Rendering of the Broad Art Foundation museum
Downtown Los Angeles, already a thriving cultural center, will boast yet another architectural gem when the Broad Art Foundation opens its museum across from Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2013. The stunning renderings of the three-story museum, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, show a honeycomb-esque “veil” that promises the building becomes as much of an icon as its neighbor. And, the collection of contemporary art inside will be breathtaking as well. The museum will exhibit works from the 2,000-piece collection of Eli and Edythe Broad, the philanthropists who are building the museum and funding an astounding $200 million endowment. The inaugural exhibition will showcase 200 works from renowned artists such as Jean Michel Basquiat, Jasper Johns, Jeff Koons, Robert Rauschenberg, Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol and more.
The Natural History Museum’s NHM Next campaign, which is busy renovating and expanding the museum before its centennial in 2013, just got even more exciting with news of a $13 million donation that will allow the renowned institution to build a sunlit glass entrance pavilion that will welcome visitors with a 63-foot fin whale specimen as they enter. The new Otis Booth Pavilion will be completed by the museum’s 100th anniversary and was made possible by the Otis Booth Foundation. NMH has already welcomed several changes in 2009 and 2010, including the new Age of Mammals exhibit, which features specimens and multimedia stations chronicling 65 million years of evolution. The exhibit is housed in a stunning gallery that is part of the original museum constructed in 1913. Another part of the historic structure, the awe-inspiring Beaux Arts Haaga Family Rotunda, was also painstakingly restored and now serves as a lovely space for rotating exhibitions as well as weddings and other special events.
The museum is anticipating more developments in 2011 and 2012, including an incredible new Dinosaur Hall featuring more than 300 specimens, including 20 full-body specimens, as well as a new parking structure, a renovated cafe and a new Los Angeles-focused exhibit. And, the new Exposition Blvd. Light Rail line will make it even easier to get to the museum from all over the city.
Just in time for the centennial celebration of President Reagan's birth, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is unveiling a massive renovation of the museum galleries on Feb. 7, 2011. Seventeen new galleries, comprising a sprawling 26,400 square feet, examine the life and legacy of the nation's 40th president. You'll find captivating new exhibits displaying hundreds of artifacts, some of which have never been seen by the public before. New interactive exhibits invite visitors to act in a movie with Reagan, set the table for a state dinner, simulate starting a small business and more. Throughout 2011 the foundation will be celebrating the Ronald Reagan Centennial with guest speakers, forums, entertainment and other special events. Visit www.reagancentennial.com for more information.
