LACMA's New $724m David Geffen Galleries Open Amid Carbon Emission Concerns
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has officially opened its new David Geffen Galleries, a massive $724 million structure designed by renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. The building, described as a concrete colossus resembling an aircraft carrier, features 110,000 square feet of gallery space elevated nine meters above Wilshire Boulevard. The project, driven by LACMA director Michael Govan, took two decades to complete due to complex engineering challenges, including construction on tar swamps in a seismic zone, alongside significant delays and cost escalations. While the design aims for longevity and transparency, it has sparked debate regarding its environmental impact, having used twice as much metal as the Eiffel Tower. The funding involved $125 million from LA County with the remainder raised privately. This opening marks the culmination of Govan’s ambition to create a monumental architectural landmark capable of attracting major art donations, drawing inspiration from his previous experiences with signature architecture at the Guggenheim and Dia:Beacon.
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LACMA's New $724m David Geffen Galleries Open Amid Carbon Emission Concerns
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has officially opened its new David Geffen Galleries, a massive $724 million structure designed by renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. The building, described as a concrete colossus resembling an aircraft carrier, features 110,000 square feet of gallery space elevated nine meters above Wilshire Boulevard. The project, driven by LACMA director Michael Govan, took two decades to complete due to complex engineering challenges, including construction on tar swamps in a seismic zone, alongside significant delays and cost escalations. While the design aims for longevity and transparency, it has sparked debate regarding its environmental impact, having used twice as much metal as the Eiffel Tower. The funding involved $125 million from LA County with the remainder raised privately. This opening marks the culmination of Govan’s ambition to create a monumental architectural landmark capable of attracting major art donations, drawing inspiration from his previous experiences with signature architecture at the Guggenheim and Dia:Beacon.
The Guardian