This transformation will make it dramatically more visible and inviting, more connected, more immersive
– Michael Maltzan

The Hammer Museum will increase its exhibition space by 60 per cent, announcing plans for a 40,000sq ft (3,700sq m) expansion and renovation of its existing Los Angeles home by 2020.

LA-based architecture firm Michael Maltzan (MMA) will head up the project, which will feature two new major galleries, with one specifically for works on paper, emphasising the museum’s growing collection of photographs and drawings.

The multi-year plan will enhance the museum’s 20,000sq ft (1,850sq m) of community space, which according to the museum will make it “more accessible and inviting to both visitors and passersby.”

MMA has a long-standing relationship with the Hammer, having completed numerous projects for the museum over the last 15 years, including the museum’s Billy Wilder Theater in 2006, its courtyard renovation in 2012, and the John V. Tunney Bridge in 2015.

“The Hammer has become an essential destination in Los Angeles,” said Michael Maltzan. “This transformation will make it dramatically more visible and inviting, more connected, more immersive. It will mark a major new chapter for what the Hammer is, and what it can be.”

Work on the museum’s masterplan is already underway, with the recently completed renovation of the third floor galleries that modernise and enlarge the existing exhibition space. The museum now has 10,000sq ft (929sq m) of gallery space, which is necessary for major traveling shows.

“After years of continuous growth, the Hammer is in need of a physical expansion and upgrade to provide more art for our audiences, more places to study, and more places to gather,” said museum director Ann Philbin.

“This transformation will provide more exhibition space including collection galleries and a works on paper gallery, and we invite all of Los Angeles to enjoy the first stage in our transformation as we open major exhibitions by Jimmie Durham and Jean Dubuffet – this is just the beginning.”

George Lucas settles on LA as the home for his MAD-designed Museum of Narrative Art

Hettema Group kicks off summer of installations at Union Station Los Angeles

New renderings reveal Peter Zumthor's US$600m LACMA museum redesign