The Museum of Tolerance (MOT) focuses on issues of tolerance, rights and diversity. The Museum aims to confront and promote a dialogue on these issues in a hands-on interactive manner. To build upon it initial success the MOT aimed to reposition the Museum from an experiential learning center into a cultural center for the Westside of Los Angeles. Designed in two phases – the first completed phase focuses on the interior spaces of the Museum while the second phase, in progress, expands the Museum.
The $8 million renovation includes approximately 34,450 sf of improvements for the Museum. Key components of the renovation include: exhibit spaces, two theaters, a children’s multi-functional learning center and multi-purpose rooms. On the ground floor, the Peltz Theater was renovated to provide the MOT with a modern theater space that can serve the Museum internally, in addition allows for the Museum to generate income through rentals and private screenings. The 300-seat theater has custom designed seating by Poltrona Frau and includes a state-of-the-art Integrated Iosono custom speaker system which produces a 3-dimensional array of sound. The LED lighting system creates multiple lighting effects and scenarios and can be programmed to complement the sound.
Phase Two, which is currently in design, is a $33-million, 20,800 sf expansion, which will feature a modern design that provides for the massing of the form to make a gradual transition to the surrounding single family homes. The design will also focus its attention on the west façade of the building, replacing the existing pink granite with a newly designed façade tying together existing and new construction. To increase awareness of the repositioning of the museum large building signage will be integrated into a concrete panel system which will create a subtle, elegant message while not being obstructive to the public.