A Persistence of Vision
THE ACADEMY MUSEUM OF
MOTION PICTURES
Brings the Past Into the Future
Occupying the reimagined 1930's May Company
department store on the corner of Fairfax and Wilshire,
the Academy Museum is the latest landmark to grace
this stretch of Los Angeles' Museum Row. The museum's
preserved Streamline Moderne exterior boldly fronts
the domed glass, steel and concrete sphere that is
Renzo Piano's addition on its north end.
Sky bridges connect the architectural styles, reframing
them through the lens of present sensibilities, much as
the museum promises to "advance the understanding,
celebration and preservation of cinema" by addressing
"the history of cinema in truthful and inclusive ways."
The Academy Museum opened its doors in
September 2021, realizing a long-held dream of
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Over a decade in the making, it promises
something for everyone, including location
professionals!
by Diane Friedman
