New Planetarium at Harbor College

Yesterday, southern Los Angeles' Harbor College opened its new planetarium.  The Daily Breeze reports that the $1.6 million dollar facility will cater to both college and high school students and, eventually, the public at large.

No LACMA for MOCA

It's official.  According to the Los Angeles Times, MOCA will not merge with LACMA.  Supporters of the decision argue that MOCA's independence will help to encourage diversity in the arts, and quality in exhibit and gallery content, as the individual museums compete for visitors.

MOCA to Remain Independent?

Less than a week after it was announced that both the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the University of Southern California were in talks to purchase the struggling Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, news has emerged that leading MOCA board member and donor Eli Broad has initiated partnership talks with D.C.'s National Gallery of Art.  While the proposed union would not provide direct financial support to MOCA, it would allow for resource sharing between the museums that would, in turn, have the effect of increasing revenues, thereby securing MOCA's independence.

Auto Museum to Receive Major Overhaul

On January 11th, Peter Mullin, a prolific businessman, philanthropist, and art enthusiast was named as the Chairman of the Petersen Automotive Museum, located near the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax.  After a little more than a month in his position, Mr. Mullin has announced a $35 - $40 million dollar plan to fully renovate the exterior of the museum, and drastically enhance its current collection.  The OC Register reports that it is anticipated that the changes will be implemented over the course of the coming year, and that Mr. Mullin is confident that he will be able to raise sufficient funding for the project from private donors.  Mullin is no stranger to automotive museums--he currently operates his own in Oxnard--and so his ambition and tenacity come as no surprise.  Here's wishing him success.