The George C. Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits is set to undergo a major transformation. Built in 1977 and designed by Thornton and Fagan, the museum has long been admired for its mid-century modern architecture and its role in showcasing important fossil sites.

For the past two years the Conservancy has been actively involved in the planning of this project, raising concerns early on about the potential impacts to the museum. As a result of the collaboration with the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC), key adjustments have been made to the plans to preserve the Page Museum’s historic significance.

The revised and now-approved plan, known as Alternative 3, ensures the museum retains its eligibility for landmark designation, keeping its architectural character intact. As a tradeoff, while the proposed changes are designed to improve the site for visitors, this also means the eligible La Brea Tar Pits Historic District will face significant impacts. Here is our letter to the L.A. County.

As the project moves forward, the Conservancy continues to work with NHMLAC to ensure that the Page Museum, a treasured part of L.A.’s history, remains an important point for future generations.