20th Nov 2007: The Getty Center in Los Angeles California

/Home

› › The Getty Center

The Getty Center in Los Angeles traces its origins to a small museum that J. Paul Getty opened in 1954 at his residence in Pacific Palisades. In 1974, the Getty Villa—modeled after ancient Roman architecture—was opened and became a dedicated venue for the display of classical art.

Later, in response to the growing scale of its collection and research activities, the Getty Trust acquired a 110‑acre site in the Santa Monica Mountains in 1982 and selected architect Richard Meier to design a new facility. After approximately thirteen years of construction, the Getty Center opened to the public on December 16, 1997, functioning as an integrated cultural complex that includes a museum, research institute, and conservation institute.

Inside the museum, visitors can enjoy an extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, and photography, with Vincent van Gogh’s Irises being one of its most celebrated works.

The Center is distinguished by its bright, white, travertine‑stone architecture inspired by ancient Rome, as well as its central garden, which once featured plants such as papyrus—the raw material historically used for paper. Upon entering the museum, one may feel as though they have stepped into ancient Rome itself.

Situated atop a hill with sweeping panoramic views of Los Angeles, the Getty Center has earned high acclaim worldwide as one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks.