Skirball Cultural Center

Responding to the site’s steep and complex topography at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Skirball Cultural Center forms a series of building clusters tucked longitudinally against the hills. Indoor and outdoor spaces are integrated throughout the complex, creating a series of gardens, an amphitheater and courtyards. The Skirball Cultural Center features a museum of Jewish-American experience, galleries for changing exhibitions, a conference and educational center, a 350-seat auditorium, and Ahmanson Hall (a multipurpose auditorium). Underground parking accommodates 400 cars and an additional garage, which is currently under construction, will accommodate 500 cars. The courtyards and gardens open to views of the hills beyond and further serve to integrate the building with the natural beauty of the site. The courtyards connect to a sculpture garden located between the building and the hills, providing a contemplative transition zone between the natural and built environment. The building’s cast-in-place architectural concrete frame has stainless steel infill panels and stainless steel vaulted roofs which reflect the dynamic and changing sky. Exterior concrete walls are clad with bands of pink-flamed granite. Client: Skirball Cultural Center Program: Gallery space (permanent and traveling), multi-purpose hall, classrooms, auditorium, administration, research library, conference center, Discovery Center, gift shop, restaurant, amphitheater, courtyards and gardens, structured parking Size: 170,000 sq ft Cost: withheld Status: Phase I: 1995 Phase II: 2000 Phase III: 2003 Phase IV: 2013