LACMA Reveals Cost of New David Geffen Galleries Expansion
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is set to unveil its new David Geffen Galleries, marking a significant development in the museum’s expansion. The new structure, designed by the renowned architect Peter Zumthor, covers 347,500 square feet and comes with a hefty price tag of $723.8 million. The galleries will officially open to the public on May 4, 2023, following a grand gala on April 16.
LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries: A Cost Breakdown
Many argue about the value of this substantial investment. Critics have expressed concerns over the project’s high cost and design approach. Notably, former art critic Christopher Knight described the building as “monotonous,” questioning the museum’s decision to curate art thematically rather than chronologically. With the construction resulting in less gallery space than the original campus, these critiques have intensified.
Supporting Views on the Project
On the contrary, supporters like Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell have praised the project’s vision and significance. She emphasized that controversial designs often face backlash yet play a critical role in evolving civic architecture. In her view, Michael Govan, LACMA’s director, is a visionary for spearheading such an ambitious project.
- Construction Statistics: Over 8,600 workers were employed, with a local hire rate of 47%.
- Economic Impact: The project is projected to generate more than $1.2 billion in economic activity.
- Acknowledged Contributions: Major donations include a $142 million triptych by Francis Bacon and a collection valued at $500 million from A. Jerrold Perenchio.
Financial Overview
The construction costs are broken down as follows:
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hard Costs | $585 million |
| Soft Costs | $138.7 million |
| Total Estimated Cost | $723.8 million |
The financial strategy includes $125 million from L.A. County and $300 million in credit to facilitate construction costs. Notably, the project has attracted thousands of individual donations, with fundraising efforts exceeding the original goal of $750 million, now surpassing $875 million.
Govan has consistently defended the project, highlighting the necessity of modern infrastructure to attract significant art collections. He pointed out that maintaining the old buildings would have cost over $250 million due to extensive renovations needed.
As LACMA prepares for its grand opening, the anticipated success of the David Geffen Galleries may redefine Los Angeles’s cultural landscape. Govan remains optimistic, stating, “You build the building to get the art,” illustrating the underlying goal of enriching the museum’s collection for future generations.
