It's a big day for movie fans in Los Angeles! The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is now open in the city’s Miracle Mile district, at the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax.
The museum has 50-thousand square feet of exhibition space, two theaters, educational studios, a restaurant and more to offer the public. It’s also the new home to more than 13 million film objects, including costumes, film reels, props and screenplays.
Bill Kramer, the director and president of the museum, said it was designed to “tell the history of cinema but in a dynamic, nimble way. Thematic, tied to filmmakers, art, sciences, craft areas, certain films."
The design of the museum was overseen by Italian architect Renzo Piano, who refurbished the former May Co. building with new limestone and new gold leaf tiles for the corner cylinder.
The Museum construction generated an estimated 500 construction jobs and will result in approximately 150 full-time and 70 part-time jobs, according to L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti's office.
“The Academy Museum is an incredible addition to our cultural landscape," Garcetti said. "By honoring the films that have sparked our imaginations and even changed our lives, it will inspire people for generations to come.”
The museum is celebrating Opening Night with a screening of "The Wizard of Oz," with live music.
All guests must follow COVID-19 protocols, the museum said, and must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken up to 72 hours before arrival.
Browse below to see what you’ll find inside during a visit.
David Geffen Theater
The most notable piece of the museum at Wilshire and Fairfax is the massive glass-and-concrete sphere that houses the 1,000-seat David Geffen Theater and a Dolby Family Terrace.
Dorothy's Ruby Slippers
The infamous shoes were produced by the Innes Shoe Company in Pasadena and Hollywood in 1939, according to the Academy Museum. They are made of leather, silk faille, silk georgette, sequins, rhinestones, bugle beads and costume jewels.
"Bruce" the Shark
The last fiberglass "Jaws" shark now lives at the Academy Museum. "Bruce is 1,208 pounds, 25-feet long and 45 years old, according to the Associated Press. The Great White Shark will greet guests as it hangs over the main escalator of the museum.
Famous costumes and sketches
Guests will come across featured costumes from films across the museum. including Costume Designer Julian Day’s “devil” costume (far right, below) worn by Taron Egerton as Elton John in “Rocketman.” Behind the costumes is a glass case featuring designer sketches.
The Oscars Experience
For an additional $15 per ticket, guests can add the "Oscars Experience" to their visit. The immersive experience allows guests to feel as thought they're walking onto the stage at the academy awards and delivering their acceptance speech.
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