First, my October 7, 2022 weekend trip to L.A. celebrated a 100th anniversary (see previous post New Order & Pet Shop Boys: A Hollywood Bowl Synthsation) and then the next day a one-year birthday for what will become another L.A. cultural institution. After years of dreaming and planning, the Academy of Motion Pictures Museum opened in September 2021. Designed by renowned Italian architect, Renzo Piano, it’s finally an established destination in Hollywood to honor the history and cultural impact of film.
The site is located on Wilshire Blvd. on the so-called Miracle Mile in what has now become a Museum District for Los Angeles. The construction was innovative and complex: the preservation and rehabilitation of the Streamline Moderne 1939 May Co. department store connected to a new sparkling spherical theater, named for David Geffen. The cylindrical corner of the May Co. building with its gold-leaf tile was restored to its 1940s grandeur. Courtyards and atriums provide open gathering space and viewing spots inside and out. The mezzanine level floor is covered in red-carpet red. The interior floor space is somewhat sparse to allow flexibility in exhibits and displays.
The Wizard of Oz was the major exhibit when the Museum opened a little over a year ago, including Dorothy’s ruby-red slippers. Space was also devoted to Spike Lee, Star Wars, Black Panther, and Citizen Kane. Pedro Almovodar had himself a full room, which is still there a year later. That was cool, colorful, and immersive with its display of multiple screen clips.( We always try to see the seemingly annual movie by Almovodar.)
Another major exhibit now is Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971. It’s an extensive history of African-American filmmakers and performers, including Lena Horne, Josephine Baker, the tap-dancing Nicholas Brothers, and silent film pioneer, Oscar Micheaux. History buffs will also appreciate the pre-cinema artifacts like magic lanterns, woodblock prints, and miniatures. Backdrop: An Invisible Art is an imposing exhibit commensurate with its subject, the monumental backdrop of Mt. Rushmore used in Hitchcock’s classic, North by Northwest. Awards shows are losing favor these days, but if you’ve been following this website you know that I remain a die-hard fan. And the Academy Awards are the cream of the crop. So, the decade-by-decade display of the Oscars was my favorite exhibit. You can re-live the slam dunks (Titanic), the shockers (Chariots of Fire), and the “oh-oh, what is happening here” moments like Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway botching the 2017 Best Picture announcement. Memorable acceptance speeches ring the room including the heartfelt (Hattie McDaniel, Halle Berry) and the comically absurd (Jack Palance’s one-armed pushups.) Finally, upon leaving the Museum we looked up and saw Bruce hanging from the ceiling (the Jaws shark).
My wife and I enjoyed the Museum, but both were left thinking, “Is that all there is?” We were expecting The Wizard of Oz (we hit the Museum store after our tour and discovered that, of course, The Wizard of Oz was the highlight of the Museum’s initial exhibits.) But no Casablanca? And I thought for sure my wife would experience some Audrey Hepburn. The Godfather? Tom Cruise? It’s better to focus on what’s there when you visit or look at the upcoming exhibit schedule and time your trip to coincide with some of your favorite movies or actors. For the Museum is a perpetual work-in-progress with an endless supply of display choices. They can’t possibly honor hundreds of movies or actors at one time. The medium of film requires big screens and lots of space to adequately spotlight its creations. For now, it’s evident that the Museum is providing a good mix of popular classics, overlooked gems, and behind-the-scenes reveals about the making of movies. There’s a lot to look forward to at the Academy of Motion Pictures Museum. If you love the movies, add this to your future destinations.
Trivia: Who were the two co-stars of North by Northwest?
Answer: Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint
Trivia: 1939 is regarded as the greatest year in film history based on the quality of its 10 nominated films for Best Picture. Who directed two of these great movies and what were they?
Answer: Victor Fleming directed both The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind.
