The Renzo Piano Building Workshop in collaboration with Gensler transformed this 230,000 square foot historic landmark structure into the stunning Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which encompasses more than 50,000 square feet of gallery space, theaters, education labs, offices, conservation facilities, a restaurant and a retail store.
The Academy Museum hosts the 300-seat Ted Mann Theater at the Saban Building, formerly the notable May Company Department Store. Tethered to the museum by three bridges, a 60,000-square-foot precast concrete and glass sphere houses the state-of-the-art, 1,000-seat David Geffen Theater that floats above an active plaza on a series of base
isolator piers. Perched atop the sphere, a glass-enclosed terrace and exhibition space invites the public to enjoy spectacular panoramic views, providing a unique and memorable visitor experience.
Now, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the largest museum in the United States devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking.
Global in outlook and grounded in the unparalleled collections and expertise of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy Museum offers exceptional exhibitions and programs that illuminate
the world of cinema. They are immersive and dynamic and tell the many stories of the movies—their art, technology, artists, history, and social impact—through a variety of diverse and engaging voices.
Project Highlights
â– 230,000 square foot landmark structure
â– Gallery space, theatres,
education labs, offices, a restaurant and a store, all on-site
â– 1000-seat David Geffen Theatre and 300-seat Ted Mann Theatre
â– Three bridges
