Marciano Art Foundation

Los Angeles, US

Marciano Art Foundation
Marciano Art Foundation
Location
Los Angeles, US
Category
iconic bucket list
Coordinates
34.06219167, -118.32363333
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Marciano Art Foundation, located in Los Angeles, California, was a non-profit arts institution dedicated to presenting contemporary art from the collection of Maurice and Paul Marciano. Housed within the meticulously restored 1961 Scottish Rite Masonic Temple on Wilshire Boulevard, the foundation opened to the public in May 2017. It quickly established itself as a significant cultural destination, offering free admission to its rotating exhibitions and permanent installations. Visitors could explore a diverse range of artworks, primarily from the 1990s to the present day, by both established and emerging artists. While it is currently closed to the public since November 2019, its brief operation made it a notable entry among places to visit in Los Angeles for contemporary art enthusiasts. The foundation's architectural setting, a striking example of Modernist design, further enhanced the viewing experience, making it a unique cultural landmark in the city.

General information

The Marciano Art Foundation, located in Los Angeles, California, was a non-profit arts institution dedicated to presenting contemporary art from the collection of Maurice and Paul Marciano. Housed within the meticulously restored 1961 Scottish Rite Masonic Temple on Wilshire Boulevard, the foundation opened to the public in May 2017. It quickly established itself as a significant cultural destination, offering free admission to its rotating exhibitions and permanent installations. Visitors could explore a diverse range of artworks, primarily from the 1990s to the present day, by both established and emerging artists. While it is currently closed to the public since November 2019, its brief operation made it a notable entry among places to visit in Los Angeles for contemporary art enthusiasts. The foundation's architectural setting, a striking example of Modernist design, further enhanced the viewing experience, making it a unique cultural landmark in the city.

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History

The Marciano Art Foundation was established by brothers Maurice and Paul Marciano, co-founders of the Guess fashion brand, to house and display their extensive private collection of contemporary art. The foundation acquired the former Scottish Rite Masonic Temple on Wilshire Boulevard in 2013. Following extensive renovations and preservation efforts to transform the mid-century Modernist building into a state-of-the-art exhibition space, the foundation officially opened its doors to the public in May 2017. It operated for just over two years, presenting several acclaimed exhibitions. In November 2019, the foundation announced its temporary closure, citing restructuring efforts and a labor dispute with its visitor services associates.

Cultural significance

During its operational period, the Marciano Art Foundation quickly became a prominent fixture in the Los Angeles contemporary art scene. Its free admission policy made high-caliber art accessible to a broad public, contributing significantly to the city's cultural landscape. By repurposing a historic architectural landmark, the foundation also underscored the adaptive reuse of urban structures for cultural purposes. Its collection, focusing on contemporary works from the 1990s onward, offered a distinct perspective on recent art history. The foundation's closure, while temporary, sparked considerable discussion about the sustainability of private art institutions and labor relations within the cultural sector.

Geography and landscape

The Marciano Art Foundation is situated on Wilshire Boulevard in the Mid-Wilshire district of Los Angeles, a major east-west arterial road known for its cultural institutions, historic buildings, and Miracle Mile museums. The foundation occupies the former Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, a distinctive 1961 Modernist structure designed by architect Millard Sheets. Its location places it within a vibrant urban corridor, surrounded by commercial establishments, residential areas, and other cultural venues. The building itself is a significant architectural landmark, characterized by its imposing scale and unique facade, making it a noticeable presence in the city's diverse architectural landscape.

More facts

  • Imported from Wikidata

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