LACMA - Vintage Photo Friday

L.A. County Museum of Art - 1965.  Wm. Pereira & Associates. LAPL Photo Archive

Christopher Hawthorne (Los Angeles Times Architecture Critic) wrote an article in the L.A. Times a few days ago about demolishing the above buildings at LACMA.  WHAT?  Isn't the Getty Foundation highlighting this period of architecture right now in their current Pacific Standard Time program?  The newer buildings at LACMA have obliterated much of the beautiful mid-century design by Wm. Pereira & Associates from the Wilshire Boulevard view, but the back of these iconic buildings are still evident.  Visitors can also walk in and around the Ahmanson, Hammer and Bing wings of LACMA and see their beautiful architectural lines.  Why doesn't the L.A. Conservancy Modern Committee officially object to this new demolition/construction plan?  Remember the tour, "The Sixties Turn Fifty"?   Please, L.A. Conservancy, place this on your advocacy issues schedule.

LACMA under construction - 1963.  LAPL Photo Archive

LACMA took away the beautiful water feature surrounding the buildings to add chunky stairs.  They plopped the Anderson Building up to the property line on Wilshire, destroying the gracious set-back.  True, the street light installation between the Anderson and the Resnick Plaza is wonderful.  The actual Plaza is excellent for large gatherings and parties.  With $650 million, can't the LACMA planning committee come up with a plan that does not tear down our treasured mid-20th century buildings?  This isn't Las Vegas where we blow up our buildings every ten years.

Please don't tear me down!

There were letters in the L.A. Times today agreeing with my objections.  Take a trip over to LACMA this weekend.  Walk through the surrounding gardens and plazas.  Enjoy the stunning architecture.  It may all be changed soon. Sigh.