The New Hollywood Film Museum Is Ready for Its Close-Up

A huge screen showcasing footage from “Citizen Kane” may be found in one of the first exhibits of the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. One of the film’s most iconic props, the red sled dubbed Rosebud, one of three balsa wood models built for the film, is nearly glowing with a spotlight behind it. During the filming, the other two were thrown into the furnace.

Hollywood has a reputation for depicting itself very well, and the new museum is no exception. With a spectacular collection of artefacts and displays honoring moviemaking in the industry’s capital, the facility, which opens to the public on Sept. 30, promises to delight die-hard cinephiles as well as casual fans.

Indeed, the museum makes a concerted effort to emphasize the contributions of numerous behind-the-scenes workers who are still vital to filmmaking. So-called Foley artists may be seen stomping on a studio floor to recreate the sound of Harrison Ford sprinting in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The life masks of actors Grace Kelly and Clark Gable, used for posing, are on display in the costume design exhibit.

Gale Sondergaard was initially chosen to portray the Wicked Witch in “The Wizard of Oz,” but she stepped out when the role was changed from a glamorous to an ugly one, as only the most ardent moviegoers are aware. She reasoned that it wouldn’t be beneficial for her job.

A changing array of exhibitions will be featured at the museum. One devoted to filmmaker Spike Lee, for example, displays his various sources of inspiration, which include everything from a John Coltrane record cover to one of Prince’s guitars. There’s also the purple and yellow tuxedo that Kobe Bryant wore to the Oscars last year.