Geffen gives $150M for new galleries at LA County art museum

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Entertainment mogul David Geffen is donating $150 million for construction of a new building of galleries at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

The museum along Wilshire Boulevard west of downtown Los Angeles said Wednesday that it's the largest single cash gift from an individual in the institution's history.

The pledge raises LACMA's fundraising total to $450 million of the $650 million needed to break ground on the building, which will be called the David Geffen Galleries.

The structure will be designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, known for his minimalist work.

Geffen says he hopes the addition to the LACMA campus will ensure ongoing access to the museum's permanent collection.

The project is scheduled to begin construction in 2019, with the new building slated to open in 2023.