The Getty: The Place for Inspiration and Art Exploration

July 29, 2021

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By 

Germaine Dilay

The Getty Center is one of the most beautiful museums in the world, and a home to some of most dynamic organizations like the Getty Foundation and the Getty Research Institute.

The making of its structure started in the early 50s when the art collector and businessman, J Paul Getty, built his ranch house in Malibu into an art exhibit that grew to a roman villa inspired structure. Getty, known for his success in oil business, was also the richest man in the world in the 1950s to 60s. Upon his death, he bequeathed his estate to the museum – paving way to its limitless growth in the hands of artists and conservators. Because of the rapid growth of his collection at the Getty Villa, the Getty Center was then put under construction for a period of 13 years at its second location at Los Angeles. It was then designed by Richard Meier, an American abstract artist and architect, known for his classic modernist style through his use of geometry, open space, and lighting.

Featured in one of the sections of the museum, the J. Paul Getty legacy continued to be enlivened by the structures that hold the artwork of various artists throughout history including past and emerging artworks. It is Getty Center’s mission to advance and share the world’s visual art and cultural heritage for everyone across the world. It devoted its resources and efforts to the enhancement of what’s known as the “mutual art dialogue.” In the process, the Getty has invested in the presentation, conservation, and interpretation of the art from Los Angeles City and the rest of the world through the efforts coming from constituent programs. Admission is free, promoting a greater opportunity for understanding and appreciating visual arts.

The art collection at the Getty comprises of Greek, roman, and Etruscan Art; European art including paintings, drawings, sculpture, decorative artwork, manuscripts, and international photography. The getty aims to inspire the curiosity of viewers about visual arts by exploring different ways of interacting with them through public programs and events. Art appreciation is a two-way dialogue with the viewer being invited to speak to the art and give his/her thoughts and insights, as the art speaks back to them. This is the reason why the museum continues to evolve and entice viewers to revisit; there is always some new to learn. Just when you thought you’ve seen it all, the Getty opens its door to new exhibits with some being shared for the first time ever outside its home country.

The exhibition process was also a thorough and multi-faceted process that requires the participation of multiple departments of the museum. Every gallery is scaled down for proper visualization of art placement and spacing. (one inch scale model) Every detail is discussed including which pieces go next to each other, as well as the overall color of the gallery. The life of the structure lies on the team of artists that push the legacy forward – by constantly striving to elevate visual art preservation and exploration experience.

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