Academy museum of motion pictures

In 1929, one of the original 36 founders of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences proposed the idea of a museum dedicated to moving images. Ninety years later, that dream is finally becoming a reality with the Academy Museum, which takes over the iconic May Company at Wilshire and Fairfax. While the museum's not going to be open for another year or so, on Tuesday officials revealed plans for the 300,000-square-foot space, which extends beyond the May Company building to the Sphere Building and features a new 1,000-seat theater as well as a smaller 288-seat theater. But the focus will remain the museum itself, which already has plans for its inaugural exhibitions, both long-term and temporary. EXPAND The Nicholas Brothers in a scene from Stormy Weather (1943), Fayard Nicholas, left, and Harold Nicholas, photographic print, gelatin silver Courtesy Margaret Herrick Library, © 20th Century Fox Continue ReadingUpon entering the Grand Lobby of the Academy Museum, … [Read more...] about Sneak a Peek at Plans for the Long-Awaited Academy Museum

In 1929, one of the original 36 founders of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences proposed the idea of a museum dedicated to moving images. Ninety years later, that dream is finally becoming a reality with the Academy Museum, which takes over the iconic May Company at Wilshire and Fairfax. While the museum's not going to be open for another year or so, on Tuesday officials revealed plans for the 300,000-square-foot space, which extends beyond the May Company building to the Sphere Building and features a new 1,000-seat theater as well as a smaller 288-seat theater. But the focus will remain the museum itself, which already has plans for its inaugural exhibitions, both long-term and temporary. EXPAND The Nicholas Brothers in a scene from Stormy Weather (1943), Fayard Nicholas, left, and Harold Nicholas, photographic print, gelatin silver Courtesy Margaret Herrick Library, © 20th Century Fox Upon entering the Grand Lobby of the Academy Museum, visitors will pass … [Read more...] about Sneak Peek at Plans for the Long-Awaited Academy Museum

Something incredible is unfolding at the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax. Through the force of dollar signs, and the indomitable will of Hollywood’s glitterati, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is taking shape, glistening in the Los Angeles sun like an Oscar of immense proportions.Indeed, the Renzo Piano–designed complex has already stirred sighs and ahs from film buffs and passers-by alike, despite the fact that it won’t be completed until next year.Though the museum is one of the most talked-about coming cultural institutions in the state, less is publicly said of the busybody team overseeing much of its construction, particularly its director, Kerry Brougher, and Brendan Connell Jr., the museum’s newly appointed chief operating officer.“Kerry is just an inspiring, energetic visionary,” says Connell, who began his tenure as the museum's COO on June 20. He was formerly deputy COO for New York’s Guggenheim Museum. “I left a place I … [Read more...] about A Place for All Film Lovers: The Academy Museum’s New Home and Contemporary Art Pedigree