POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsKTLA 5 – Local NewsOctober 29, 2026Los Angeles County

Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County launches first major renovation of La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum in nearly 50 years

Photo: KTLA 5 – Local News

The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits closed in July to begin its first major renovation since opening in 1977, featuring a new entrance, a larger theater, and an expanded Ice Age research center. The multi-year project aims to modernize the 13-acre site and reopen by 2028 for the Los Angeles Olympics.

MuseumsConstructionScienceParksHistory
Read the full story at KTLA 5 – Local News

Why It Matters

Visitors face museum closures during construction on the 13-acre site through 2028, while the surrounding park remains open for ongoing fossil excavations.

Key Facts

  • A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday to kick off the next phase of the La Brea Tar Pits site.
  • The Page Museum closed in July to begin its first major renovation since opening in 1977.
  • The multi-year project redesigns the 13-acre site, adding a new entrance along Wilshire Boulevard, a larger theater, and connecting walking paths.
  • A new center for Ice Age research will be built at the heart of the museum.
  • Over three million fossils were moved out of the former Page Museum to accommodate construction.
  • Parts of the surrounding park remain open and scientists are still actively digging for fossils.
  • Construction is scheduled for completion in 2028, timed for the Los Angeles Olympics.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationNatural History Museums of Los Angeles County“Oversees the La Brea Tar Pits and launched the renovation plan”locationWilshire Boulevard“Location of the planned new museum entrance”OrganizationKTLA“News outlet reporting on the story”locationLa Brea Tar Pits“Historic site undergoing a multi-year renovation”PersonOmar Lewis“Reporter contributing to the report”PersonPaul Bessire“NHMLAC Chief Advancement Officer”locationLos Angeles“Host city for the upcoming Olympics slated for 2028”OrganizationPage Museum“Museum located at the La Brea Tar Pits undergoing reconstruction”