major donations move peter zumthor-designed LACMA a step closer

the los angeles county museum of art (LACMA) has announced that is has received two major donations in its quest to raise funds for a new permanent collection building, designed by swiss architect peter zumthor. elaine wynn, co-chair of LACMA’s board, has pledged $50 million USD, while businessman jerry perenchio has added a $25 million pledge to his original commitment of 47 works of art worth over $500 million. both donations are contingent on the successful launch of the new building, and bring the total amount committed to $275 million. according to the LA times, the institution is seeking a total of $600 million for the ambitious project, which will replace four of the museum’s seven current buildings.

‘these historic and very generous gifts set the foundations of LACMA’s future and will serve as a catalyst to encourage others to come on board,’ said michael govan, LACMA CEO and wallis annenberg director. ‘both elaine and jerry understand that the realization of the new building is essential not only for the museum and its collection, but also for los angeles.’

the sinuous structure recalls the form of the neighboring la brea tar pits
image © atelier peter zumthor & partner (also main image)

zumthor’s design spans one one of LA’s busiest roads, the wilshire boulevard, allowing vehicular traffic to pass beneath the complex. new images show the latest iteration of the scheme, with a sinuous and partially transparent structure that recalls the form and shape of the neighboring la brea tar pits.

in november 2014, the los angeles county board of supervisors unanimously approved a $125 million contribution and future financing (pending the environmental impact report certification and the building approval) for a new museum, to be matched by $475 million in private support. the project remains on track to begin construction in mid-to-late 2018, with a slated opening date scheduled for 2023.

see designboom’s previous coverage of the scheme here.