On April 16, 2026, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) held its highly anticipated Opening Gala for the David Geffen Galleries in Los Angeles, drawing a prominent gathering of celebrities, artists and cultural figures. The event marked the public debut of the museum’s new expansion, a project years in the making and widely discussed in architectural and art circles.
Among the attendees were Paris Hilton, Heidi Klum, and Eva Longoria, who were photographed on the red carpet and inside the venue. Other notable guests included Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Sharon Stone, Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, Mellody Hobson and George Lucas, Jada Crawley Paul and Chris Paul, Kathy Hilton and Rick Hilton, Lionel Richie and Lisa Parigi, Olivia Jade Giannulli, Lori Loughlin, Rich Paul, Alexandra Grant, Alexander Wang, Kim Petras, Gabbriette, Fai Khadra, Diane Warren, Heather Rae El Moussa and Tara Dollinger, Ava DuVernay and Darren Walker, Katharine Ross and Michael Govan (CEO of LACMA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and Bob Iger and Willow Bay.
The gala celebrated the completion of the David Geffen Galleries, a new addition to LACMA’s campus designed by renowned architect Peter Zumthor. The building, described in multiple reports as a concrete, aircraft carrier-like structure, has been both praised and criticized for its bold design and significant cost. According to verified sources, the project’s budget has been cited in the range of $724 million to approximately $750 million, reflecting years of fundraising, planning, and construction.
Photographs from the event, circulated by Getty Images and other media outlets, showed guests viewing the new galleries, with the building’s distinctive façade visible in the background of many images. The interior spaces were reported to house significant works from LACMA’s permanent collection, including modern and contemporary art installations.
LACMA’s director, Michael Govan, has been a central figure in the realization of the Geffen Galleries, overseeing the project through its various stages. His presence at the gala, alongside Katharine Ross, underscored the institutional importance of the opening. Similarly, the attendance of civic leaders like Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the museum’s role in Los Angeles’ cultural landscape.
The David Geffen Galleries are named in honor of David Geffen, the entertainment mogul and philanthropist whose contribution helped fund the expansion. His support has been acknowledged in multiple official LACMA announcements and press materials related to the project.
While the gala itself was a celebratory occasion, the building has sparked ongoing debate about architectural merit, environmental impact, and fiscal responsibility in large-scale museum projects. Critics have questioned the carbon emissions associated with the construction of such a massive concrete structure, while supporters have emphasized its potential to transform how art is experienced in Los Angeles.
As of the date of the gala, April 16, 2026, the David Geffen Galleries were open to the public as part of LACMA’s expanded campus. The museum continues to operate under its mission to collect, conserve, and present works of art that represent the diversity of human creativity across time and geography.
The Opening Gala for the David Geffen Galleries served as both a milestone for LACMA and a reflection of the intersection between art, architecture, celebrity, and civic patronage in contemporary culture. With the new spaces now accessible, the museum invites visitors to engage with its enhanced offerings in the heart of Los Angeles.
For ongoing updates on exhibitions, hours, and admission information, visitors are encouraged to consult LACMA’s official website.
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