It’s a big year for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The cultural treasure is celebrating its 50th birthday and loads of locals like Barbra Streisand were there to help blow out the candles. The celebration of five decades kicked off with a star-studded gala. Barbra joined Malibu neighbors like Dustin Hoffman and Brian Grazer, as well as funnyman Will Farrell, Oscar winners Marisa Tomei and Anjelica Huston, “The Bad Batch” star Jim Carrey, “Wild’s” Laura Dern and “While We’re Young’s” Naomi Watts.
Over the years, LACMA has amassed not only a treasure trove of new acquisitions, but a whole host of new Hollywood pals. A-listers in the world of art have joined power brokers in the entertainment industry.
The guest list read like a red carpet awards show with execs like Brad Grey of Paramount, Robert Iger of Walt Disney and Michael Lynton of Sony.
Artists included famous names like famed pop darling Ed Ruscha, photographer Catherine Opie and conceptual artist Barbara Kruger. The event was co-chaired by trustees Ann Colgin, Jane Nathanson and Lynda Resnick. Jane Nathanson told art admirers that the Miracle Mile area of Wilshire has turned into “a block where miracles are really happening.”
The evening started off with a VIP cocktail reception. Guests sipped Krug champagne, while drummers and aerial dancers performed.
The highlight was a peek at recently donated works from some of LACMA’s biggest fans. Seven hundred and fifty glamorous guests packed the Resnick Pavilion for an exhibition of promised gifts entitled “50 for 50: Gifts on the Occasion of LACMA’s Anniversary.” The gifts ran the gambit from 15th century to modern day. Lynda and Stewart Resnick donated several pieces, including a canvas from Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres and a bronze sculpture by Flemish artist Giambologna.
Malibu mogul Jerry Perenchio promised a slew of contributions with his recent donation, which museum directors say is valued upward of $500 million. Wendy Goldberg and her husband, TV producer Leonard, gifted the museum with an impressionist Monet. Art lovers also marveled at a video montage of LACMA’s many movie and television appearances over the decades.
The evening, which was sponsored by Christie’s, concluded with a sumptuous feast by celeb chef Joachim Spichal and a breathtaking turn by the Australian performance troupe Strange Fruit, which entertained the crowd with a circus-style show on stilts, followed by a surprise concert by hit maker Seal. The pop star’s performance was secured by Museum trustees Ryan Seacrest and songwriter Carole Bayer Sager. Seal delighted the crowd with hits like “Crazy,” “Love’s Divine” and “Kissed by a Rose.”
And what would a birthday salute be without the official song? That’s where singers from John Burroughs High School stepped in for a rendition of a “Happy Birthday” serenade. The artsy event raised a whopping $5 million.
Wrapping up the evening, Lynda Resnick said, “My wish is that our gifts inspire others to make significant contributions of artwork as we look to the next 50 years.” So happy big 5-0 LACMA, and many, many more to come!