Clark Construction Completes LACMA David Geffen Galleries

The massive $674 million structure spans Wilshire Boulevard using a complex system of seismic isolators.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration of a massive concrete building structure elevated on thick columns against a plain background. — Clark Construction has finished the $674 million David Geffen Galleries at LACMA, featuring a structure spanning Wilshire Boulevard on elevated concrete pavilions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Clark Construction has completed the 347,500-square-foot David Geffen Galleries at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The facility spans 150 feet over Wilshire Boulevard and sits on seven concrete pavilions elevated 30 feet above the ground.

Why it matters

The project design was driven by the goal to return 3.5 acres of public space to ground level. To achieve this while navigating unpredictable subsurface conditions near local tar pits, the team installed a extensive foundation system featuring thousands of specialized piles.

The 30,000-ton building incorporates 85,000 cubic yards of concrete and 15,000 tons of reinforcing steel. Structural integrity is supported by 56 triple-friction-pendulum isolators and a foundation utilizing 1,500 piles, 1,500 vibro piers, and 450 helical piles.

The players

Clark Construction

This is a national construction and civil engineering firm that specializes in large-scale infrastructure and institutional building projects.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Known as LACMA, this is the largest art museum in the western United States and houses a collection of over 150,000 objects.

The details

Workers managed the complex site by conducting daily meetings for 18 months during the installation of foundation piles. The team also utilized triple-friction-pendulum isolators to permit necessary lateral movement while the massive concrete structures were curing.

Clark Construction held daily meetings for 18 months to manage the pile installation process.

Market Landscape

This project reflects a broader trend of integrating complex seismic technology into high-profile Los Angeles infrastructure to ensure long-term stability. The construction follows the California Building Code seismic safety requirements for large structures.

Local residents and visitors will benefit from the addition of 3.5 acres of public space at ground level once the facility fully opens. Daily commuters should be aware that the building now permanently spans over Wilshire Boulevard.

The takeaway

Large-scale institutional projects require significant planning to mitigate environmental risks like unpredictable subsurface conditions. Ensuring structural safety through advanced engineering allows for more creative public land usage in dense urban areas.