It is surprising that the vast metropolis of Los Angeles—defined by the industry that creates the world’s most dominant form of popular culture—has lacked an institution dedicated to celebrating the art and history of film.
That will soon change. The Academy Museum will be the world's premier film institution, one place where curious movie-goers of all ages and from around the world can experience how films have been and will be made.
Scheduled to open in 2020, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will be the world's premier film institution, one place where curious movie-goers of all ages and from around the world can experience how films have been and will be made. Celebrating the art and science of movies—past, present, and future, its exhibitions and programs will convey the magic of cinema and offer a glimpse behind the screen, illuminating the creative and collaborative process of filmmaking, the rich history of motion pictures, and their essential role in our culture.
Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano is restoring and re-envisioning the historic 1939 May Company department store. This renovated landmark, named in honor of donors Cheryl and Haim Saban, will be joined by a new soaring glass and concrete sphere partially inspired by the dirigibles that landed close by on the Cecil B. DeMille airfield during the 1920s. When completed, the Museum’s 300,000 square foot campus will feature six stories of dynamic spaces exploring the rich history of Hollywood and global filmmaking.