Nestled in the Miracle Mile district, a groundbreaking architectural spectacle emerged in 2021, paying homage to the silver screen. Welcome to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, a testament to the art, science, and history of cinema.
Designed by the renowned architecture firm Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) in collaboration with Gensler, the Academy Museum occupies 300,000-square-foot campus on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. The museum is comprised of two buildings. To the south, the historic 1939 Wilshire May Company building, also known as the Saban Building. The structure has been meticulously restored, maintaining its original art deco beauty, and now serves as an integral part of the museum. Within the Saban Building's walls lies a treasure trove of Hollywood memorabilia that trace the rich history of motion pictures.
Via glass bridges to the north of the Saban Building, the 45,000-square-foot glass, steel, and concrete Sphere Building houses the state-of-the-art 966-seat Referred to as "The Sphere," this orb seems to float above the ground, captivating passersby with its ethereal allure. Adjoining The Sphere is the impressive Dolby Family Terrace that extends beneath a custom-cut glass dome to offering breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is an architectural marvel that stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of cinema. From The Sphere's captivating beauty to the meticulously restored Saban Building, every inch of the Academy Museum exudes a love for cinema and its profound impact on our lives.
Photography courtesy of Bricoleur Architecture
