The Getty Center in Los Angeles will close for a full year starting March 15, 2027, to undergo its first major renovation since opening in 1997. The "modernization initiatives" include updates to the galleries, a redesign of the Welcome Hall with a new café, and the replacement of the iconic tram system to increase passenger capacity. During the closure, the Getty Villa in Malibu will remain open and display highlights from the Center’s permanent collection, while additional programming will be held at a temporary space on Sepulveda Boulevard.
This renovation is strategically timed to ensure the museum is fully updated and operational before the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics arrive in Los Angeles. By upgrading infrastructure like HVAC systems and Wi-Fi alongside visitor amenities, the J. Paul Getty Trust aims to improve accessibility and sustainability for a global audience. The project represents a significant reinvestment in one of the world's wealthiest cultural institutions as it prepares for a new era of high-volume international tourism.