The much-delayed museum should be ready to open by 2019
Construction on the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures finally got underway in March of last year, after years of planning and pushback from a litigious group of community members. Now, work is finally set to begin on the most anticipated (and controversial) part of the project: the massive Renzo Piano-designed glass sphere set to rise behind the 1939 May Company Building on Wilshire Boulevard.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the final phase of the project’s construction will begin on June 1. Morley + Taslimi, the construction firm currently working on the project, will reportedly “move to a supporting role,” as MATT Construction—with the assistance of a German contractor that will handle the glasswork—oversees the completion of the 130-foot orb.
When we last checked in on the museum’s construction in September, workers were gutting the interior of the May Company building and laying the foundation for the sphere, which will house a theater and observation deck once complete. The historic Streamline Moderne structure in front of it will be home to the museum’s exhibits—which will include production art, screenplays, and an original model of the shark from Jaws.
Unfortunately for those who just can’t wait to get a glimpse of Dorothy’s ruby slippers (a pair of which will also be in the museum), the expected completion date has been pushed back from 2018 to early 2019.
- Academy Museum Switches Builders for Construction of Final ‘Sphere’ Phase [The Hollywood Reporter]
- Checking in on the new Academy Movie Museum taking shape next to LACMA [Curbed LA]
- Academy Movie Museum Finally Set to Begin on Miracle Mile [Curbed LA]
- Academy Museum Architect: “I Don’t Think It Will Be That Bad” [Curbed LA]