California First Lady MARIA SHRIVER joined ELI and EDYTHE BROAD, architects RICHARD MEIER and MICHAEL PALLADINO, artist RICHARD SERRA, and campus leaders, faculty and staff, and members of Los Angeles’ civic and cultural community to celebrate the opening of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Center on September 13. Following tours of the new complex and a preview for the media, a luncheon honoring the Broads took place at the Chancellor’s residence. On September 30, a reception was held for the Department of Art and Department of Design | Media Arts faculty artists who were featured in the inaugural exhibitions, Sixteen Tons and Second Natures, respectively.

The Broads donated $23.2 million toward the construction of the Broad Art Center, which provides modern facilities for the visual arts programs in the School of the Arts and Architecture. The Center includes interactive multimedia technology labs, studio space for students, updated classrooms and galleries for student exhibitions and public presentations, as well as office and conference space. Designed by Richard Meier & Partners Architects, the Broad Art Center is located on north campus adjacent to the internationally-renowned Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden.

T.E.U.C.L.A., a 42.5-ton torqued ellipse by Richard Serra, has been installed on the plaza. The sculpture is the first work by the artist to be on permanent view in a public space in Southern California.

A variety of free events throughout the year is offered for the public’s education and enjoyment at the Broad Art Center, including public lectures, workshops and demonstrations by leaders in the fields of art, design, new media, science, architecture and culture and society. The events are presented in the New Wight Gallery on the plaza level and the EDA (experimental digital arts) space, located on the first level. For more information log onto www.arts.ucla.edu