The COO of the long-awaited Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles has resigned from his position after just a year in the role.

Rich Cherry, who previously oversaw construction of the nearby Diller Scofidio + Renfro-designed Broad Museum, will depart at the end of February to focus on his museum consultancy firm.

“The Academy is grateful to Rich Cherry for his service over the past year as our chief operating officer,” said a statement from the museum, which has begun the search for Cherry's replacement.

“During his time with the museum, he helped guide us effectively through a critical period of construction and institutional planning.

"We wish Rich success as he focuses on his museum consultancy firm.”

The museum was due to be finished last year, but its planned opening has been delayed until early 2019.

The project broke ground in March 2017 and was budgeted at US$250m (€212m, £186m) when it was first conceived, but since then costs have risen to US$388m (€329.2m, £288.7m).

Designed by Renzo Piano, the museum is split into two parts – the newly named Saban Building and a 130-foot glass sphere featuring a theatre and terrace.

Once open, The Academy predicts a total of 860,000 visitors to the museum on an annual basis, with 150 permanent jobs created.

A tentative opening date is now set for April 2019.

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