Hammer Museum’s $180 million expansion to improve accessibility, add exhibits

January 9, 2019

Scott Tennent, chief communications director for the Hammer Museum, said the new space where City National Bank is currently located will be used to house a full gallery and a new entrance to the museum. (Courtesy of Michael Maltzan Architecture)

"The Hammer Museum will undergo renovations and expansion on Wilshire Boulevard through 2020 to include new galleries and office space.

The Hammer acquired the first floor of an adjacent building on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Glendon Avenue from City National Bank, as well as an extra floor in the current museum from UCLA. The expansion and renovation, which began in fall 2016, is part of a $180 million campaign to transform the museum, as well as increase its endowment.

Scott Tennent, chief communications director for the Hammer Museum, said the new space where City National Bank is currently located will be used to house a full gallery and a new entrance to the museum. The third floor of the current building, which used to house offices as well as an art gallery, will be expanded to a full gallery. Office space for the museum will then be moved to the fourth and fifth floors of the building.

A new restaurant at the Hammer will open in February and offer lunch and dinner as well as a full bar. Tennent said the restaurant will feature indoor and outdoor seating and lighting from artist Jorge Pardo, which he said will make the courtyard more lively.

Other renovations include adding a wheelchair-accessible ramp and transforming the terrace facing Lindbrook Drive into an enclosed space for educational projects."— Milan Mohanty, Jan. 8, 2019

This post is an excerpt. Read the full article on the Daily Bruin website.

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