LOS ANGELES — The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is now open, honoring cinema and movie-making. The museum continues to introduce iconic TV shows and legendary actors to a new audience through the new restaurant Fanny's.

The space is connected to the museum lobby and features preserved photos of Fanny Brice, who is remembered for her game-changing comedy as Baby Snooks, glamorous appeal and inspiring the hit movie "Funny Girl."  

Wendy Stark marveled at the representation of her grandmother's life and career.

"I hope this will stimulate people to find out who she was and about that era of the beginning of filmmaking from radio into film," Stark said.

A casual lunch counter is in the front where guests can have a snack before or after their tour. But at night, diners will be greeted like a Hollywood star with high-end service and cinematic flair connected directly to the aesthetic of the museum.

Stark hopes this space speaks to a new generation. Her family is rooted in Hollywood history. Her dad, Ray Stark, is one of the most successful producers behind staples such as "West Side Story" and "Annie." The Fran and Ray Stark Foundation supports the museum.

"So, we are looking forward to having lots of people from all over come to the restaurant and have a little taste of the past," Stark said.

So, it was fitting that the museum's restaurant was named after Fanny Brice, but it wasn't a sure thing. Notable restaurateur of Republique and Bestia, Bill Chait, brought this restaurant to life with Stark but wasn't really sold on the name at first.  

"We kept going back and you were saying, 'Well, I don't know if that name's going to work.' But, I said, 'It's not negotiable.' And as it turned out, what do you say now?" Stark joked.

Chait responded, saying, "Now, we are building the whole restaurant around the name."

This inspired Chait to curate the space in honor of Fanny and match it with the classic Hollywood service like table-side salads, meats and even cheese plates brought on trolleys.

“An era that also is not only a Fanny era, because of 'Funny Girl,' but also is an important dining era," said Chait. "There's a person leading to the time, leading to the style."

Take a trip back to the early age of cinema at Fanny's, located at 6067 Wilshire Blvd., inside the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Dinner will be offered Wednesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., while lunch is available daily starting at 10 a.m.