Limited number of visitors permitted with free reservations
By Chad Winthrop
The Getty Center reopened to a limited number of visitors with free reservations on Tuesday, May 25, with specific one-way routes and other measures in place to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
“We are delighted to welcome visitors back to the iconic Getty Center, one of Los Angeles’ most visited cultural destinations,” said Timothy Potts, Maria Hummer-Tuttle and Robert Tuttle Director of the J. Paul Getty Museum. “As well as all the familiar highlights of the Museum’s collections, gardens, architecture, and vistas, we will be featuring our newly acquired painting of Lucretia by Artemisia Gentileschi, and special exhibits of photography and other media. With both the Villa and Center opening, the staff are excited to welcome visitors back to their Getty.”
In addition to Lucretia, by the most celebrated woman painter of 17th-century Italy, also on view are new exhibitions Photo Flux: Unshuttering L.A.; Power, Justice and Tyranny in the Middle Ages; Artist as Collectors; and Silk & Swan Feathers: A Luxurious 18th-Century Armchair.
In accordance with state and county COVID-19 guidelines, free advanced reservations will be required to visit the Getty Center. To avoid overcrowding, a limited number of reservations will be available each day. Galleries too small to accommodate social distancing will be closed, and paths through the galleries and gardens will be one-way.
While the Museum, grounds, store, and some food service options will be open, the Getty Library remains closed for now. Preparations are currently underway to reopen it when it is possible to do so.
“We are grateful for the support of the community, and glad that people have continued to engage with us online throughout this long year. My thanks also go to our staff, who have been hard at work preparing for a safe reopening,” said Jim Cuno, president and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust. “We hope to increase capacity in the coming weeks and months as we are able.”
Visitors will also have the opportunity to download the new Getty Guide app on their phones, either before visiting or while on site. The new Getty Guide app will safely enhance the visit experience, replacing shared guide devices. Visitors should remember to bring their own headphones. Download the app on Apple or Android phones.
In addition to limited numbers of visitors and one-way routes, these safety measures will be in place:
- Visitors and staff must wear face coverings
- Visitors and staff must maintain six feet distance (except within household groups)
- Visitors and staff displaying symptoms (coughing, sneezing, fever) will not be allowed to enter
- Staff are required to wash hands regularly; visitors are urged to do so as well
- Garden Terrace Cafe and Coffee Cart meals will be pre-packaged
- The Family Room remains closed
