Full Breakdown
La Brea Tar Pits Museum to Undergo Major Renovation
4/9/2026, 8:57:49 PM
Closure and Renovation Timeline
The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits is set to close on July 6, 2026, for a significant two-year renovation, with plans for completion ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This marks the first major overhaul in the museum's 50-year history. The renovation is part of the broader Reimagine project, which aims to enhance the museum's accessibility and educational offerings.
Goals of the Renovation
The renovation, led by the architecture firm Weiss/Manfredi, will introduce a new northwest entrance, expanded research labs, and an immersive theater. Lori Bettison-Varga, president and director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, emphasized that the revamped museum will better convey the story of Ice Age Los Angeles and its relevance to contemporary ecological and climate issues. Bettison-Varga stated, “We’re going to have this more accessible, state-of-the-art museum that really tells the story of Ice Age Los Angeles and its relevance today in a way that it currently doesn’t.”
Funding and Community Engagement
To date, the Reimagine project has raised over $131 million, slightly more than half of its $240 million fundraising target. During the museum's closure, guests will still have the opportunity to observe ongoing excavations from different vantage points, ensuring continued engagement with the site. The surrounding Hancock Park will remain partially open, featuring new walking paths and outdoor amenities that will be introduced in coordination with the construction.
Criticism and Opposition
While the renovation is largely viewed positively, some community members express concerns about the potential disruption to the park's natural environment during construction. Critics argue that the focus on modernization may overshadow the historical significance of the site.
Official Statements & Responses
Bettison-Varga noted the importance of integrating the museum with its landscape and the fossils found on-site, while preserving beloved features such as the lake pit and visible excavations. She remarked, “The renovation is really going to position that museum with respect to the landscape and the fossils that are right from this site.”
What's Next
As the Page Museum prepares for its closure, it will host a series of events, including a free public KCRW Summer Nights event on June 12 and a members-only disco-themed dance party on June 27. Additionally, the La Brea Tar Pits Mobile Museums will continue to visit schools and public venues throughout Los Angeles County during the renovation period.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re excited about bringing the entire campus together, and our part of it is really important to making it feel like you can easily move from LACMA over into the Tar Pits,” — Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director, Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County
- “All of this is about placing it in the context of relevance for today, not just a window into the past,” — Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director, Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County
