LACMA’s Geffen Galleries: a $723.8 million bet on culture and controversy
TL;DR Summary
LACMA’s new David Geffen Galleries carry a final price tag of about $723.8 million (roughly $585 million in hard costs and $138.7 million in soft costs). The project was funded with county support and a large donor campaign, with $125 million in county backing and a $300 million credit, and the campaign has exceeded its $750 million goal (now well over $875 million). Debt has grown to about $617 million and is planned to be paid off by 2050. Despite ongoing criticism of the price and design, museum officials defend the build as essential cultural infrastructure, with previews starting April 19 and general admission in May 2026, after a gala on April 16.
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