The Getty Center

LOS ANGELES—Since opening its doors in 1997, the Getty Center has welcomed more than 20 million visitors and become a cultural destination that has played a key role in helping Los Angeles become an important leader in the arts.

Envisioned in the early 1980s as a way to bring together the Getty’s programs, properly exhibit the collection which had outgrown its previous home in Pacific Palisades, and create an inspiring public setting

for the study and enjoyment of the visual arts, the Getty Center was designed by architect Richard Meier, and features the Central Garden created by artist Robert Irwin, as well as sweeping views of Los Angeles and the Pacific coast.

The Getty Center is home to the Getty Conservation Institute, Getty Foundation, J. Paul Getty Museum, and the Getty Research Institute. Together, these programs have conducted and funded research, conservation, and education programs locally, nationally, and internationally. Nearly one and a half million students, many from Title 1 schools, have augmented their arts education with visits to the Getty. And its exhibitions and public programs have given Los Angeles some of its most dramatic art experiences.