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January 2026

A Trip to The Geffen Galleries

Whatever your opinion (love it, hate it, or not sure what all the fuss is about), the new David Geffen Galleries at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is this year’s FOMO1 destination. Adding to the excitement, LA Metro’s three new light rail stations along the Miracle Mile give San Gabriel Valley residents easy access to Museum Row including LACMA, Peterson Automotive Museum, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, La Brea Tar Pits and Craft Contemporary. 

Let’s start with LACMA. The David Geffen Galleries opened in spring of 2026 after demolition of the museum’s previous four mid-century buildings and construction of the new Peter Zumthor designed structure. The building is named after David Geffen because he contributed $150 million to the project. The museum’s art collection is displayed in a nontraditional way and the building is shaped like an amoeba, with a portion floating 30 feet over Wilshire Boulevard. The art is grouped by four geographic areas:  coastlines and inland cultures of the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Skeptics and art critics have been vocal in their criticism of the cost of the project, the smaller exhibition space than the previous galleries, and the nonchronological way the art is displayed.

LA County residents partially fund the museum’s operations to the tune of around $40 million a year through sales and property taxes (along with other fee-based transaction revenue). Additionally, the County contributed $125 million to help fund the new construction costs of approximately $724 million. You owe it to yourself to see what your tax dollars support and if you live in LA County, admission to the museum is free during the week after 3:00PM (not on Saturday or Sunday).

Moving on to LA Metro, if you have not ridden light rail recently, conditions have improved. There is more security, better fare enforcement and train cars are cleaner. Senior Tap Cards offer significantly discounted rates and for regular fares, simply tap a credit card at the entry gate. 

The commute to LACMA takes approximately an hour from the Pasadena area. Hop on the A-Line south towards Long Beach and transfer to the D-Line at either Union Station or 7th Street Metro Center Station. Exit the D-Line at Wilshire/Fairfax Station and walk across the street to LACMA. So easy!  

In June, July, and August, Pasadena Village scheduled four train trips to LACMA and a total of 29 Villagers participated. We had a great time. Almost all of the feedback I heard from Villagers was positive. Most of us agreed that there’s so much art to see, multiple trips are the best way to take it in. 

There is plenty of shaded, outdoor seating on LACMA’s campus and a small Erewhon sells beverages and grab-and-go items.

The art is world-class; the architecture is a destination in its own right and the free admission and convenient public transit make this a no-brainer.

1FOMO is the acronym for Fear of Missing Out. Coined in 04, it describes the anxiety of missing out on social, professional or personal opportunities.