THE ACADEMY MUSEUM OF MOTION PICTURES: 5 MORE THINGS YOU CAN'T MISS

 Fannys Restaurant Dining Room Booths
Courtesy Instagram @fannysrestaurantandcafe

1. OSCARS® EXPERIENCE

If you’re an avid Oscars watcher, you’ve surely wondered how it feels to be invited on stage at Hollywood’s Dolby Theater to accept one of those iconic gold statuettes as the adoring world watches. The Academy Museum’s immersive Oscars Experience simulation is about as close as most of us will ever get to that sensation, from hearing your name called (and of course feigning surprise), to giddily accepting the award. You’ll even receive a video of the event to befuddle your friends and family with for years to come!

7. FANNY’S RESTAURANT & CAFÉ

The Academy Museum is so filled with conversation points that you’ll likely need a break and chat during your visit. Fanny’s Restaurant & Café is the place to digest all you’ve seen and discuss faves and raves with companions. Developed by celebrated restaurateurs Bill Chait and Carl Schuster, the striking two-story space features both small-group and communal tables, an art deco-style bar, and an intimate lounge area with cozy curved booths.

Enjoy cuisine and cocktails by Chef Raphael Francois and Julian Cox, respectively, amid the work of local artists and artisans. A fitting and spectacular mural by L.A. artist Konstantin Kakanias wraps around the dining area, celebrating film and music legends from classical Hollywood to the present day.

8. BACKDROP: AN INVISIBLE ART

The double-height Hurd Gallery is needed to spotlight both the artistry and the contested imagery of a monumental Mt. Rushmore backdrop used in Alfred Hitchcock’s canonical 1959 spy thriller “North by Northwest.” This neck-craning exhibit also serves as a through-provoking reminder of oft-overlooked role of such literally behind-the-scenes creations, and their creators, in the movies that have helped shape our world.

9. ACADEMY MUSEUM STORE

The Academy Museum Store is about as far as you’ll get from the stereotypical fridge-magnets-and-shot-glasses gift shop. Instead, this carefully curated one-off wonder features specially designed merchandise, Oscars memorabilia, and other exclusive film-related treasures: clothing, furniture, accessories, vinyl records, home and office items, posters, maps, illustrations, toys and games, plus an unparalleled selection of books and catalogues. Academy members including costume designer Ruth E. Carter, creative director I. Javier Ameijeiras, and the legendary Spike Lee have complimented their cinematic work by designing items available nowhere else, while the store’s many California-based partners include Amoeba Music, candlemaker Flores Lane, and lifestyle brand Poketo.

10. SEE A MOVIE!

David Geffen Theater at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Photo by Iwan Baan/©Iwan Baan Studios,
courtesy of Academy Museum Foundation

There are 2 spectacular, state-of-the-art theaters that serve as presentation spaces for major film events, public programs, live performances, movie premieres, and other special events with the world’s leading filmmakers. The 1,000-seat David Geffen Theater is fully equipped to present film in many formats, including nitrate, 35mm, 70mm, and laser projection supporting Dolby Vision, which allows visitors to see the subtle details and ultra-vivid colors creating multi-dimensional visuals. The theater also features Dolby Atmos, a truly immersive audio experience.

 
The Ted Mann Theater, located in the Saban Building, serves as the museum’s most utilized theater. The 288-seat theater offers curated screenings and special programs on a daily basis that include Oscar-winning films, family films, and rare and historical films, all presented in an intimate, elegant, art house setting.

For more information and tickets, visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures website.

* By Paul Rogers, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
633 West 5th Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA