Inviting the world into an unparalleled experience of the arts, sciences, artists, and social impact of moviemaking, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will open its doors to the public on Thursday, September 30, 2021, following a dedication ceremony attended by civic, cultural, and entertainment leaders and officers of the museum and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Located in Los Angeles, the world capital of moviemaking, the new museum is the largest in North America devoted to exploring films and film culture and is the only such museum in Los Angeles.
Bill Kramer, director and president of the Academy Museum, said, “We are living in changing and ever-evolving times, and now more than ever we need to come together to share our stories, learn from one another, and bond over being entertained and delighted. This is what movies do, and we are thrilled to be opening such a dynamic, diverse and welcoming institution devoted to this beloved artform. I am so deeply grateful to the entire Academy Museum team and all of our partners who have worked with such dedication and integrity in building this new institution—for Los Angeles and for the world.”
Jacqueline Stewart, chief artistic and programming officer of the Academy Museum, said, “We eagerly await engaging visitors in accessible, multifaceted conversations about the history of filmmaking and the impact that cinema has on our lives. We look forward to welcoming people to the museum, our galleries, theaters, and educational spaces. We hope visitors will learn more about films they know and love, make new cinematic discoveries, and feel inspired to share their own stories.”
Ted Sarandos, board chair of the Academy Museum and co-CEO of Netflix, said, “The Academy Museum reflects the broad community that creates the collaborative art of the movies, and the museum has been built by that community. On behalf of the board, I thank the Academy’s Board of Governors, campaign chair Bob Iger and co-chairs Annette Bening and Tom Hanks, and the generous individuals, corporations, foundations, and government entities—more than 13,000 in all—whose gifts have made the Academy Museum possible. My special thanks go to the leadership and staff of the Academy Museum, Renzo Piano Building Workshop in collaboration with Gensler, and exhibition designer WHY architecture, whose brilliant work has given us the movie museum we have
dreamed of for so long.”
Dawn Hudson, CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said, “The dream of building a museum dedicated to movies has been 90 years in the making for the Academy. No matter what’s been happening in the world since then, no matter what the challenges, that dream has lived on. Now people from all over the galaxy will enjoy the incredible talents of our members and of all the artists who make movies. This is now a reality that would not have been possible without the dedication and focus of hundreds of incredibly talented people and their will to see it come to life. It is with immense pride that we celebrate the opening of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.”
David Rubin, president of the Academy, said, “Since 1929, when the first Academy board and its president Douglas Fairbanks dreamt of a museum devoted to motion pictures, our governors through the decades have sought to realize that dream. The Academy’s branches and governors are grateful to Bill Kramer and the museum staff for their creativity and collaborative spirit, and we salute our Academy CEO Dawn Hudson for her perseverance in reaching this milestone event.”
To view the inaugural schedule visit here.
