The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, US has opened at last – the much-anticipated attraction was slated to open in December 2020 and then in early 2021, but the launch was moved on both occasions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Academy Museum – designed by Pritzker-prize winning architect Renzo Piano – is dedicated to the art and science of movies and is described as being “simultaneously immersive, experimental, educational, and entertaining”, while offering experiences and insights into movies and moviemaking. The museum occupies the historic Saban Building, formerly known as the May Company building, which was originally designed by Albert C. Martin, Sr. and opened in 1939.

The building, an example of Streamline Moderne architecture, houses the largest institution in the US devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. Spread across six floors, the museum includes exhibition spaces, a 288-seat Ted Mann Theater, the Shirley Temple Education Studio, the Debbie Reynolds Conservation Studio, special event spaces, a café, and retailing.

An entirely new spherical building connects to the Saban Building via glass bridges, featuring the state-of-the-art 1,000-seat David Geffen Theater and the rooftop Dolby Family Terrace with its sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills.

Ted Sarandos, chair of the Board of Trustees of the Academy Museum, said: “Despite the many challenges of 2020, the museum has already accomplished a great deal, completing its pre-opening fundraising campaign, obtaining LEED Gold certification, and the installation of exceptional exhibitions.

“We’re fortunate to have one of the world’s most exciting new cultural institutions now ready to go.”

The Academy Museum is open seven days a week, with hours Sunday through Thursday from 10am to 6pm. Programming during the first three months of opening has included a diverse range of more than 115 film screenings, discussions, and programmes, designed for “film lovers of all ages”, including two special presentations of The Wizard of Oz featuring live musical accompaniment by the American Youth Symphony conducted by Academy Award-nominated composer David Newman.

Other highlights include Stories of Cinema, featuring screenings of films highlighted in the museum’s core exhibition, and Oscar Sundays – a series celebrating films that have been honoured at the Academy Awards – every Sunday evening in the David Geffen Theater.

Bill Kramer, director and president of the museum, said: “I know everyone involved in developing and opening the Academy Museum shares in my tremendous excitement at finally being able to invite the community in to explore our exhibitions and programmes.

To celebrate the opening, museum officials have also named the building’s landmark, 10,000sq ft lobby in honour of the legendary actor and director, Sir Sidney Poitier.

The Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby was designed by Renzo Piano and occupies the entire first floor of the restored and revitalised landmark Saban Building – it serves as the heart of all museum activities while being the central hub from which visitors move to the galleries, theatres, restaurants and retail offers within the building.

More: www.academymuseum.org