Following years of delays, the much anticipated Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Museum has officially opened and is a visual treat for film buffs. The enormous glass and concrete museum houses the most extensive collection of movie memorabilia in the world and will ultimately become the hottest destination for locals and visitors desperate to avoid the aging Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The stunning new property was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano and Renzo Piano Building Workshop, collaborating with Gensler as executive architect. The complex features a seven-story 300,000-square-foot building composed of two main facilities, including a spherical theater and rooftop terrace at Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles. The other structure houses galleries and rotating exhibits.
Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, the original shark model from Jaws, R2-D2, and C-3PO from Star Wars, the iconic Rosebud sled from Citizen Kane, and Okoye’s Black Panther costume, are among the countless items from Hollywood history, and the experience is totally overwhelming.
The Stories of Cinema exhibition is organized across three floors of the museum and features some of the most impressive collections from Hollywood history. Here are the best to check out when you visit.
COSTUMES
Make sure to visit the Art Of Moviemaking gallery and head directly to Dorothy’s sequined slippers from The Wizard Of Oz, one of only four pairs that exist. The Academy cites actor Leonardo DiCaprio as the primary benefactor who allowed the museum to display the legendary shoes.
More than forty costumes and design sketches on view within the Identity Gallery represent a long period of film history, including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Wiz. Among my favorites were pieces from The Wiz, Midsommar (with 10,000 silk flowers), and the feathered showstopper from Rocketman.
ANIMATION
The Animation gallery explores hand-drawn, stop-motion, and digital animation and celebrates the accomplishments of the artists behind the best-animated movies. The highlight of the animation exhibit is the remarkably realistic two-story Mount Rushmore backdrop from Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest.
PROPS, SET PIECES, COSTUMES
The Encounters gallery showcases the artistry from the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror, featuring original set pieces, costumes, and iconic characters including C-3PO, a full-body animatronic E.T., Okoye, and Edward Scissorhands. The amphibious man costume from The Shape of Water also joins other sci-fi, fantasy, and horror designs on the third floor.
HAIR AND MAKEUP
A makeup and hairstyling exhibit includes prosthetics from iconic films. The Effects gallery focuses on memorable special and visual effects moments in movies, including Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Avatar.
The Stories of Cinema continues in the Rolex Gallery with an installation space co-curated by a revolving roster of international film artists, beginning with its first installation honoring director Pedro Almodóvar. Also featured in the gallery is the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6239 watch owned by Paul Newman, gifted to him by his wife, Joanne Woodward. Paul Newman’s “Paul Newman” is the most expensive Rolex ever sold after being auctioned for $17.8 million in 2017. Rolex is a Founding Supporter of the museum and arranged for the watch to go on display from its confidential owner.
Four nights of celebrations led up to the opening on September 30, including a black-tie gala event that had Lady Gaga performing for an elite audience of celebrities.
Tickets to the Academy Museum (Adults $25), are available only through advance online reservations via the Academy Museum’s website.
