The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences‘ Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study, the Hollywood building that houses much of the organization’s massive film archive and is attached to its oft-rented 286-seat Linwood Dunn Theatre and event space, is set to undergo a three-year renovation beginning this fall, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
The news was shared during the Academy’s annual all-members meeting on Tuesday.
The Academy’s objective with the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2029, is to restore and modernize many aspects of the building at the corner of Vine Street and Homewood Avenue, which was acquired by the organization in 2000 and opened in 2002. Among other things, the project entails constructing additional collection vaults, improving existing ones, upgrading climate control and mechanical systems, enhancing the lighting and installing new roofing.
Some 55 people currently go to work every day in the Pickford Center, and the project will be phased in order to not displace staff or impact their work. Additionally, it is not expected to affect the Linwood Dunn Theatre and event space.
The cost of the project was not disclosed, but has been budgeted for, THR is told.
During the all-members meeting, the Academy also briefed members on the organization’s operating budget, endowment, Museum attendance and plans for the 100th Oscars ceremony in 2028, as well as the value of recently announced partnerships with YouTube and AEG. And members were also provided with the names of newly-appointed leaders of Academy committees and affinity groups, amongst whom are familiar names like Sean Baker and Rita Wilson.