Full Breakdown
Getty Center and La Brea Tar Pits Undergo Major Renovations Ahead of LA28 Olympics
4/11/2026, 1:51:23 AM
Getty Center's Extensive Modernization
The Getty Center in Brentwood, Los Angeles, will close for a year-long renovation starting March 15, 2027, marking its first major update since opening in 1997. The project, estimated to cost between $600 million and $800 million, aims to enhance visitor experience, accessibility, and energy efficiency across the 110-acre campus. Key upgrades will include reimagined gallery spaces, improvements to the tram system, a renovated Welcome Hall featuring a new café and bookstore, and enhanced Wi-Fi and cellular services. The Getty Center is scheduled to reopen in spring 2028, just in time for the LA28 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Katherine E. Fleming, president and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust, stated, “Getty is embarking on an exciting new chapter... We will enhance the visitor experience across the Getty Center campus through reimagined spaces and new offerings, while prioritizing sustainability.” During the renovation, the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades will remain open, showcasing a selection of paintings from the Getty Center’s collection.
La Brea Tar Pits Museum Renovation
Simultaneously, the George C. Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits will undergo its first renovation since its opening in 1977. The museum will close on July 6, 2026, for approximately two years, with plans to reopen in summer 2028. The renovation is part of a broader $240 million fundraising effort, with over $131 million already raised. Lori Bettison-Varga, president and director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “This is the largest capital investment in NHM's history... Our responsibility is not only to preserve the fossils in our care but to ensure that the knowledge they hold is accessible to all.”
The overhaul will modernize the museum's facilities, including visible research laboratories, new collections storage, an immersive theater, and a roof terrace with views of the park. Educational programming will continue throughout the closure, with the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park offering related activities.
Broader Implications for Los Angeles
These renovations at the Getty Center and La Brea Tar Pits are part of a larger effort to prepare Los Angeles for the influx of visitors expected during the 2028 Olympics, which is projected to attract around 15 million tourists. The upgrades aim to enhance the cultural experience and ensure that these iconic institutions can accommodate increased visitor traffic while maintaining high standards of accessibility and sustainability.
Official Statements & Responses
The Getty Center and La Brea Tar Pits have both expressed their commitment to improving visitor experiences. Fleming noted the importance of making art accessible to the community, while Bettison-Varga highlighted the collaborative efforts of civic and philanthropic partners in the renovation projects.
What's Next
As the renovations progress, both institutions will continue to engage with the public. The Getty Center will open a new programming space on Sepulveda Boulevard during its closure, and the Getty Villa will host exhibitions and events to maintain visitor engagement. The La Brea Tar Pits will also offer educational programs related to Ice Age research throughout its renovation period.
