Getty Center in LA to Undergo Major Renovation Closing in 2027

Getty Center to Undergo Major Overhaul, Temporarily Closing for a Year

The Getty Center in Brentwood is set to embark on a significant modernization project, resulting in the museum’s closure from March 15, 2027, to spring 2028. This announcement, made on Thursday, marks the most extensive redevelopment since the venue opened in 1997.

The planned enhancements aim to improve visitor experience, accessibility, and energy resilience across the museum’s expansive 110-acre campus. When the Getty Center reopens, just in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, enhancements will include:

• Revitalized galleries and new artist commissions.
• Upgrades to the tram system, a redesigned visitor arrival experience, and improved navigation support for better accessibility.
• Renovated Welcome Hall featuring a new café, bookstore, and retail space.
• Comprehensive improvements to buildings, public spaces, and utilities, including better cellphone service and Wi-Fi.

According to the Getty Center, early phases of the renovation have already commenced, with some galleries currently closed as teams work on upgrading the campus’s HVAC system.

“These upgrades will improve Getty’s energy efficiency and advance its broader sustainability commitments,” the press release stated, noting that the institution is aligning with best practices from other cultural organizations in Los Angeles and internationally.

Katherine E. Fleming, President and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming changes. “Getty is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Our mission has always been to make art accessible to our Los Angeles community and visitors from around the world. In the coming years, guided by our commitment to All for Art, we will enhance the visitor experience across the Getty Center campus through reimagined spaces and new offerings, while prioritizing sustainability.”

During the Getty Center’s closure, the Getty Villa, located on Pacific Coast Highway, will remain open to the public, offering exhibitions and events focused on Ancient Greek and Roman art. The villa will feature selected paintings from the Getty Center’s collection.

Additionally, the Getty Center plans to collaborate on programs with various partners across Los Angeles and beyond during the closure to ensure continued access to the arts. Planned initiatives include a new venue on Sepulveda Boulevard hosting special programs and a recently acquired property in Westwood, designated for housing scholarship programs.

Despite the upcoming closure, the Getty Center will continue to host a full schedule of programming until spring 2027.