Arts Venues and Museums Join Forces for Climate Action
Arts Venues in Downtown LA Unite for Climate Action Initiative
Several prominent arts institutions in and around Downtown Los Angeles have formed a coalition to address climate change through environmentally responsible practices. The Getty Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), the Hammer Museum, and Hauser & Wirth have committed to implementing the Bizot Green Protocol, a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing sustainability in the care and management of their collections.
In a joint statement, the institutions acknowledged the impact of climate change, citing its role in exacerbating recent wildfires that affected cultural landmarks and artists in the Los Angeles area. "Increasingly, the cultural sector is being shaped by and is responding to climate change as part of fulfilling our mission of caring for and exhibiting our shared cultural heritage," the statement read. "It is vital that our sector take action to both reduce our environmental impact and improve our resilience."
Originally introduced in 2015 by The Bizot Group, an organization of art museum directors from major international institutions, the Bizot Green Protocol serves as a scientific guideline for museums to adopt sustainable practices effectively.
"Though our organizations are of different sizes, collection types and operating parameters, we all share an interest in fostering collaborative approaches to sustainability and in being information resources for other organizations," they added. The institutions will experiment with broader climate control parameters for temperature and humidity, adjust criteria for art loans, and reduce air travel and waste in exhibitions, as recommended by the protocol.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is actively seeking to minimize its environmental footprint through various strategies, including waste cycle reassessments and infrastructure upgrades. "Enabled by a new digital energy management system — funded through a grant from the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative — MOCA is expanding this model to future exhibitions," the museum stated. It plans to phase in Bizot conditions, including new temperature and humidity standards, into its galleries starting this year, particularly at MOCA Grand Avenue and The Geffen Contemporary.
For decades, museums have maintained strict environmental conditions to protect artworks. However, MOCA is exploring flexible frameworks that balance art preservation with energy efficiency, adapting its approach based on the specific needs of the artwork and the local climate.
Hauser & Wirth
Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles has improved its climate control systems, leading to significant energy savings and operational efficiency. Findings from these enhancements were presented at the International Climate Control Conference in December 2024. The institution is part of the Ki Culture initiative aimed at guiding art institutions in adopting more sustainable climate management practices.
Getty Museum
The Getty Museum in Crestwood Hills has been an advocate for sustainability, having embraced the Bizot Green Protocol since June 2024. The Getty Conservation Institute has conducted extensive research on sustainable collection management for over a decade. The Getty Research Institute is piloting a program to evaluate the effects of expanded environmental parameters on energy consumption and artwork preservation.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
LACMA integrated the Bizot Green Protocol during the design phase of its new David Geffen Galleries. This facility aims to balance the preservation of sensitive artworks with energy performance through adaptable climate zones. The galleries are on track to achieve LEED Gold certification, reflecting high standards in sustainable design and practices.
Hammer Museum
Affiliated with UCLA, the Hammer Museum has committed to examining the environmental and social impacts of its exhibitions and programs. In 2024, it introduced the Bizot Green Guidelines for its exhibition "Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice," which focuses on environmental art addressing the climate crisis.
Through these collaborative initiatives, these major institutions are taking significant steps toward fostering a more sustainable cultural sector in Los Angeles.
