The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, US has opened at last – the much-anticipated attraction was slated to open in December 2020 and then in early 2021, but the launch was moved on both occasions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Academy Museum – designed by Pritzker-prize winning architect Renzo Piano – is dedicated to the art and science of movies and is described as being “simultaneously immersive, experimental, educational, and entertaining”, while offering experiences and insights into movies and moviemaking. The museum occupies the historic Saban Building, formerly known as the May Company building, which was originally designed by Albert C. Martin, Sr. and opened in 1939.
The building, an example of Streamline Moderne architecture, houses the largest institution in the US devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. Spread across six floors, the museum includes exhibition spaces, a 288-seat Ted Mann Theater, the Shirley Temple Education Studio, the Debbie Reynolds Conservation Studio, special event spaces, a café, and retailing.
An entirely new spherical building connects to the Saban Building via glass bridges, featuring the state-of-the-art 1,000-seat David Geffen Theater and the rooftop Dolby Family Terrace with its sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills.
Ted Sarandos, chair of the Board of Trustees of the Academy Museum, said: “Despite the many challenges of 2020, the museum has already accomplished a great deal, completing its pre-opening fundraising campaign, obtaining LEED Gold certification, and the installation of exceptional exhibitions.
“We’re fortunate to have one of the world’s most exciting new cultural institutions now ready to go.”
The Academy Museum is open seven days a week, with hours Sunday through Thursday from 10am to 6pm. Programming during the first three months of opening has included a diverse range of more than 115 film screenings, discussions, and programmes, designed for “film lovers of all ages”, including two special presentations of The Wizard of Oz featuring live musical accompaniment by the American Youth Symphony conducted by Academy Award-nominated composer David Newman.
Other highlights include Stories of Cinema, featuring screenings of films highlighted in the museum’s core exhibition, and Oscar Sundays – a series celebrating films that have been honoured at the Academy Awards – every Sunday evening in the David Geffen Theater.
Bill Kramer, director and president of the museum, said: “I know everyone involved in developing and opening the Academy Museum shares in my tremendous excitement at finally being able to invite the community in to explore our exhibitions and programmes.
To celebrate the opening, museum officials have also named the building’s landmark, 10,000sq ft lobby in honour of the legendary actor and director, Sir Sidney Poitier.
The Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby was designed by Renzo Piano and occupies the entire first floor of the restored and revitalised landmark Saban Building – it serves as the heart of all museum activities while being the central hub from which visitors move to the galleries, theatres, restaurants and retail offers within the building.
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The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, US has opened at last – the much-anticipated attraction was slated to open in December 2020 and then in early 2021, but the launch was moved on both occasions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Academy Museum – designed by Pritzker-prize winning architect Renzo Piano – is dedicated to the art and science of movies and is described as being “simultaneously immersive, experimental, educational, and entertaining”, while offering experiences and insights into movies and moviemaking. The museum occupies the historic Saban Building, formerly known as the May Company building, which was originally designed by Albert C. Martin, Sr. and opened in 1939.
The building, an example of Streamline Moderne architecture, houses the largest institution in the US devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. Spread across six floors, the museum includes exhibition spaces, a 288-seat Ted Mann Theater, the Shirley Temple Education Studio, the Debbie Reynolds Conservation Studio, special event spaces, a café, and retailing.
An entirely new spherical building connects to the Saban Building via glass bridges, featuring the state-of-the-art 1,000-seat David Geffen Theater and the rooftop Dolby Family Terrace with its sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills.
Ted Sarandos, chair of the Board of Trustees of the Academy Museum, said: “Despite the many challenges of 2020, the museum has already accomplished a great deal, completing its pre-opening fundraising campaign, obtaining LEED Gold certification, and the installation of exceptional exhibitions.
“We’re fortunate to have one of the world’s most exciting new cultural institutions now ready to go.”
The Academy Museum is open seven days a week, with hours Sunday through Thursday from 10am to 6pm. Programming during the first three months of opening has included a diverse range of more than 115 film screenings, discussions, and programmes, designed for “film lovers of all ages”, including two special presentations of The Wizard of Oz featuring live musical accompaniment by the American Youth Symphony conducted by Academy Award-nominated composer David Newman.
Other highlights include Stories of Cinema, featuring screenings of films highlighted in the museum’s core exhibition, and Oscar Sundays – a series celebrating films that have been honoured at the Academy Awards – every Sunday evening in the David Geffen Theater.
Bill Kramer, director and president of the museum, said: “I know everyone involved in developing and opening the Academy Museum shares in my tremendous excitement at finally being able to invite the community in to explore our exhibitions and programmes.
To celebrate the opening, museum officials have also named the building’s landmark, 10,000sq ft lobby in honour of the legendary actor and director, Sir Sidney Poitier.
The Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby was designed by Renzo Piano and occupies the entire first floor of the restored and revitalised landmark Saban Building – it serves as the heart of all museum activities while being the central hub from which visitors move to the galleries, theatres, restaurants and retail offers within the building.
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The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana
Heritage
Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive
storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade-
long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas
attraction.
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are
progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef
education and conservation.
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme
that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi-
day destination.
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii
is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
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