A sculptural, organic form crafted from architectural concrete and glass, LACMA’s new David Geffen Galleries are as noteworthy as the global collection of art and objects they house. Pritzker Prize–winning architect Peter Zumthor envisioned the galleries on a single floor, without hierarchies, featuring natural light and transparency to the outside, and the results are now open for all to enjoy. The building now spans Wilshire Boulevard, embracing the neighborhood and encouraging visitors to wander throughout its dynamic spaces as they discover 6,000 years of culture.
In collaboration with the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles, LACMA invites you to see, draw, and explore the many remarkable elements of this new landmark at a series of free workshops that take place in and around the building next weekend. The series begins on Friday, May 15, with Look and Listen: The David Geffen Galleries. At this leisurely guided walk through the building, you'll slow down as you’re led to reflect on the sensory qualities of the space and engage with prompts for mindful observation as you get to know its art and architecture.
Instead of uniform illumination, Zumthor designed the galleries to allow light and shadow to work in dialogue, with Southern California’s sunlight entering from a glass-lined perimeter that leads to relatively darker gallery spaces within. On Saturday, May 16, Draw and Explore: Light and Space at the David Geffen Galleries is a drop-in drawing session where you’ll focus on this interplay of light, texture, and space as you learn techniques for capturing architectural forms and how architects approach observation and drawing. LACMA educators and AIA Los Angeles volunteers and USC’s Mina Chow will be on hand to provide guidance, prompts, and materials to inspire your work.
Also noteworthy are the galleries' acres of outdoor space, which includes Mariana Castillo Deball’s monumental artwork that makes up its plaza level, Feathered Changes, more beloved pieces of public art, and as the greenery around it. On Sunday, May 17, you can roam the grounds surrounding the building with senior project manager and landscape designer Alexis SantaRomana and learn how plants, pathways, open spaces, and exterior views shape the museum experience at Look and Wander: New Grounds at the David Geffen Galleries.
These workshops take place during May’s Third Weekends at LACMA, which features a dynamic lineup of events and programs inspired by the museum’s art, exhibitions, and architecture all weekend long. See our full calendar of events.