Becoming Los Angeles

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY

BECOMING LOS ANGELES is a 14,000 square-foot permanent exhibition that explores the growth of Los Angeles over the course of five centuries, illustrating the relationship between the city's ecological and cultural histories.  the overarching narrative of how Southern California went from tiny pueblo to sprawling metropolis is brought to life by ancient and historical artifacts and objects, compelling stories and visitor activated multimedia.  Multiple types of casework were developed in combination with an overhead sculptural canopy and a dynamic graphic system.  Working in harmony these elements create a visual hierarchy helping to guide visitors through the complexities of the exhibit content.

This project was created in collaboration with NHMLA, Cinnabar, AdamsMorioka, First Circle Lighting Design, Second Story interactive Studio, LRLA and Buro Happold

Design contributions by RGP partners were made while on staff at NHMLA.

The network of cases and overhead canopy help contextualize the sweep of local history central to the exhibit narrative.

Connecting Elements

The physical display elements of the exhibit act as connective tissue, dynamically framing and drawing connections between objects, content, media and the graphic system.