At last month’s Southern California Development Forum, panelists from three of Los Angeles’ leading cultural institutions gathered for a forward-looking discussion on how arts and culture shape the built environment. The conversation explored the city’s cultural renaissance, its recovery from recent challenges, and the opportunities ahead as Los Angeles prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Moderated by Daniel Tarica, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the panel featured Rachel Moore, President and CEO of The Music Center, Elyse Mallouk, Chief Strategy Officer of the Broad Museum, and Jeff Rudolph, President and CEO of the California Science Center. 

 

A Cultural Renaissance 

Despite recent fires, budget challenges, and federal scrutiny, Los Angeles continues to thrive as a creative capital, supporting more than 350 nonprofit organizations through its grants program and the City of Los Angeles Percent for Public Art Program, which commits one percent of both public and private development project costs to public art. 

“We as a city and as a region find ourselves in a truly extraordinary moment; one defined by rapid cultural growth, a flourishing creative economy, and an ever-expanding landscape of galleries, museums, theaters, and cultural spaces,” said Tarica.  

Tarica also noted that Los Angeles now has more museums per capita than any other city in the United States. This creative pride and the City’s deep-rooted arts and cultural sector serve as inspiration for a new cultural framework that will integrate art and culture into the experience of international visitors arriving for upcoming events such as the World Cup, the Super Bowl, and ultimately the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

 

The Music Center 

Moore highlighted The Music Center’s unique scale and responsibility as one of the nation's largest performing arts centers. With 1,400 employees, an annual budget of $80 million, and programs that reach more than 150,000 students and teachers each year, The Music Center serves not only as a hub for world-class performances but also as a civic institution dedicated to public service.  

To increase inclusion and strengthen communities, The Music Center is in the process of launching the Grand Avenue Cultural District program. Backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies and guided by Boston Consulting Group, the plan includes everything from safety and wayfinding improvements to a digital platform, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to navigate events.  

“We’re really hoping that by the time we get to the Olympics, this will be up and running and humming, and it will be an easy place for somebody to come and enjoy what we do. But foremost, this cultural district is about the people who live here, because there’s so much incredible art in Los Angeles that people who are Angelenos don’t know about, and we want to make the friction less and have them come and join us," said Moore.  

 

The Broad 

Mallouk shared details of The Broad’s expansion project that will increase gallery space by 70% and introduce top-floor, open-air courtyards, unique galleries that invite visitors into art storage, and flexible areas for concerts, family programs, and workshops. the expansion will be complete in time for the Olympic Games, with the goal of making more of the Broad collection accessible to the museum's growing audience.  

Accessibility is not just about free admission, but also about how people move through and experience The Broad’s spaces. The expansion was designed to create open, welcoming, and novel spaces, while ensuring that every visitor feels invited into dialogue with contemporary art. She stressed that The Broad’s staff are all trained to engage with audiences, reinforcing the museum’s commitment to inclusivity at every touchpoint 

 

California Science Center 

Jeff Rudolph began by declaring the California Science Center’s mission – to create fundamental experiences that inspire scientific learning for all ages. Rudolph provided a preview of their new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, a 200,000-square-foot addition currently under construction. The $450 million project will double the exhibit space and feature the Space Shuttle Endeavour in full vertical launch position. The new wing will also include an aviation and space gallery and numerous hands-on exhibits that focus on science and engineering. 

While acknowledging that the upcoming Olympic Games will present logistical challenges, Rudolph made clear that the Science Center’s focus is not on a single event, but on the next 50-year horizon.  

“I would say that in today’s environment, where there’s a national defunding of science and health research… the need for critical thinking of our understanding of science becomes increasingly important. So, we’re continuing to expand our facilities so that we can serve more young people.” 

 

Looking Ahead: A Strong Future for Los Angeles Culture 

Looking ahead, Los Angeles’ cultural leaders are focused not just on the immediate challenges of the Olympic Games, but on building a legacy that will last generations. Rudolph emphasized that with the growing need for critical thinking in society, the California Science Center will continue to expand its facilities to inspire and educate younger audiences. 

At The Music Center, Moore underscored Los Angeles’ unique diversity and the institution’s responsibility to reflect that culture. She noted progress in diversifying leadership across board and staff, positioning The Music Center as a model for how the arts can serve as civic infrastructure. 

For Mallouk, the upcoming games in LA present an opportunity for The Broad to create stronger civic connections, linking the city’s artistic and cultural destinations into a cohesive whole. 

The panelists agreed on the importance of designing spaces that prioritize visitors, where inclusivity, accessibility, and functionality take precedence over extravagance. They also reminded Angelenos that sustaining these institutions doesn’t always require grand gestures. Simply attending a performance, visiting a museum, or bringing friends along helps strengthen the city’s cultural fabric and ensures the arts remain central to Los Angeles’ civic life. 

Interested in visiting a museum, dance performance, or concert soon? Visit:  

The Music Center – https://www.musiccenter.org/ 

The Broad – https://www.thebroad.org/ 

California Science Center – https://californiasciencecenter.org/