Academy, LACMA take step toward movie museum

[October 05, 2011]  BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) -- The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art have taken a step toward establishing a museum dedicated to motion pictures.

In a joint statement Tuesday night, the Academy's board of governors and LACMA's board of trustees announced an agreement to sign a memorandum of understanding to establish a movie museum at the former May Co. building, now known as LACMA West.

The memorandum clears the way for the two organizations to discuss details of a contract and for the Academy to begin developing plans for fundraising, design, exhibitions, visitor experience and modifications to the 300,000 square-foot building.

The statement says the Academy hopes to sign a long-term lease for the facility and will retain autonomy over all aspects of the museum.

[Associated Press]

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