Richard Meier to lead Gagosian expansion in Beverly Hills

The converted storefront that serves as the West Coast headquarters for Larry Gagosian's art empire is about to get a serious expansion.

Architect Richard Meier's firm told Culture Monster today that it is working on the designs for the expanded Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills. The space, on Camden Drive near Santa Monica Boulevard, will nearly double in size to 11,600 square feet. The project is led by architect Michael Palladino, who originally oversaw the opening of the gallery in 1995.

Gagosian said in a statement today that the expansion will "extend through the building directly to the south." The new space will open with an inaugural exhibition in 2010.  As of now, the gallery doesn't expect to be entirely closed during construction. "We are moving forward with a fully scheduled program through 2009-2010," a gallery spokeswoman said.

The concrete and stucco space is housed in a sleek and Modernist building that features a glass and aluminum door that can open garage-like so exhibitions may be viewed directly from the street. 

Gagosian is currently showing a solo exhibition of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, which runs through July 17.

-- David Ng

Photo: A view of the Yayoi Kusama exhibition currently at Gagosian Gallery Beverly Hills. Courtesy: Gagosian Gallery.

Comments

[Tiffany]

Great Story.

[oni]

Visiting Gagosian/Beverly Hills is always a highlight when I'm in the Los Angeles area. An enlarged space designed by Richard Meier will enrich the experience of seeing art from within a work of art.