Modern Art Galleries

Overview

The Modern Art Galleries within the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA, offer a compelling journey through pivotal artistic movements of the 20th century. Located in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, United States, LACMA stands as the largest art museum in the western United States, dedicated to presenting art that spans global histories and cultures. The museum's extensive modern art holdings, now prominently featured within the recently opened David Geffen Galleries, showcase a rich array of European and American masterpieces from approximately 1900 to the 1970s. This collection provides an insightful look into the dynamic shifts and groundbreaking innovations that defined modern art, ranging from the emotional intensity of German Expressionism to the bold statements of Abstract Expressionism and the unique artistic voices emerging from Southern California. Visitors can immerse themselves in works by iconic figures such as Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, René Magritte, and Diego Rivera, experiencing art that continues to shape contemporary thought and visual culture. The thoughtful presentation within these galleries encourages a fresh perspective, inviting contemplation on the interconnectedness of artistic expression across diverse styles and periods.

History & Cultural Background

LACMA's story began in 1961, when it formally separated from the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science, and Art to become an independent art institution. Just four years later, in 1965, the museum opened its doors at its current Wilshire Boulevard complex, marking the beginning of its significant growth. Over the decades, LACMA's modern art collection expanded dramatically, often through the generosity of dedicated patrons. A transformative moment arrived with the 2007 acquisition of the Janice and Henri Lazarof Collection, a monumental gift valued at over $100 million, which introduced 130 modernist works to the museum's holdings. This included a substantial number of pieces by Pablo Picasso and Alberto Giacometti, alongside works by Bauhaus artists Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky, profoundly enriching the museum's representation of early 20th-century European modernism.

Initially, the modern art collections were housed in the Ahmanson Building. Later, a new presentation of the Modern Art collection was installed on Level 3 of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) in May 2021, designed in collaboration with Frank Gehry and Associates. However, the landscape of LACMA's permanent collection has recently undergone its most significant transformation with the opening of the Peter Zumthor-designed David Geffen Galleries in April and May 2026. These new galleries represent a bold step forward, aiming to redefine the museum experience by presenting the permanent collection, including much of the modern art, in a non-traditional, thematic arrangement that encourages discovery and highlights connections across cultures and eras, rather than adhering strictly to chronological or national classifications.

What Makes It Special

What truly distinguishes the Modern Art Galleries at LACMA, especially within the new David Geffen Galleries, is their innovative curatorial approach. Instead of rigid chronological or geographical divisions, the galleries invite visitors to explore art through fluid themes, fostering unexpected dialogues between seemingly disparate works. This design philosophy, supported by the striking architecture of Peter Zumthor, aims to create a continuous and engaging exhibition experience, allowing art from varied disciplines and time periods to resonate with one another.

The collection itself is remarkably diverse, boasting a particular strength in German Expressionism, with dedicated galleries for paintings, sculptures, and works on paper from the Robert Gore Rifkind Center for German Expressionist Studies. Visitors can encounter masterpieces such as René Magritte's thought-provoking 'The Treachery of Images' (This is Not a Pipe), which challenges perceptions of reality and representation. The sheer breadth extends to Latin American modernism, featuring iconic works like Diego Rivera's vibrant 'Flower Day (Día de Flores)', and celebrated American artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe. The collection also includes significant pieces by Pop artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, alongside the sculptural forms of Constantin Brâncuși and Alberto Giacometti. This rich tapestry of styles and artists provides a profound exploration of modernity's multifaceted expressions.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

One of the most captivating stories within LACMA's modern collection revolves around the transformative impact of individual philanthropy. The Janice and Henri Lazarof Collection, for instance, significantly bolstered LACMA's modern holdings with an astonishing 20 works by Pablo Picasso alone, including poignant portraits like 'Weeping Woman with Handkerchief'. Henri Lazarof, a renowned composer, and his wife, Janice, thoughtfully built this collection with an eye for pivotal modernist figures, leaving an indelible mark on the museum's ability to represent the century's artistic evolution.

A fun detail for visitors previously enjoying the modern art in BCAM was the galleries' design collaboration with Frank Gehry and Associates, which incorporated new interpretive texts, thematic audio tours, and even an installation soundtrack, creating a multi-sensory experience for engaging with the art. While the collection now resides in the Geffen Galleries, this innovative approach reflects LACMA's ongoing commitment to enhancing the visitor experience. Another intriguing piece is Michael McMillen's immersive environment 'Central Meridian (The Garage)', offering a unique, detailed narrative within the modern art landscape. These elements add layers of depth, allowing travelers to connect with the art not just intellectually, but also emotionally, through the stories of the artists, collectors, and the unique ways the museum brings their visions to life.

Visitor Perspective

Stepping into the Modern Art Galleries at LACMA's David Geffen Galleries is an experience of contemporary elegance and intellectual stimulation. The Peter Zumthor-designed structure offers an open, flowing layout, where concrete-enclosed galleries provide intimate spaces for light-sensitive works, while expansive glass facades frame panoramic views of Los Angeles, making the city itself a dynamic backdrop to the art. This design encourages a leisurely meander, inviting curious travelers to forge their own paths of discovery. Imagine encountering a striking Picasso alongside a compelling Latin American modernist piece, or a powerful German Expressionist painting in dialogue with a Pop Art sculpture – the curatorial choice to break free from strict historical linearity creates a fresh and engaging encounter with each artwork. The galleries are not merely a display of objects, but a conversation spanning cultures and centuries, reflecting Los Angeles's own diverse spirit. Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or a casual observer, the Modern Art Galleries offer a profound and accessible exploration of the forces that shaped the artistic landscape of the modern era, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for human creativity and expression.