La Brea Tar Pits Renovation Begins, Page Museum to Expand

The long-awaited revamp of the La Brea Tar Pits has begun, with a ceremony held late last month to mark the start of construction, according to Urbanize. The museum complex closed for two years over the summer for the project, which is the first major overhaul of the 13-acre campus since it opened 50 years ago.

The initial phase of the renovation will expand the George C. Page Museum and add the Samuel Oschin Global Center for Ice Age Research. This new center will study how ancient ecosystems responded to climate change and extinction events. The State of California has provided $236 million in funding for the project, which is expected to see its first phase completed by mid-2028.

The master plan, developed by Weiss/Manfredi, also includes removing and expanding exterior berms to create new outdoor gathering spaces and access points. Signage, lighting, landscaping, and furniture across the campus will also be replaced. The overall design strategy, called “Loops and Lenses,” aims to connect existing structures with new circulation routes and framed views, allowing visitors to move continuously between excavation sites, laboratories, exhibition spaces, and landscaped areas.

Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, stated that the “Reimagine project” is an opportunity to contribute to an “overall uplifting of culture and science in the Miracle Mile.” She added that the new research center “formalizes and elevates the Tar Pits' role as the world’s leading hub for Ice Age research.” The full master plan is expected to be built over approximately seven years, with completion anticipated ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Need to know

• The George C. Page Museum closed to the public on July 6 for approximately two years.
• Scientific research and educational programming will continue during the closure.
• Phase one completion is expected in mid-2028.

This is a significant upgrade for one of LA's most unique natural history sites. The new research center and improved public spaces should make it an even more compelling destination for locals and visitors.