The Getty Center, one of California’s most iconic art museums, will temporarily close for a year as part of a major modernization effort aimed at improving the visitor experience ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
The museum will close to the public on March 15, 2027, with plans to reopen in spring 2028.
“These upgrades will improve Getty’s energy efficiency and advance its broader sustainability commitments, including best practices related to collections environments that it has recently pledged to adopt alongside other Los Angeles and leading international cultural institutions,” the Center said in a statement.
A New Chapter for Getty
“Getty is embarking on an exciting new chapter,” said Katherine E. Fleming, president and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust.
She emphasized that the project aligns with Getty’s mission to make art more accessible while enhancing sustainability and preparing the campus for a global audience during the 2028 Games.
Scope of the Renovations
This marks the most significant upgrade to the Getty Center since it opened in 1997. Planned improvements include:
- Revitalized galleries with updated exhibitions and new artist commissions
- Enhanced visitor experiences connecting art, architecture, and nature
- Improved accessibility, including upgrades to the tram system and wayfinding
- Renovation of the Welcome Hall, featuring new retail and café spaces
- Campus-wide upgrades, including better Wi-Fi, cell service, and infrastructure
- Sustainability improvements, such as energy-efficient HVAC systems
Some work is already underway, including air conditioning replacements, gallery refurbishments, improved signage, and construction of new restrooms.
Getty Villa to Remain Open
While the Getty Center undergoes renovations, the Getty Villa will remain open.
Visitors can continue to explore exhibitions, public programs, and collections focused on ancient Greek and Roman art. The Villa will also introduce new offerings, including displays featuring select works typically housed at the Getty Center.
Continued Programs and Community Engagement
During the closure, Getty will:
- Collaborate with partners across Los Angeles and globally
- Launch a new programming space on Sepulveda Boulevard
- Expand scholar housing with a newly acquired property in Westwood
- Continue supporting artists and cultural initiatives worldwide
Upcoming Events Before Closure
Through early 2027, the Getty Center will maintain a full schedule of exhibitions and events, including:
- “Off the 405” summer concert series
- “Garden Concerts for Kids”
- New exhibitions featuring Mexican photographers and British painter Joseph Wright of Derby
- A special installation of Portrait of Mai by Joshua Reynolds (opening September 15, 2026)
Looking Ahead
When the Getty Center reopens in spring 2028, visitors can expect a more accessible, sustainable, and dynamic campus. Plus, it will be timed to welcome an international audience during one of Los Angeles’ biggest global moments.
As these modernization efforts unfold, follow along with the latest updates and announcements on the Getty website.
