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Los Angeles County Museum of Art Opens David Geffen Galleries with Gala Event

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LACMA Celebrates Opening of New David Geffen Galleries

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) held an opening gala for its new David Geffen Galleries on Thursday evening. The event took place at the museum's new building designed by architect Peter Zumthor.

Event Highlights

The gala included a cocktail hour and a four-course dinner for attendees, including artists, museum staff, donors, and public officials.

The dinner raised $11.5 million for the museum. The ongoing fundraising campaign for the Geffen Galleries has reached $869 million.

The Building

The David Geffen Galleries are housed in a new building designed by architect Peter Zumthor. The structure is primarily made of concrete and glass.

Michael Govan, LACMA's director, stated the project has been in development for 20 years. The building's cost was $724 million.

Attendee Reactions

Artists' Impressions

  • Lauren Halsey described Zumthor's building as "beautiful" and "fantastic."
  • Mark Bradford said the building felt "ready for artists" and that he was "overwhelmed" by the space.
  • Ed Ruscha described the building as "snazzy" and said it "does the job."
  • Todd Gray noted that seeing his photo installation at dusk provided a "totally different experience" due to the changing light.
  • Jeff Koons called it "an amazing evening" for people who value art and said the building has potential to "bring the world together."

Museum Leadership & Donors

  • Michael Govan stated he wants the building to last 500 years and that it is designed "for people."
  • Peter Zumthor said he was "happy" and that working in Los Angeles taught him to embrace a certain lack of refinement.
  • Stephanie Barron, a senior curator, said the opening was "thrilling" and a "game changer."
  • Tony Ressler, LACMA board co-chair, thanked Govan for "taking bold risks" and said the galleries are an example of government and philanthropy working together.
  • Lynda Resnick, a LACMA life trustee, described the Geffen Galleries as a "masterpiece of public art."

Additional Perspectives

  • James Goldstein (donor) commented on the quality of the evening light and the building's views.
  • Tiffany August (LACMA associate vice president) called seeing the project go from concept to reality "the greatest thing."
  • Arun Mathai (LACMA budget officer) said it was "gratifying" to see the project completed and praised the juxtaposition of art from different periods.
  • Holly J. Mitchell (L.A. County Supervisor) thanked the project's visionaries for their patience.

Other Notable Guests

Other individuals reported at the event included artists Refik Anadol, Do Ho Suh, and Wim Wenders, as well as public figures Will Ferrell, Sharon Stone, Viveca Paulin, and Mayor Karen Bass.