Plans in motion for film museum

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Thursday the selection of a national design firm to assist in the planning and development of its proposed museum of the moving picture.

“Before we move too far along on the physical design of our museum, we first must have a firm grip on our concept of the museum, and the kind of exhibitions and activities we need to ensure that visitors will want to visit not just once, but many times,” said Sid Ganis, academy president.

Gallagher & Associates will begin work immediately, he said.

The firm’s past projects include the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.; the American Cemetery Visitor Center in Normandy, France; and the Jamestown Settlement Museum in Williamsburg, Va.

The academy is working to acquire land for the museum in Hollywood, next to its existing Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study at Vine Street and Fountain Avenue, and hopes to break ground in early 2009.