reyes, Liz Glynn, Tavares Strachan, Lauren Halsey, Francis Bacon, John Mason, Do Ho Suh, Jeff Koons, and others, alongside historical artifacts like the Bateman Mercury and Ardabil Carpet. Galleries cover themes such as 'Turmoil and Optimism in Latin America,' 'Textile Conversations: African and Black America,' 'Pan-Asian Buddhist Art,' and 'The Stuff of Alchemy: Plastic in Art.' The design encourages exploration with detours and unexpected views, aiming to refresh the museum's historical presentation.