Resnick Pavilion

Overview

Nestled within the expansive grounds of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, United States, stands the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion, more commonly known as the Resnick Pavilion. This architectural marvel, designed by the esteemed Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, opened its doors to the public on October 2, 2010. It is a singular, 45,000 square foot, single-story structure dedicated entirely to temporary art exhibitions. What truly sets it apart is its distinction as the world's largest purpose-built, naturally lit, open-plan museum space, offering an unparalleled environment for art display.

The pavilion serves as a dynamic stage for diverse art forms, pushing the boundaries of exhibition design and fostering deep community engagement within one of the West Coast's most prominent cultural institutions.

History & Cultural Background

The creation of the Resnick Pavilion was a pivotal moment in LACMA's ongoing 'Transformation' project, a comprehensive initiative aimed at unifying and expanding the museum's twenty-acre campus. The pavilion represents the second major contribution by Renzo Piano to LACMA's architectural landscape, following his design for the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM), which opened in 2008.

Its realization was made possible by the extraordinary generosity of long-time museum patrons Lynda and Stewart Resnick. Their substantial $45 million donation formed the lead gift for Phase II of LACMA's transformation campaign, further augmented by a promise of $10 million worth of art. Lynda Resnick, a dedicated LACMA trustee since 1992, has played an integral role in the museum's development, underscoring the deep philanthropic roots of this significant cultural addition.

This new space dramatically enhanced LACMA's capacity to host ambitious, large-scale temporary exhibitions, allowing the museum to showcase an even broader spectrum of artistic expression from across history and geography, aligning with Los Angeles's richly diverse population.

What Makes It Special

Renzo Piano's design for the Resnick Pavilion is a testament to his genius in crafting spaces that are both monumental and approachable. The pavilion's most striking features are its glazed saw-tooth roof and extensive glass facades, which bathe the entire interior in abundant natural light, creating an airy and vibrant atmosphere. This ingenious design maximizes natural illumination while minimizing reliance on artificial lighting, a hallmark of sustainable and thoughtful architecture.

The building's exterior is clad in the same distinctive travertine stone as BCAM, fostering visual continuity across the campus. Internally, the 45,000 square foot space is notably column-free, offering unparalleled flexibility for curators and exhibition designers to create bespoke environments for each show, regardless of scale or complexity. This open plan allows for truly immersive and adaptable installations, making it an ideal venue for diverse artistic presentations.

The functional elements, such as air-handling units and technical rooms, are artfully incorporated into the exterior, highlighted by vibrant 'Piano red' accents. This not only optimizes interior exhibition space but also creates a distinctive industrial aesthetic, reminiscent of Piano's earlier work on the Pompidou Centre in Paris.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The architectural dialogue between the Resnick Pavilion and its predecessor, the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM), is a fascinating aspect of the LACMA campus. Critics affectionately dubbed the Resnick Pavilion the 'Baby Piano,' recognizing its architectural kinship as a smaller sibling to BCAM, both sharing Piano's signature design elements like the saw-tooth roof and travertine.

A unique detail is how the pavilion gracefully sits atop an existing underground parking garage, a clever solution that maximized space within the bustling urban environment.

Adding to its charm, the pavilion is enveloped by Robert Irwin's exquisite Palm Garden installation. This verdant landscape features a diverse collection of palm trees, some quite rare, arranged in orderly grids defined by Cor-ten steel walls, creating a serene and contemplative outdoor complement to the art within.

Since its inauguration, the Resnick Pavilion has lived up to its promise of presenting a 'kaleidoscopic array' of exhibitions. Its inaugural shows included 'Eye for the Sensual: Selections from the Resnick Collection,' 'Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico,' and 'Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700-1915,' immediately showcasing its versatility and global reach.

Visitor Perspective

For visitors, the Resnick Pavilion offers a continually refreshing experience. Unlike galleries with permanent collections, this space is a canvas for constant change, ensuring that each visit can bring new discoveries. The sheer scale and openness of the pavilion, coupled with the generous natural light, create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in which to engage with art. The absence of internal columns means unobstructed views and a fluid spatial flow, allowing for an intimate yet expansive encounter with the displayed works.

Walking through the Resnick, one feels a sense of ease and possibility, characteristic of Piano's thoughtful designs that prioritize the art and the viewer's experience. It's a place where diverse exhibitions, from ancient artifacts to contemporary fashion, feel equally at home, reflecting Los Angeles's own vibrant cultural tapestry. The pavilion's design encourages a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, with views of the surrounding park and other LACMA buildings, enhancing the overall journey through the museum campus.