LACMA's Blob Reborn: Art's Bold New L.A. Home

The David Geffen Galleries at LACMA, designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, are set to open their doors to the public on May 4th. This ambitious project, which faced years of scrutiny and criticism, including the moniker "the blob that ate Wilshire Boulevard," aims to redefine Los Angeles' cultural landscape. Zumthor, known for smaller, intimate designs, tackled his largest project in America, collaborating with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill to meet seismic and building code requirements.

The Geffen Galleries are a feat of concrete engineering, designed to withstand earthquakes while presenting a unique aesthetic. Its exterior, intentionally streaked and stained, is intended to age and mellow over time, evoking a sense of permanence akin to ancient pyramids. Inside, Zumthor devised a labyrinthine layout, described as a "village with squares, lanes and back alleys," encouraging visitors to discover art in unexpected ways.

This new structure necessitates a reimagining of LACMA's collection displays. Curators are moving away from traditional chronological or nationalistic arrangements, opting instead for themed, interdisciplinary exhibitions that blend ancient Greek sculptures with midcentury automobiles and Indonesian batiks. This institutional overhaul aims to foster serendipity and create fresh combinations across a unified stage, breathing new life into the museum and its vast holdings.