Open Air Art

Since March, that small wedge of land known as Bloom Square, sandwiched between Rose, Traction, and 2nd Street in the Arts District, has most recently acted as a standing out door exhibit of sorts, showcasing various 'pieces'.  According to the Downtown News, The Southern California Institute of Architecture, located only a couple doors down the street, will showcase a new piece by the name of Earthwave on the site starting this afternoon.  the piece will be on display until December.

El Pueblo Nuevo

LA's birthplace, El Pueblo, will soon receive several major upgrades.  Curbed reports that a community plan has been approved by the neighborhood board of commissioners that will include transforming the Italian House into an Italian/American museum, renovating the Merced Theater, construction of a new exhibit space displaying historical artifacts, updated public restrooms, and free WiFi.

A Greener History

This weekend saw the grand opening of the Natural History Museum's completely renovated front entrance, which includes a fantastic new green space complete with a pond, fruit trees, walking paths, and bird watching stations.  Thanks to the Downtown News for the tip.

Museum and Metro

The Times reports today that the Los Angeles County Museum of Art will receive a $690 million dollar remodel to its Wilshire Campus, designed by famed architect Peter Zumthor.  A timeline is still being worked out, and will probably be revealed when the news is 'officially' announced next month.  Additionally, Metro's website, The Source, has published models for the proposed alternative designs to Union Station.  It is anticipated that one of the alternatives, or at least a modification thereto, will be selected to upgrade the existing station.

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.