Resnick Pavilion LACMA
Renzo Piano

October 11, 2010 /

Los Angeles, California, USA

The Resnick Exhibition Pavilion, the cornerstone of Phase II of LACMA's Transformation, complements BCAM architecturally.

The free-standing, single-story building, is located directly north of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) and atop the Pritzker Parking Garage, both built in Phase I of LACMA's Transformation.

Photo: Alex Vertikoff © 2010 LACMA

The exterior of the Resnick Pavilion is made of pale travertine marble that originates from the same quarry as the marble used on BCAM's facade and features large windows within the saw-tooth roof that flood the gallery with northern light. Robert Irwin's Palm Garden borders the building.

Photo © Nic Lehoux

Photo © Nic Lehoux

The vibrant "Renzo Red" motif established in Phase I is continued via the mechanical systems and technical rooms on the exterior of the Resnick Pavilion. This allows 85 percent of the gross footprint to be utilized for the presentation of art.

Photo © Nic Lehoux

The interior gallery is notable not only for its remarkable volume and quality of light, but for its flexibility that allows for the presentation of multiple exhibitions at once as well as large-scale works of art. The structure is the largest purpose-built, naturally lit open-plan museum space in the world.

Light is what allows you to be rather extreme or radical when you are creating a space for art, without fearing competition with the artwork because light is always good for art.
/Renzo Piano

Photo © Nic LehouxOlmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico

Just as the building absorbs light during the day, the Resnick Pavilion is a stunning illumination at night. The ceiling and northern and southern glass-clad walls allow for a glow from within that can easily be seen while driving by on 6th street.

Photo: Alex Vertikoff © 2010 LACMA

The building is named in honor of LACMA Trustee and long-time patrons Lynda and Stewart Resnick.

Combined with the Broad Contemporary Art Museum LACMA has added nearly 100,000 square feet of gallery space since 2008.

Sketch courtesy RPBW

Sketch courtesy RPBW

Drawing courtesy RPBWPhase II Site Plan

Drawing courtesy RPBWFirst Floor Level and Plaza Level

Drawing courtesy RPBWEast West Section

Drawing courtesy RPBWNorth South Section
The BP Grand Entrance will evolve to incorporate a glass-walled restaurant, designed by Renzo Piano, and a single ticketing area. The restaurant is scheduled to open January 2011.