Danielle Solzman
The biggest news from Sunday night’s Oscars telecast came when Tom Hanks announced when the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures would open.
The announcement has been a long time coming but the public will finally be allowed into the museum on December 14, 2020.
Tom Hanks made the announcement in his capacity as museum trustee and co-chair of the Academy Museum campaign, along with co-chair Annette Bening and chair Bob Iger.
Museum Director Bill Kramer said, “We cannot wait to welcome the whole world to the Academy Museum. When our doors open on December 14, our thrilling combination of exhibitions, screenings, and public and educational programs will create unparalleled experiences for movie lovers everywhere.”
Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said, “The dream of this museum will finally become a reality — a gathering place for filmmakers and movie fans from around the world, where we can share the Oscars legacy and further fulfill the Academy’s mission to connect the world through cinema.”
Ron Meyer, chair of the Academy Museum Board of Trustees and Vice Chairman of NBCUniversal, said, “This is a museum that only the Academy could create: exciting and illuminating; historic and contemporary. We look forward to sharing the global reach of cinema.”
It will make for a great complement to the current tours being offered by the Dolby Theatre. Having taken one of the tours this past December, I can tell you that they offer a glimpse into Oscar history. At the same time a half hour tour is just too short! That’s not to say that you don’t get to see some of the highlights because you do. The Dolby Theatre currently plays host to the Oscars ceremony but it’s not yet a permanent home. That being said, it’s amazing to see how the Hollywood and Highland Center transforms to get ready for the big night!
