Getty Center to Temporarily Close for Year-Long Upgrades Before 2028 Olympics
Getty Center to Undergo Major Renovation, Closing for One Year Starting March 2027
LOS ANGELES – The Getty Center, a prominent cultural institution in Los Angeles, will close for a year beginning March 15, 2027, to facilitate a significant modernization effort. This renovation aims to enhance visitor accessibility and sustainability ahead of the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics.
The J. Paul Getty Trust confirmed the closure, noting that it will extend until spring 2028. This upgrade is billed as the most extensive since the center’s opening in 1997.
Key improvements planned for the campus include redesigned gallery spaces, enhancements to the tram system, and renovations of the Welcome Hall, which will feature a new café, bookstore, and retail shop. The project also addresses crucial infrastructure needs, such as improved Wi-Fi and cell phone service, signaling a commitment to modern campus resiliency.
While the Getty Center is closed, the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades will remain accessible to the public, featuring a selection of the center’s renowned artworks. In addition, a new programming space is set to open on Sepulveda Boulevard across from the main campus, allowing the institution to maintain its connection with visitors during the renovation.
Katherine E. Fleming, President and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming changes, stating, "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." She emphasized the commitment to enhancing the visitor experience while prioritizing sustainability.
The timeline for the project includes some current gallery closures for heating and air conditioning maintenance. Following the official closure on March 15, 2027, the renovation will take place over the next year, with the Getty Villa remaining open throughout this period. The Getty Center is expected to reopen in the spring of 2028.
Art enthusiasts can visit the Getty Villa during the center’s closure, where a curated selection of paintings from the Getty Center’s collection will be displayed. The new venue on Sepulveda Boulevard will also host special programs and will remain a permanent feature of the Getty experience.
