The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles has announced a busy programme of virtual events ahead of its grand opening later this year.

Set to open to the public for the first time on 30 September 2021, the museum will launch the virtual programme to coincide with the Oscars ceremony, taking place in April 2021.

The programme will feature panel discussions with film industry leaders, as well as gallery tours, screenings, workshops, and educational offerings for families and students.

Designed to appeal to people of all ages, backgrounds, and areas of interest, the events can be accessed worldwide through the Academy Museum’s website and social media channels.

The Academy Museum is dedicated to the art and science of movies and is described as being "simultaneously immersive, experimental, educational, and entertaining", while offering experiences and insights into movies and moviemaking.

The much-anticipated attraction was initially meant to open in 2019, then in December 2020 – before the launch was pushed back to late 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bill Kramer, the museum's president, said: “We're putting the final touches on our stunning exhibitions and public spaces, and while we were ready and eager to welcome visitors in the spring, with the current surge of COVID-19, it would be irresponsible to maintain an April opening.

"We know a new day is coming for us all, and when it does, the Academy Museum will be ready to offer our visitors the remarkable experience we have all been wanting.”

Spread across six floors, the museum will include exhibition spaces, a 288-seat Ted Mann Theater, the Shirley Temple Education Studio, the Debbie Reynolds Conservation Studio, special event spaces, a café, and store.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, the museum occupies the historic Saban Building, formerly known as the May Company building.

An entirely new spherical building will connect to the Saban Building via glass bridges and will feature the state-of-the-art 1,000-seat David Geffen Theater and the rooftop Dolby Family Terrace with its sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills.

Ted Sarandos, chair of the Board of Trustees of the Academy Museum, said: “Despite the many challenges of 2020, the museum has accomplished a great deal during the past year: completing its pre-opening fundraising campaign, obtaining LEED Gold certification, and the installation of exceptional exhibitions.

"We're fortunate to have one of the world’s most exciting new cultural institutions ready to go. Now it’s just a matter of patience, for all of us, as we look ahead to opening our doors on September 30.”

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