LOS ANGELES (AFP): Finally, after years of delays, some caused by the pandemic, the Academy will open the doors to its very own Hollywood film museum in Los Angeles with live screenings of “The Wizard of Oz” on September 30.
The first three months bring over 115 film programs, panels, and events, beginning with two screenings of MGM musical “The Wizard of Oz” (1939) with live musical accompaniment by the American Youth Symphony conducted by Oscar perennial David Newman.
Also on the opening weeks’ schedule are a “Malcolm X” screening for museum members featuring Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, and showings of all Hayao Miyazaki’s films.
The latter will accompany the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ opening temporary exhibition, which is dedicated to the Japanese director of “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro.”
The 300,000 square-foot museum — including 50,000 square feet of gallery space — is set to host iconic Hollywood treasures such as a gown worn in “Cleopatra” (1934) and a “2001: A Space Odyssey” spacesuit.
In the museum’s collection are a then-cutting edge Technicolor camera used to shoot MGM’s early color musical masterpiece “The Wizard of Oz,” a munchkin soldier’s jacket — and Dorothy’s ruby slippers. A gallery within the museum will explore the film’s screenwriting, casting, make-up design, costumes and stars such as Judy Garland.
“As with all of our exhibitions and initiatives, we are committed to showcasing the diverse art and artists of moviemaking in our theaters and educational spaces,” stated Bill Kramer, Director and President of the Academy Museum.
“Presenting films and thoughtful educational programs that feature moviemakers is at the heart of our work to share the art and science of cinema,” stated Jacqueline Stewart, Chief Artistic and Programming Officer of the Academy Museum.
Future programs launching in early 2022 include masterpieces from the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, Branch Selects (Academy Member-curated screenings that delve into different craft and scientific areas of film production), and more.
Tickets to film screenings and public programs will be available for purchase on the Academy Museum’s website starting August 5, 2021.
