MOVIES - Nov. 2, 1988

After three years of on-again, off-again news, it now appears official that a Hollywood-themed museum will join the American Cinematheque in a $300 million retail project under construction next to Mann’s Chinese Theater. At a press conference Tuesday, organizers of the Hollywood Exposition said the museum’s first phase, costing $18.4 million, will open in 1992. In case anyone is confused about which show-biz depository is which, Deborah Simon--leasing representative for the developer, Melvin Simon & Associates--explains that the Hollywood Exposition will display memorabilia and artifacts commemorating Hollywood’s past links to film, television and radio. The American Cinematheque, on the other hand, will be devoted to teachings about film, as well as exposing the public to innovative films and artists.