Overview
Explore a collection with more than 100,000 works of art at LACMA, the largest encyclopedic museum west of Chicago. Through its far-reaching collections, the museum is both a resource to and a reflection of the many cultural communities and heritages in Southern California.

Experience European masterpieces, cutting-edge contemporary art, an extensive collection of American art from the United States and Latin America, a major Islamic art collection, one of the most comprehensive Korean art collections outside of Korea, and the stunning Pavilion for Japanese art. (Explore LACMA's online collections catalogue here.)

The museum offers a variety of rewarding experiences for the general public and art professional alike. A lively schedule of special exhibitions, world-renowned film and music programs, and a number of educational events complement the permanent collection.

In addition, the museum’s research library is open to the public by appointment, as is the Teacher Resource Center, which provides slides, videotapes, and other materials for educational programming in the classroom. The library of the Robert Gore Rifkind Center for German Expressionist Art is also open by appointment.

Mission Statement
To serve the public through the collection, conservation, exhibition, and interpretation of significant works of art from a broad range of cultures and historical periods, and through the translation of these collections into meaningful educational, aesthetic, intellectual, and cultural experiences for the widest array of audiences.

History
1910
LACMA is established as part of the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science, and Art. The cornerstone is laid in Exposition Park. The museum opens without an art collection nor the means to acquire one. Instead, art is loaned to the museum for its inauguration.

1920s–30s
Considerable support in the community significantly expands the collection. A new wing is added to the original building to house it. Noticeable strengths include Asian art and costumes and textiles.

1945–55
The decade sees a dramatic increase in traditional works of European and American art, as well as Egyptian art, in the collection, largely through gifts of William Randolph Hearst. The Board of Governors (Trustees) begins to consider establishing an independent art museum. Allan Hancock donates land on Wilshire Boulevard for it.

1961
LACMA is established as a museum separate from the Museum of Natural History; its Trustees and staff mandate a museum that will embrace the entire range of the history of art.

1965
The new museum opens. At the time, it is the largest new museum to be built in the United States after the National Gallery of Art. The permanent collection is housed in the Ahmanson Building, special exhibitions are presented in the Hammer Building, and the Bing Theater provides seating for audiences of 600 people.

1967
LACMA establishes a center for the conservation of its collection.

1986
The Modern and Contemporary Art building is completed along Wilshire Boulevard.

1988
LACMA opens the Pavilion for Japanese Art, designed by the visionary architect Bruce Goff.

1989
LACMA expands and renovates the Balch Art Research Library.

1991–92
The museum purchases adjacent property, formerly part of the May Company department-store chain, enlarging its site by 30 percent. This facility is now known as LACMA West.

2000
LACMA renovates and replants the surrounding park. A new curatorial section for Latin American art is established. The Dorothy Collins Brown amphitheater is built for outdoor performances.

The Future
In 2004 LACMA’s board of directors unanimously approved plans to transform the museum with renowned architect Renzo Piano at the helm. Learn more about The LACMA Campaign: Transformation.

In February 2006, the board named Michael Govan, formerly of the Dia Art Foundation and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, as the new CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director of LACMA.

Board of Trustees

Life Trustees

Corporate Governance

Bond Disclosure Documents
LACMA Auction Rate Securities Report of Material Development
Auction Results 05/05/2008 CUSIP 130795NV5
Auction Results 05/06/2008 CUSIP 130795NW3
Auction Results 05/06/2008 CUSIP 130911WT3
Auction Results 05/07/2008 CUSIP 130795NX1
Auction Results 05/08/2008 CUSIP 130911WU0
Auction Results 05/08/2008 CUSIP 130795NU7
Information on Auction Rate Securities may be found at www.dacbond.com.

To Form 990

Financial Statements
2007
Museum Associates
Museum Associates and County of Los Angeles
2006
Museum Associates
Museum Associates and County of Los Angeles
2005
Museum Associates
Museum Associates and County of Los Angeles

Officers/Executives

Bylaws

IRS Determination Letter 2007

  Have a question or comment? Send us an email.

 Order LACMA's Handbook of the Collections, with 184 color illustrations.

Overview 

Mission Statement

History

The Future

Board of Trustees