Architecture for the Masses: The Getty Center

When you think of an Art Museum, which ones pop into your mind? The Louvre in Paris? The Uffizi in Florence? Or perhaps MOMA in New York? They all have iconic architectural forms which attract visitors not only for the collections that they house, but also the structure that frames those very same masterpieces.

View of the Research Center from the Central Gardens

Recently I had the opportunity to visit a museum that wasn’t on my radar for art, but only for its architectural story and form. The Getty Museum is one that you might not think of when you first mention art museum, but I have since discovered that it is the wealthiest museum in the entire world and resides just outside of downtown Los Angeles, California. The museum is housed in a complex called the Getty Center. It’s perched atop a hill in Brentwood and its campus encompasses 24 acres with 5 buildings, gardens, restaurants and a tram to traverse the large site. Each building is connected not only by the plaza and the pedestrian oriented open space, but also interconnected below ground as well.  

Map of the Getty Center

Completed in 1997 the 1.3 billion dollar property took over ten years to build. It is free to visit and offers panoramic views of the city and opportunities to view impressionistic paintings from Van Gogh’s Irises (worth over 53 million) to modern photography exhibits. Designed by modern “starchitect” Richard Meier this project is his greatest masterpiece. As architects we understand and appreciate the coordination and time it takes to detail a building of this caliber. Meier carefully articulated each detail of the center, from the placement of the buildings in relationship to the site; to the alignments and species of the plantings for the landscaping. One of the unique details I discovered on my trip is the use of 30” x 30” or proportions thereof materials throughout the center. The 30x30 travertine tiles are carefully selected and aligned with the 30x30 baked enamel aluminum panels of the buildings themselves.

View of Central Gardens from Plaza Above

Looking toward the North end of the site to the circular helipad.

Whether you are a student of architecture, an art enthusiast, or just in search of fabulous view of the city; the Getty Center frames not only the way you view the art work, but offers a serene and cultivated interaction with nature.  

I spent an afternoon at the center and only skimmed the surface of what this impressive place can offer and what they contribute to the arts and research community. If you ever have the opportunity to visit the Los Angeles area head up the 405 with a friend (so you can ride in the HOV) to visit this gem!

For more on the Getty Museum follow this link.

Sharlee K. Van Tine, LEEP AP