Getty Center Closing For A Year For Modernization Project

The iconic Los Angeles museum will undergo its most significant renovations since opening in 1997.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:49am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring the distinctive geometric forms and angular lines of the Getty Center's modernist architecture, repeated in a grid pattern and rendered in a neon color palette that evokes the energy of a pop art masterpiece.The Getty Center's iconic architecture will undergo a major modernization project, transforming the museum into a bold, pop art statement ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.Los Angeles Today

The Getty Center in Los Angeles will close to the public starting March 15, 2027 for a year-long modernization project that will include enhancements to gallery spaces, the tram system, the Welcome Hall, and cell/Wi-Fi service. The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades will remain open during this time, and some paintings from the Getty Center will be temporarily displayed there.

Why it matters

The Getty Center is one of Los Angeles' most prominent art museums, drawing millions of visitors annually to see its renowned collection and iconic Richard Meier-designed architecture. This major renovation project aims to modernize and improve the visitor experience at the museum ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in LA.

The details

The modernization project will include reimagined gallery spaces, improvements to the tram system, a renovated Welcome Hall with a new cafe, bookstore and retail shop, and enhanced cell phone and Wi-Fi service. Some improvement projects are already underway, with certain galleries being closed to accommodate work on the heating and air conditioning system. During the year-long closure, the Getty will open a programming space on Sepulveda Boulevard across from the main center.

  • The Getty Center will close to the public on March 15, 2027.
  • The Getty Center is expected to reopen in spring 2028, in time to celebrate the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

The players

The Getty Center

An art museum in Los Angeles, California, designed by architect Richard Meier and opened in 1997.

Katherine E. Fleming

The president and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust, which oversees the Getty Center and Getty Villa.

The Getty Villa

A museum in Pacific Palisades, California, that is the other major site operated by the J. Paul Getty Trust.

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What they’re saying

“We look forward to welcoming visitors back in spring 2028, in time to celebrate the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.”

— Katherine E. Fleming, President and CEO, J. Paul Getty Trust

What’s next

The Getty Center will remain closed to the public from March 15, 2027 until its expected reopening in spring 2028, in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

This major renovation project at the iconic Getty Center in Los Angeles represents an opportunity to modernize and enhance one of the city's premier art institutions ahead of a global event that will bring increased tourism and attention to the region.