After nearly two centuries since the dawn of cinema with Louis Le Prince’s pioneering "Roundhay Garden Scene," and following nine years of anticipation since the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences first announced its grand vision, Los Angeles has finally unveiled a dedicated haven for cinematic history: the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone for the city, solidifying its position as the heart of the film industry.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, located at 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA, near LACMA West, represents more than just a collection of artifacts; it is a testament to the enduring power and artistry of filmmaking. You can reach the museum at +1 323-930-3000.
Actor Tom Hanks, a member of the museum’s board of trustees, emphasized the importance of this institution for Los Angeles during a preview event. He, along with Annette Bening and Walt Disney Co. chairman Bob Iger, played a pivotal role in fundraising efforts. Hanks stated, "It matters for Los Angeles to have this film museum. We all know that films are made everywhere in the world, and there are other cities with film museums, but with all due respect in a place like Los Angeles, created by the Motion Picture Academy, this museum has really got to be the Parthenon of such places."
The journey to bring the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to life has been a long and complex one. The very idea of creating a space to celebrate and preserve the art of filmmaking was enshrined in the Academy’s original charter 94 years ago. However, the project encountered numerous hurdles, including budget overruns, construction delays, conflicting visions, social controversies, postponed opening dates, and the unforeseen challenges of a global pandemic.
Dawn Hudson, Academy CEO, told USA Today, "This is an art form that we’ve wanted to celebrate and preserve from the beginning. We’re creating a space in which you’re completely immersing yourself in movies. It wasn’t a simple equation to solve. It took some years, but we solved it."
The ultimate solution is a sprawling $484 million complex spanning 300,000 square feet across seven stories. This Museum Row landmark comprises two distinct structures: the meticulously renovated 1939 Streamline Moderne-style former May Co. department store and a striking new concrete and glass sphere, weighing 26 million pounds. This architectural marvel, conceived by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano (renowned for his work on the Centre Pompidou in Paris, The Shard in London, and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York), houses a 1,000-seat theater and a terrace offering breathtaking views of the iconic Hollywood Sign. While Piano is not a fan, the spherical structure has already earned the playful nickname "Death Star." It sits adjacent to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and across Wilshire Boulevard from the Petersen Automotive Museum, further enriching the cultural landscape of the Miracle Mile neighborhood.
Inside, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures unveils a treasure trove of cinematic history, drawing from the Academy’s extensive library, studio archives, and the personal collections of influential members like Steven Spielberg. Spielberg contributed one of his most cherished possessions: an original Rosebud sled from "Citizen Kane." The museum boasts a comprehensive collection of film-related artifacts, including over 13 million photographs, 67,000 posters, 137,000 pieces of production art, props, costumes, and a dazzling display of authentic Oscar statuettes.
The heart of the museum is the immersive main exhibition, "Stories of Cinema," which delves into the multifaceted filmmaking process. Galleries are dedicated to screenwriting, costume and set design, hair and makeup, cinematography, editing, sound mixing, scoring, and animation. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of filmmaking through soundbites from industry experts, film clips, screen tests, music, artwork, props, and costumes. Dedicated chambers spotlight iconic films and filmmakers, with rotating exhibits. The inaugural selection includes "Citizen Kane," the work of Mexican cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, "Real Women Have Curves," Bruce Lee, editor Thelma Schoonmaker, and the pioneering African American filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, known for his groundbreaking race films.
Other galleries within "Stories of Cinema" explore the history of the Academy Awards, a collaboration with director Spike Lee, and the profound impact of movies and Hollywood on society, public awareness, and social change. Another installation examines the career of director Pedro Almodovar. A separate section showcases the evolution of filmmaking technology, from magic lanterns and zoetropes to modern projectors.
While celebrating the achievements of renowned figures, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures also emphasizes the contributions of diverse, underrepresented, and often overlooked voices in the industry. The museum strives to present a comprehensive and honest portrayal of film history, acknowledging both its triumphs and its shortcomings. For instance, the makeup installation addresses the use of blackface and yellowface in films from the 1930s and 1940s.
Museum director and president Bill Kramer told CNN, "This is a place to learn about film history. A lot of our past is not great—racism, oppression, and sexism. So, while we’re celebrating the artistry and the artists, we also want people to find a safe space to have more complicated conversations and create our new future together."
The museum also features the first major retrospective of animation legend Hayao Miyazaki outside of Japan, accompanied by screenings of his acclaimed films. The Hurd Gallery highlights the art of backdrops, and in 2022, it will host "Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971."
Throughout the museum, visitors will encounter iconic movie mementos, including Dorothy’s ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz," maquettes from "Frozen," Gregory Peck’s annotated "To Kill A Mockingbird" script, an animatronic Terminator head, the "North by Northwest" Mount Rushmore backdrop, Disney animator Frank Thomas’ drawing desk, C-3PO, The Dude’s robe from "The Big Lebowski," Okoye’s warrior garb from "Black Panther," and a full-size model of Jaws suspended above the escalators.
Actor Anna Kendrick described the museum at the opening press event as "shiny and new and enormous, and it’s crammed with about 125 years’ worth of ideas and dreams and life-changing cinematic experiences."
The museum’s theaters will host a diverse range of film screenings and themed retrospectives, such as "Oscar Frights!" (a horror film series in October), a celebration of women composers, and a showcase of the films of Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray. The museum also offers Q&A sessions, family-oriented events, and educational programming.
The "Oscars Experience" simulation allows visitors to experience the thrill of Hollywood’s biggest night, hearing their name announced, walking across the Dolby Theatre stage, and accepting an Academy Award. A video captures the entire experience. The complex also includes a gift shop and Fanny’s restaurant.
Accessibility is a key priority at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The museum provides complimentary manual wheelchairs, braille and large-print guides, free audio guides on its mobile app, audio description devices, and ASL interpretation for programs and tours (upon request at least three weeks in advance). Leashed service animals are welcome. "Calm Mornings" offers a sensory-friendly museum experience before opening hours, with moderated sound and lighting.
The museum is open 365 days a year. Timed admission reservations are required and can be made online. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $19 for seniors (62+), and $15 for college students. Admission is free for visitors 17 and under, members, and California EBT cardholders. The "Oscars Experience" is an optional add-on for $15 per person. Programs and screenings require separate tickets.
To ensure the safety of visitors, the museum requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. In accordance with LA County health department policy, all visitors aged two and older must wear masks indoors.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is not just a museum; it’s a celebration of the art, history, and impact of cinema. It’s a place for film lovers to immerse themselves in the world of movies, learn about the creative process, and appreciate the diverse voices that have shaped the industry.
