Japanese American National MuseumWhat’s been done: Founded...

Japanese American National Museum

What’s been done: Founded in 1985, the Japanese American National Museum has been housed since 1992 in a former 1920s-era Buddhist temple built by Japanese immigrants in Little Tokyo. During its short history, the museum has often put a focus on some of the most painful experiences of Japanese American immigrants in this country. For a 1994 show, for example, curators rebuilt a barracks from Wyoming’s Heart Mountain incarceration camp, where families were imprisoned during World War II.

Outlook for ‘99: The new Japanese American pavilion opens later this month, across the street from the original temple. With 18,000 square feet of added exhibition space, the new building will more than triple the museum’s galleries. Its bow-shaped glass facade is a striking statement at the corner of 1st Street and Central Avenue, alongside the Geffen Contemporary. The museum complex will overlook what is fast becoming the cultural heart of Little Tokyo.

“Terminator 2 3-D”

New attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood

What’s been done: At a reported $65 million for 12 minutes of film, Universal has produced, frame for frame, the most expensive live-action movie ever created. Perhaps that’s not surprising, since James Cameron of “Titanic” fame co-directed, with special effects masters Stan Winston and John Bruno. They used a custom-built 450-pound camera and 65mm film to record the 3-D action sequences. The attraction first opened in May 1996 at the Universal Studios Florida theme park in Orlando.

Outlook for ‘99: Universal Studios Hollywood will open its version in May. It will be almost exactly like the Florida attraction, but with a connected eatery. The film continues the saga of the Terminator robots and will be projected on three 23-by-50-foot screens that wrap 180 degrees around the audience. Live action will be blended with the film, as actors disappear into the screen through trap doors and reappear in the film.

Legoland California

New theme park in Carlsbad

What’s been done: The Danish toy maker opened its first theme park more than 30 years ago in Billund, Denmark, and a second park in Windsor, England, in 1996. Geared for kids ages 2 to 12, each park combines hands-on attractions with rides and shows.

Outlook for ‘99: Legoland California, on a 128-acre site 30 miles north of San Diego, is slated to open March 20. The $130-million project uses, among other materials, 30 million Lego bricks. The centerpiece seems to be Miniland, a replication of five U.S. cities made of Legos. Other features include a castle and an area to build and test Lego creations.