Letters to the Editor: LACMA’s transformation deserves more credit than the L.A. Times is giving it

To the editor: Let us now praise Michael Govan, the director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Since arriving in 2006, Govan has overseen the transformation of the 20-acre campus into an exciting and ever-evolving oasis of art and culture in the middle of a city with no real center — until now. Recently, LACMA hosted a sneak peek of its eye-popping new addition, the David Geffen Galleries, over three glorious days. After a difficult year, it was great to see thousands of Southern California residents come together to celebrate this thrilling new landmark.

But you would hardly be aware that such a special event took place or of LACMA’s elevated profile over the years thanks to Govan’s leadership and fundraising prowess by following art critic Christopher Knight’s coverage (“The new LACMA is sleek, splotchy, powerful, jarring, monotonous, appealing and absurd,” June 27). His articles are filled with more grievances than a Donald Trump stump speech.

Knight states that the building’s cost is pegged at $720 million but sources have told him “the entire project cost is closer to $835 million.” This, I don’t doubt. Ever attempt a kitchen remodel? Try building an elevated 347,500-square-foot structure in an earthquake zone, amid ancient tar pits filled with treasured fossils, during a pandemic.

“The limitless concrete is monotonous,” Knight complains of the new galleries. Aren’t white walls also monotonous until you hang some art on them? He worries the museum has been undergoing a “lengthy transformation from a civic art institution into a tourist destination.” Can’t it be both?

I understand that Knight doesn’t like the “non-hierarchical” design of the single-story museum. We can all agree to disagree on such things. I just don’t think it’s necessary to vilify LACMA in every article he writes to make a point.

Finally, Knight writes, “Will the Geffen Galleries be successful? My crystal ball is broken, but I see no reason why it won’t be a popular attraction.” I don’t have a crystal ball either, but I can tell you LACMA has been a popular destination for years and no doubt will continue to be so.

Carlos Valdez Lozano, Los Angeles
This writer is a former Los Angeles Times Metro reporter and editor.