LACMA employees unionize as museum works to open $720-million building

LACMA Employees Unionize as Museum Works to Open $720-million Building

In a pivotal development, employees at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) have announced their intention to form a union, LACMA United. This decision involves more than 300 workers from various departments, including curators, educators, and guest relations associates. The announcement comes just six months before the anticipated opening of the $720-million David Geffen Galleries.

The timing is significant as it coincides with LACMA's high-profile Art + Film gala, co-hosted by Leonardo DiCaprio, honoring artist Mary Corse and director Ryan Coogler. In a letter to the museum's executive team and board of trustees, the employees emphasized the importance of staff stability as the museum nears the completion of its new facility.

The letter highlights ongoing struggles with wages that have not kept pace with the rising cost of living in Los Angeles. Employees are also facing increased workloads due to high turnover and frozen positions. The union has asked for voluntary recognition by November 5.

Michael Govan, LACMA's CEO, acknowledged receipt of the letter and expressed a commitment to supporting the staff. The union is advocating for better compensation, expanded benefits, and greater transparency in institutional protocols and resources.

Aurora van Zoelen Cortés, a curatorial assistant, emphasized the shared commitment among employees to the museum and its collection. She noted that concerns about pay and workplace culture are widespread across the museum sector, as highlighted in a recent report by Museums Moving Forward. The report found entrenched inequities in pay and promotion opportunities within US art museums.

Inspired by successful unionization efforts at other cultural institutions in Los Angeles, LACMA employees are determined to improve their working conditions. LACMA, the largest museum in the Western United States, has been working for over a decade to fund and construct the new David Geffen Galleries, designed by Peter Zumthor. The building's opening has been delayed due to supply chain issues and the discovery of fossils on-site, but it is now expected to open in April.

The employees' unionization effort reflects their desire for the museum's ambitious goals for its collection and new building to be mirrored in the treatment and support of its staff. "Building an environment around care is really important," said Cortés, highlighting care as the core value of their initiative.

How to engage

• Attend the opening of the David Geffen Galleries at LACMA in April 2026 to support the museum and its staff.
• Follow LACMA United's progress and express support for improved working conditions for museum employees.
• Participate in discussions and forums on labor rights in cultural institutions to better understand and advocate for fair workplace practices.