The much-heralded opening of the opening of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles has been rescheduled from 30 April until 30 September of next year, it was announced today.
Los Angeles is in the grip of restrictions imposed by the state as coronavirus cases soar, making it difficult to envision greeting visitors as museums currently are closed due to pandemic concerns. Still, the museum had suffered setbacks before the pandemic, repeatedly deferring its original planned opening in 2017.
“We are putting the final touches on our stunning exhibitions and public spaces, and while we were ready and eager to welcome visitors in the spring, with the current surge of Covid-19, it would be irresponsible to maintain an April opening,” says Bill Kramer, director and president of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, in a statement. “We know a new day is coming for us all, and when it does, the Academy Museum will be ready to offer our visitors the remarkable experience we have all been wanting.”
The opening of the $482m museum project, with a debut exhibition of the animated films of Hayao Miyazaki, has been highly awaited in the film community. Ted Saransos, chairman of the board of trustees of the institution, says, “Now it’s just a matter of patience.”
The museum will offer immersive and dynamic displays that explore the art, technology, artists, history and social impact of films through a variety of diverse exhibits.