Celebrate the Villa with us; why modern buildings need saving; sculpted Egyptian portraits

How are we celebrating the Getty Villa’s 50th anniversary?

Glad you asked. We’re celebrating this milestone all year with a variety of activities that you can enjoy online, or amongst our galleries. We hope you’ll celebrate with us.

Join in on the fun

Modern architecture needs protecting, too!

At the dawn of the 20th century, a new world was under construction. Steel, glass, and concrete could be produced on a massive scale thanks to the industrial revolution, and urban development flourished, giving rise to the modern architecture movement. Although the 20th century might feel awfully recent, many important modern buildings are currently endangered, and maintaining and conserving them requires a complex array of skills. Last August, 26 modern heritage professionals visited Getty as part of CMAI’s International Course on the Conservation of Modern Heritage.

How the next generation is preserving newer gems of cultural heritage

Conserving Eden: Cranach’s Adam and Eve from the Norton Simon

Painting in a distinctive, sensuous style, Lucas Cranach the Elder (German, 1472–1553) interpreted biblical subjects with humorous insight and flair. His striking portrayals of Adam and Eve beneath the Tree of Knowledge are among the highlights of the Norton Simon Museum of Art in Pasadena, California. These captivating life-size paintings are presented for the first time at Getty following a multi-year conservation treatment and technical study.

Visit Adam and Eve at the Getty Center

Get tickets to a special discussion about the conservation of Adam and Eve

Sculpted Portraits from Ancient Egypt

Egypt’s 26th Dynasty (664–526 BCE) was a period of revival and renewal. It marks the last great phase of native pharaonic rule in ancient Egypt and is notable for its exceptional artworks, particularly stone sculpture. The achievements of Egyptian artists of this period are vividly expressed in the sculpted portraits of officials associated with the court and priesthood, which were created to be displayed in tombs and temples.

The works in this exhibition are on special loan from the British Museum, London.

See these stunning Egyptian treasures at the Getty Villa

Coming Soon: Drawing on Blue: European Drawings on Blue Paper, 1400s–1700s

Kindred Spirits: Duane Michals and Arthur Tress in Conversation

Sunday, January 28, 1:00 pm

Online only

The endearing rapport between photographers Duane Michals and Arthur Tress is deeply rooted in their distinct but individual approaches to the medium. What may have started as more of a mentor/mentee relationship evolved into a lifelong friendship between the two innovators. Hear them discuss their unique ways of picture-making and living and working as their authentic selves. 

Register for this free event

Getty Graduate Symposium

Friday, February 2, 9:45 am–6:00 pm
Getty Center, Museum Lecture Hall

The Getty Research Institute hosts the sixth annual Getty Graduate Symposium, which showcases the work of emerging scholars from art history graduate programs across California. Organized into three sessions, the symposium includes nine individual presentations, moderated panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with the audience.

Learn more and get free tickets to watch in person or on Zoom

Screening: Robert Irwin: A Desert of Pure Feeling

Saturday, February 10, 2:00–4:00 pm

Getty Center, Museum Lecture Hall

This feature length documentary (2022, dir. Jennifer Lane, 93 minutes) chronicles the life and times of internationally celebrated artist Robert Irwin, creator of the 134,000-square-foot Central Garden that lies at the heart of the Getty Center. Brian Houck, head of Getty Grounds and Gardens, and Jackie Flor, Getty horticulturist, will introduce the film and share insights into caretaking for Irwin’s living work of art.

Following the program, enjoy a light reception and take a stroll through the Central Garden.

Sign up for free tickets