There's been a major premiere in Hollywood, but this time, it isn't a movie. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, located in Los Angeles, CA, just opened its doors to the public, giving film fans a new place to experience the magic of cinema!
Originally set to open in 2020, the Academy Museum had to wait another year before it was able to raise the curtain due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. One year later, and the Museum is finally operating in full swing with some fascinating and educational exhibits to kick things off.
The Academy Museum was constructed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the same organization that coordinates and hosts the annual Oscar Awards. The museum is the first large-scale building of its kind to dedicate the entirety of its 300,000 square foot layout to the culture, history, and science behind filmmaking. In addition to multiple galleries and exhibits, the Academy Museum also is home to two theater halls that will be used for film screenings.
Within its galleries, exhibits, and screening theaters, the Academy Museum is also home to over 13 million film artifacts and objects. Costumes, props, film reels, and posters, dating back as far as 1927, can all be viewed at the museum. Some notable treasured relics include Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, the last remaining shark mold from Jaws, the tablets from The Ten Commandments, and so, so much more.
Some of the opening galleries the Academy Museum is set to host will cover topics ranging from the #MeToo Movement, climate change, and the Black Lives Matter Movement. The opening exhibition, titled 'Stories of Cinema', is a three-floor exhibition delving into the history of filmmakers and their inspirations.
— Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (@AcademyMuseum) September 27, 2021
Celebrating the grand opening of the museum, the AMPAS hosted a green carpet gala event attended by some of the most renowned names in Hollywood. Lady Gaga, Cher, Olivia Rodrigo, Spike Lee, and Laverne Cox were just a few among the many celebrities who attended the opening party.
If you're interested in getting an even closer look inside the Academy Museum, ABC will be broadcasting an in-depth special called A Night in the Academy Museum, hosted by Laura Dern and Tom Hanks on Tuesday, October 12.
