Inside LACMA's David Geffen Galleries lavish opening gala
Los Angeles Times • • general
Key Points:
- The opening gala of LACMA’s new David Geffen Galleries attracted numerous renowned artists including Jeff Koons, Ed Ruscha, Mark Bradford, and Lauren Halsey, highlighting the building’s strong appeal to the art community.
- Architect Peter Zumthor’s $724 million concrete structure received praise for its design and atmosphere, with many guests appreciating the interplay of natural light and the building’s materials.
- LACMA director Michael Govan, who has championed the project for over 20 years, expressed his vision for the galleries to serve future generations and foster ongoing engagement with art.
- The gala dinner raised a record $11.5 million for the Geffen Galleries, with major donors and officials commending the collaboration between government and philanthropy in realizing the project.
- The event concluded with a celebration of change and innovation, symbolized by a performance of Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” underscoring the transformative impact of the new galleries on LACMA and the art world.
