L.A. Arts & Culture: Heist Buzz and Your Weekend Guide
The cinematic Louvre art heist has gripped international attention, raising questions about art security closer to home. A new study highlights two prominent Los Angeles museums for their “heist appeal,” even as our city’s vibrant arts and culture scene prepares for a packed week of performances, exhibitions, and unique events.
The Louvre Heist: Hollywood Thriller or National Failure?
The recent, brazen robbery at the Louvre museum in Paris, where crown jewels worth over $100 million were stolen, reads like a script straight out of Hollywood. While some found a “dreamy” quality in the crime, for many in France, it signaled a significant security lapse. With seven suspects now detained, answers are on the horizon, though the fate of the stolen jewels remains uncertain.
L.A.’s Museums on the “Heist Appeal” Radar
The excitement surrounding the Louvre incident even prompted Action Network, an online platform known for analyzing betting odds, to release a U.S. study titled “Top 10 Museums Most Vulnerable to a Heist.” This study assesses “heist appeal” based on visibility, value, and public access, rather than predicting actual thefts.
For Los Angeles locals, the study revealed compelling results: both the Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) made the list. The Getty Center ranked No. 4 with an implied probability of a heist at 3.9%, described as a “hilltop postcard with galleries” and “movie-worthy security.” LACMA followed at No. 7. While the study emphasizes these are measures of “culture meets risk,” it’s certainly food for thought as you visit these iconic institutions.
| Rank | Museum Name | City | Implied Heist Probability (if specified) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metropolitan Museum of Art | New York | N/A |
| 2 | National Gallery of Art | Washington D.C. | N/A |
| 4 | Getty Center | Los Angeles | 3.9% |
| 7 | Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) | Los Angeles | N/A |
Beyond Heists: Your L.A. Arts & Culture Weekend
While museum security is a topic of conversation, L.A.’s vibrant cultural scene is buzzing with activity. Here’s a look at some of the must-see events and news impacting our local arts community.
This Week’s Cultural Highlights
- “Hildegard” Opera: Experience the West Coast premiere of Sarah Kirkland Snider’s new opera about the 12th-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen, presented by Los Angeles Opera’s Off-Grand series at The Wallis.
- “Psycho” 65th Anniversary Screening: The American Cinematheque celebrates Alfred Hitchcock’s terrifying 1960 classic at the Aero Theatre.
- “Table 17”: Catch the West Coast premiere of Douglas Lyons’ rom-com at Geffen Playhouse’s Gil Cates Theater, a “comfort food” play described by the New York Times.
The Week Ahead: A Curated Calendar
- Friday: “Halloween” Screening at Vidiots
Relive John Carpenter’s 1978 horror classic and its chilling score at the Eagle Theatre. - Saturday: Día de Los Muertos Family Fest
The Wallis hosts a free celebration with story time, arts, crafts, altar-building workshops, face painting, and a dance performance by Pacifico Dance Company at The Wallis. - Saturday & Sunday: Faye Webster with Orchestra
The Atlanta-based singer-songwriter performs her indie-folk and alt-country hits with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at Walt Disney Concert Hall. - Monday: An Evening with Jeff Goldblum
Enjoy a conversation with the beloved actor, followed by a 4K screening of Robert Altman’s “Nashville” at the Academy Museum. - Tuesday: Moulin Rouge! The Musical
The Tony-winning jukebox spectacle, inspired by the 2001 film, continues its run at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.
Local Culture News You Might Have Missed
- A ‘Perfect’ Musical Mystery: A new musical, “Perfect World,” chronicles the story of child literary prodigy Barbara Follett, who disappeared at 25, now playing at the El Portal Theatre.
- Pasadena Playhouse Expands Education: The Pasadena Playhouse is ramping up its theater school, offering 14 classes to over 400 students per semester, from age 4 to 80s.
- LACMA Employees Unionize: Workers at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art announced the formation of LACMA United, representing over 300 staff members across all departments.
- “Guac” at Kirk Douglas Theatre: Manuel Oliver’s powerful one-man show, “Guac,” examines the life and death of his son, a victim of the Parkland shooting, turning grief into theatrical activism.
- New Theater Hollywood: This tiny but impactful venue on Theatre Row is creating an intricate support system for practitioners dedicated to original theatrical work.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was stolen in the Louvre heist?
Crown jewels worth nearly $102 million were stolen from the Louvre museum in Paris. - Which L.A. museums are highlighted in the “heist appeal” study?
The Getty Center (No. 4) and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) (No. 7) were listed in Action Network’s “Top 10 Museums Most Vulnerable to a Heist” study. - Are the stolen Louvre jewels recovered?
The article states that seven suspects have been detained, but it suggests the jewels themselves may never be seen again. - What kind of security does the Getty Center have?
The study describes the Getty Center as having “movie-worthy security” for its open vistas, bright courtyards, and art.
From pondering the security of our artistic treasures to immersing ourselves in groundbreaking performances and thought-provoking exhibitions, Los Angeles’s cultural landscape remains as dynamic as ever. Take advantage of the diverse offerings and explore what makes our city’s arts and culture scene truly unique this week.
Louvre Heist Puts L A Museums On Heist Appeal Radar
