Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is Covid Safe

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a large, modern museum dedicated to the film industry's history and impact. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the museum's planned 2020 opening. However, this brand-new museum proudly opened to the public on September 30th, 2021.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Covid

While there are health precautions in place, visitors are welcome to explore this exciting museum. Check The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures website for current protocols.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures features a beautifully designed museum, an extensive collection, diverse exhibitions, and film premieres. This stunning museum allows visitors to immerse themselves in the history and grandeur of the film industry.

Building Design

Italian architect Renzo Piano oversaw the museum's design. The 1939 Streamline Moderne May Company Building was renovated and renamed The Saban Building. The remodel features new limestone and gold leaf tiles.

In addition to the Saban Building, the museum features a dramatic Sphere building. The two parts of the museum are connected with skyways.

Collections

The museum houses over 13 million objects. Visitors will find costumes, film posters, film reels, screenplays, and props dating back to 1927. Popular items include Dorothy's slippers from The Wizard of Oz and Shirley Temple's shoes from The Little Colonel.

Visitors can see the typewriter used to write Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, and The Ten Commandments' tablets.

Other treasures include Citizen Kane's Rosebud sled and a full-scale shark model used in Jaws. The museum displays the largest collection of movie artifacts in the world, so there's bound to be an item from your favorite movie.

Exhibitions

The opening exhibition is "Stories of Cinema." The first exhibition is dedicated to the work of Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki.

Galleries feature diverse topics such as Citizen Kane, Black Lives Matter, Spike Lee, and climate change.

The Hurd Gallery displays the Backdrop: An Invisible Art exhibition. Here, visitors can see the massive Mt. Rushmore backdrop features in Hitchcock's North by Northwest.

Visitors can step inside The Oscars Experience, an immersive simulation. Visitors can experience the thrill of hearing their name called and accepting an Oscar on stage. In addition, visitors take home a video showing their exciting on-stage moment.

In the Path to Cinema: Highlights from the Richard Balzer Collection, visitors can experience pre-cinematic artforms. Before the cinema, artists and creatives told stories using shadow play, magic lanterns, and varied optical amusements.

Richard Balzer collected historical devices for over 40 years, and his impressive collection is on display for all to enjoy. Balzer collected over 9,000 pre-cinema items, some dating to the 17th century.

Film Premieres

In addition to the collections, galleries, and exhibitions, the museum has hosted the Los Angeles premiere of films such as Belfast, House of Gucci, and Being the Ricardos.

Academy Museum Store

The Academy Museum Store features a gorgeous collection of film treasures. Shop for Oscars memorabilia, posters, toys, games, clothing, and home items.

Visit the Academy Museum

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a wonderful place to explore the history and wonder of film. The origins of Hollywood are fascinating, and this legendary city is now synonymous with movie glitz and glamour.

Experience your own slice of Hollywood glamour at the Hollywood bar and lounge.