Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Posted By : SanFranciscoTRVLR
What an absolutely incredible waste of potential.

This could be an iconic highlight for Los Angeles.

It could be an absolute must-do, and even a reason for people to visit LA.

Instead it is a blase second or third rate museum in an ugly retrofitted building lacking any style.

We were so so so disappointed in the Academy Museum. From the time it was announced we were looking forward to it. We had heard so-so to bad things about it but still it was a must do for us on one of our frequent trips to LA.

First, the building itself is a former May's department store. Huh? What? What does this have to do with anything? I GUESS the sphere is cool but it's a movie theater that is not even open. Overall the building is very blah.

You enter and it's an industrial open space with oscar statues, some of which are missing letters on the signs. It looks very very janky and unprofessional. The only thing that's nice is the restaurant and cafe which are WAY too fancy and upscale for their surroundings.

Then you go upstairs- feels like a 1970s office building. The JAWS shark is somewhat cool, but really- this should be an incredible experience entering this museum.

There are multiple small exhibits- certainly with some cool artifacts and facts. the Boyz N The Hood was cool, the Godfather. Multiple other ones of lesser know (which is fine) directors and stars.

Then... the piece d'resistence- the Oscars area. WHAT a letdown. A few tiny rooms with awards and videos playing. This really really does not honor what the Oscars are all about. Yes, I know it's an Academy museum and not an Oscars museum, but still.

The best exhibit was the temporary John Waters exhibit, which I visited solo as it was inappropriate for the kids. This was BY FAR the best thing in the building and the only one even worthy of such a museum.

All in all just a very very sad situation. We will absolutely not be back. I'd encourage anyone visiting LA to skip this place. If you don't love movies, it won't hold your attention. If you love movies like we do, it might just depress you too much. LA still doesn't have any great attractions for movie lovers. So unfortunate.
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Posted On : 2024-06-29 21:45:35

Posted By : MooshLA
I finally went as their permanent exhibit "Hollywoodland" was looooong overdue. Once they announced its opening, I made reservations. I finally made it there just a few days ago. Starting with the "Hollywoodland" exhibit... it's frankly too small and too wordy.

I appreciated the multidimensional projected-video-against-a-map we've seen at other museums as it traces the history and growth of Hollywood throughout the years. The photos and plaques along the wall were perhaps some of the most poorly written material I've ever seen. Total double standards throughout - for example, they mention that Harry Cohn of Colombia Pictures was a power tyrant. What does that even matter and why on earth did you not write about how Spike Lee is even worse in today's day in his section on the lower floor. The Museum writers included 'issues' with the "The Jazz Singer" yet not a word in DW Griffiths "Birth Of A Nation" which was also referenced in the Museum on other floors. Total double standards but mostly poorly written. The half hour min documentary was OK - too much focus on assimilation.

The rest of the Museum was frankly embarrassing for AMPAS. This organization focused on all things motion picture and almost 100 years old apparently has no appreciation for any memorabilia because there wasn't much of it on display. Yes the "Casablanca" props were incredible to see and yes there are some tremendous costumes - but thats about it folks. The rest of the Museum is made up of photos and lots and lots of text. Very poorly produced for AMPAS being an organization focused on telling stories through sound and picture. Sorts ironic they can't even produce a good representative museum.

Hate to say it bc I do believe LA should absolutely have a magnificent museum but this one misses its mark. Trust me, worth missing and just going on Google from your home. Get it right AMPAS - how embarrassing for you all.
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Posted On : 2024-06-03 00:55:26

Posted By : foodcrawlph
The Academy Museum in Los Angeles is a treasure trove of cinematic history and artistry. With its extensive collection of film memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences, it offers visitors a fascinating journey through the world of cinema. From iconic movie props to behind-the-scenes insights, every corner of the museum is filled with wonder and nostalgia. It's a must-visit destination for movie buffs and anyone who appreciates the magic of filmmaking.
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Posted On : 2024-06-01 03:55:51

Posted By : 335margalith
I'm a huge movie buff and I'd been meaning to go to the Academy Museum since it opened. Unfortunately, the museum was disappointing. The layout was haphazard and some of the design choices were frustrating (like when they put the explanatory text on a flat surface so only the people standing right in front of it could actually read it). Too little focus on film history with only a few exhibits on specific films.
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Posted On : 2024-05-27 21:14:48