Jori Finkel on LACMA’s New Building and the Buzz Around It

This episode of the ArtTactic Podcast explores the launch of LACMA's new building, designed by Peter Zumthor, which has generated widespread excitement across the art world and beyond. Host Adam Green welcomes Jori Finkel, a Los Angeles-based journalist for The New York Times and The Art Newspaper, to discuss the architectural and cultural significance of the new space. Finkel praises the building’s striking horizontal form, its integration with the urban landscape—particularly its bridge over Wilshire Boulevard—and its innovative use of light and materials. She highlights the building’s emphasis on sensory experience and intimate encounters with art, especially in perimeter galleries and the open ceramic display, while also noting shortcomings in contextual information for visitors. The conversation traces LACMA’s evolution over the past two decades, from Michael Govan’s transformative leadership to the city’s broader museum renaissance, including the upcoming Lucas Museum and the Broad’s expansion. Finkel argues that the new LACMA building signals a shift toward international relevance, potentially transforming LA into a major global cultural destination ahead of the 2028 Olympics.