The Geffen Galleries at LACMA; photo by Veronica Navarro for The L.A. Mama

If you’ve driven down Wilshire lately, you’ve seen it. That massive, floating structure stretching across the street? That’s the new David Geffen Galleries at Los Angeles County Museum of Art – and it’s officially open. After years of anticipation, this isn’t just a museum update, it’s one of the biggest cultural and urban shifts happening in Los Angeles right now. Reshaping and changing the way we see our beloved L.A. And yes, it’s worth planning a visit.

The new Geffen Galleries building at LACMA; photo by: Veronnica Navarro for The L.A. Mama

A Major LACMA Expansion

Designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Peter Zumthor, the new Geffen Galleries quite literally reshape LACMA as we knew it. The building spans Wilshire Boulevard, connecting both sides of the campus in a way that feels bold, modern, and very LA. Inside, the space is completely different from your typical museum layout. You won’t find white walls that hold the art, you’ll find flowing paths that lead you to art, boldly holding for itself. You’re not walking room to room with any start to finish, you’re wandering through light filled galleries with no wrong way. It feels intentional, but not rigid. The expanse wall of windows that surround the building carry light in that changes your view of the galleries throughout the day and remind you of the city that envelopes you.

View of L.A. from the new Geffen Galleries; photo by: Veronica Navarro

What Makes the Geffen Galleries Different

If you’re expecting a traditional museum layout, this is not that. The entire space is designed to feel open and fluid. There’s no strict path, no “start here” energy. You move through it naturally. It’s intuitive, which makes a huge difference whether you’re visiting solo or with kids. You can wander through and explore at your leisure. All paths will lead you through seeing all the carefully curated pieces, but you will have a completely different experience each time.

The art is also displayed differently. Instead of organizing everything by time period or geography, LACMA mixes works across cultures, mediums, and eras. The result feels less like a history lesson and more like discovery. You’ll find yourself stopping in ways you didn’t expect. The art is curated in such a way that the pieces echo each other even though they may be from different time periods, cultures or mediums. There is no hierarchy, the galleries are thought provoking and truly so exciting to see. Much like Disneyland, LACMA is not meant to be finished but an ever-evolving ever changing, display of art that will keep rotating so that every future visit is unique.

Is LACMA Family-Friendly?

Let’s be honest—not all museums are easy with kids. The Geffen Galleries open layout means more space to move, fewer tight corners, and a more relaxed overall feel. As a mom, I do have a couple concerns… The open space although beautiful and expanse – and fantastic for wheelchair accessibility as well as strollers, might make it feel like there is enough space to run for younger kids. There are also quite a few artifacts and sculptures that are set out on display tables and on the ground that make them feel approachable – which is great for learning and observing- but may be too tempting for little hands. I personally witnessed a full-grown adult not being able to resist and touching a sculpture during media previews! I would review museum etiquette with my kids before entering.

Something I do absolutely LOVE about LACMA is their new family and education programming. There will be many events, and rotating experiences that keep things engaging and interactive beyond just walking through galleries. All of these programs will be FREE regardless of museum entry.

A Big Moment for L.A.

This opening is bigger than just LACMA. It’s part of a larger citywide transformation as Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Summer Olympics. From cultural landmarks to public transit, the city is in the middle of a major glow-up and this is just one of the headline projects. The most underrated update to L.A. and that particular museum row on Wilshire, is access. A new Los Angeles Metro Rail stop is set to open nearby, making it significantly easier to get to LACMA from all over the city quickly and efficiently, and most importantly, without dealing with parking! This is all part of LA’s larger push to improve transit ahead of the Olympics, and it’s going to change how people experience our city.

1st Century Roman marble sculpture over Wilshire Blvd.; photo by: Veronica Navarro for The L.A. Mama

Plan Your Visit to LACMA

This isn’t a quick stop. Between the scale of the Geffen Galleries and everything happening across LACMA, plan for a full visit. The Geffen Galleries alone, took me about 3 hours to explore. Take your time to walk the campus, explore the installations, and give yourself plenty of time to actually take it in. The Geffen Galleries officially open on Sunday April 19th with a ribbon cutting ceremony opening it to members only first. I anticipate this being very popular, make sure you have a reservation secured when you go. The galleries will open to the general public May 4th for all to enjoy.

LA is stepping into its next era. The new Geffen Galleries are elevated without being intimidating, thoughtful without being overwhelming, and designed in a way that actually fits real life. You don’t need to be an art person. You don’t need a full plan. You can show up, wander, and still leave feeling like you experienced something. With everything happening in the city right now, from cultural upgrades to Olympic prep, this is one of those places to have on your must-see list.

View from new Gift Shop at LACMA; photo by: Veronica Navarro