On Saturday April 18th, 2015 Over 750 Guests celebrated The LACMA’s 50th Anniversary at its Private Gala, which was sponsored by Christie’s. The guests, which included celebrities such as Will Ferrell and Ryan Seacrest, seemed eager to partake in LACMAs Birthday because it is a place that brings so much joy to our city. LACMA trustee Jane Nathanson said “I love that the LACMA is a place where everybody can come and take a walk through time, it is a universal language.” She gifted significant works of art to the museum’s collection in honor of the occasion. This was a big night for Michael Govan, LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director, who made a mark by pushing the museums limits in terms of greatness. Under Mr. Govan’s leadership, the museum acquired by donation or purchase more than 10,000 works for the permanent collection, including one of the most significant private collections of the art of the Pacific Islands assembled in the twentieth century. He has made what the LACMA is today. The 50th Anniversary Gala also marked the debut of 50 for 50: Gifts on the Occasion of LACMA’s Anniversary (on view to the public April 26–September 13, 2015) in the Resnick Pavilion. It is an exciting time for the Art World in Los Angeles, and this evening made it even more concrete by raising $5 million to benefit the museum.

The public can view 50 for 50 free of charge on its opening day, April 26, 2015, LACMA’s 50th Anniversary Free Community Day.