Imagine Armand Hammer pacing these very halls. He envisioned a space illuminating lives through art and ideas. This is the Hammer Museum.
The Hammer Museum stands as a vibrant cultural center. It is known for its artist-centric and progressive exhibitions. The Hammer is affiliated with UCLA. It enhances the city’s artistic landscape. But there is a story to be told. It is about how the Hammer became what it is today.
Armand Hammer, an entrepreneur and industrialist, founded the museum in 1990. He wanted to house his personal art collection. Hammer’s initial focus was on 19th-century European and American art. The Hammer has expanded to embrace contemporary art. It has become a cornerstone of culture in Los Angeles.
The Hammer Museum’s story involves a dispute with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Hammer was a board member. He withdrew from an agreement to transfer his collection. This disagreement led him to build his own museum. The Hammer Museum found its home next to Occidental headquarters.
Designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, the building resembled a Renaissance palazzo. Galleries centered around a tranquil courtyard. This design fostered a serene environment for art appreciation.
After Armand Hammer died in November 1990, the museum faced legal battles. The University of California Regents assumed management in 1994. This ensured the Hammer Museum’s stability. The Hammer’s exhibitions often showcase emerging and underrepresented artists.
In 2006, Michael Maltzan designed the Billy Wilder Theater. Audrey Wilder’s gift made the theater possible. It hosts film screenings and public programs. The Hammer Museum hosts nearly 300 free events each year. These events include lectures, symposia, and performances.
The Hammer Museum manages five distinct collections. These collections include the Hammer Contemporary Collection and the UCLA Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts. Also part of it are the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden, the Armand Hammer Collection, and the Daumier and Contemporaries Collection.
Admission to the Hammer is free. This is thanks to a generous donation from Erika J. Glazer and Brenda R. Potter. This commitment ensures art is accessible to everyone.
The Hammer Museum is more than a collection of art. It is a place for dialogue. It is a space for community. It is a testament to one man’s vision. The Hammer Museum continues to evolve. It remains a vital part of Los Angeles’ cultural identity. It is committed to diversity and inclusion. The Hammer dedicates a significant portion of its exhibition programming to female artists.
The Hammer Museum has a unique feature. It is a partnership with radio station KCRW. Together, they host an annual outdoor summer concert series.
Before you leave be sure to take a spin in one of the Spun Chairs. Fashioned like life-size tops, these chairs were a gift from Herman Miller. They were given after an exhibition of the architect Thomas Heatherwick’s work was shown here in 2015.