From New Museums To Metro Extensions: These Are The Most Exciting Developments In L.A. This 2026

L.A. is a city that never sits still, and 2026 is shaping up to be another year of big, bold moves. From groundbreaking museums and cutting-edge wildlife infrastructure, the city is set to transform in ways that touch art, nature, transportation, and even your taste buds. Here’s a look at the most exciting projects on the horizon... Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Planned to become [the world’s biggest wildlife crossing,](https://secretlosangeles.com/worlds-largest-wildlife-crossing-plants/) this unique infrastructure is scheduled to be completed over the US‐101 Freeway in Agoura Hills, by late 2026. Named after the late philanthropist who supported numerous L.A. institutions, the crossing will provide a safe passage for mountain lions and other wildlife across the busy highway that cuts through the Santa Susana and Santa Monica Mountains. Lucas Museum of Narrative Art ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After seven years of planning, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is scheduled to open on September 22, 2026, in Exposition Park. The $1-billion project from filmmaker George Lucas spans 300,000 square feet and features a design reminiscent of a Star Wars prequel-era spaceship. New landscaped gardens will accompany the museum, bringing additional greenery to a public park that has historically lacked open space. SB 79 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The highly anticipated and celebrated SB 79 is set to take effect in mid-2026, though its impact will vary by location. The housing bill includes several exceptions, applying primarily in smaller urban areas, on sites vulnerable to climate change, on historic properties, or in designated “low resource areas”. David Geffen Galleries at the LACMA --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under construction since 2020, the David Geffen Galleries, LACMA’s eastern campus replacement, is set to open in April 2026. Peter Zumthor’s amoeba-shaped design houses shops and restaurants on the ground floor, with a single gallery floor. LAX people mover ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally scheduled to open in 2023, its launch has been delayed multiple times, with completion now anticipated for mid-2026, just ahead of the World Cup. In a cautionary move, Los Angeles World Airports is preparing contingency plans in case that timeline slips. The development will feature a large consolidated rental car facility, two ground transportation hubs, and a direct link to the LAX/Metro Transit Center. Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Glendale Central Park, the Armenian American Museum is scheduled for completion in late 2026. The museum will feature a permanent exhibition on the Armenian Genocide and is distinguished by a steel exterior inspired by rock formations in the Armenian Highlands. Following its opening, Glendale Central Park will undergo an expansion, removing a surface parking lot to accommodate the museum’s footprint. Fast & Furious roller coaster ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Universal Studios Hollywood is set to debut its first outdoor roller coaster, [Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.](https://secretlosangeles.com/attractions-for-movie-lovers-in-la/) True to its name, the ride’s Dodge Charger–inspired cars emulate the iconic drifting maneuvers of Dominic Toretto as they navigate the track’s curves. The coaster promises an exhilarating experience, reaching speeds of up to 72 mph. While an exact opening date has not been announced, it is expected to launch sometime in 2026. LAX roadway access -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The project started back in 2024 aiming to streamline traffic into the airport’s central terminal area. The plan includes roughly four miles of new roadway and involves relocating LAX signage along with the airport’s iconic pylon light sculpture. This realignment is part of a broader initiative that also envisions a new Terminal 9 and an expansion of Terminal 1, though those components have been delayed due to slower passenger growth following the pandemic. [D Line extension](https://secretlosangeles.com/la-transit-projects-olympics/) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The first phase of construction, spanning from Wilshire/Western Station in Koreatown to Wilshire/La Cienega Station in Beverly Hills, is currently scheduled to open by March 2026. This timing suggests that both phases one and two could be completed within the same year, with phase two extending to Century City, including an intermediate stop near Rodeo Drive, expected by spring 2026. Noma restaurant --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Named the world’s best restaurant on multiple occasions, a lot remains uncertain about Noma’s planned L.A. residency, but the announcement itself is a game changer for the local food scene. René Redzepi’s three-Michelin-starred Copenhagen restaurant is set to operate in the city in 2026, but details about location, prizes and menu, are yet to be determined. Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/los-angeles-developments-2026/