The rendering depicts the Hammer Museum following renovations. (photo courtesy of the Hammer Museum)

UCLA Hammer Museum’s two-decades-long project to remake itself inside and out – including expanding, renovating and transforming the building – will reach its culmination on Sunday, March 26. The public will be welcomed into the final major architectural components of the project, designed by Michael Maltzan Architecture, and an exciting new group of exhibitions celebrating the Hammer’s collection of contemporary art. As always, the museum offers free admission to its exhibitions and programs.

The new building, the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Cultural Center, anchors the Hammer’s overall transformation. The center honors co-owners of The Wonderful Company, global philanthropists Lynda and Stewart Resnick and their longstanding commitment and impact on arts and culture in Los Angeles and across California.

The Lynda and Stewart Resnick Cultural Center welcomes visitors to freely explore through a new street-level entrance located prominently at the corner of Wilshire and Westwood boulevards. The naming of the building recognizes the Resnicks’ gift, through their foundation, of $30 million – the largest single gift in the Hammer’s history – announced in 2018. The Resnicks have a long-standing commitment to philanthropy, with similarly historic gifts to institutions including UCLA, LACMA and Caltech, as well as efforts in California’s Central Valley where they support work in community engagement, health and wellness and education.

With a much greater street presence and a location directly across from the future L.A. Metro Purple Line, the new entrance boldly announces the Hammer at the gateway to Westwood Village and UCLA. The spacious new lobby incorporates regularly changing installations of artworks and creates a more welcoming environment for museum visitors. The March opening will also see the debut of a newly annexed gallery space and outdoor sculpture courtyard on the corner of Wilshire and Glendon.

The Hammer Museum is located at 10899 Wilshire Blvd. For information, visit hammer.ucla.edu.