The Getty Center closing is now confirmed: the Los Angeles museum will shut its doors to the public on March 15, 2027, for a year-long, $600–800 million modernization.
Here’s exactly what’s happening, and how to plan your visit before it closes.
- The Getty Center closes to the public on March 15, 2027, and reopens in spring 2028.
- It is the first major renovation since the Richard Meier-designed campus opened in 1997.
- The $600–800 million project covers a new tram, revitalized galleries, and a renovated Welcome Hall.
- The Getty Center is open normally right now; there is still time to visit before the closure.
- The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades stays open throughout, with a selection of Getty Center paintings moving there.
Why the Getty Center Is Closing
The Getty Center is closing for its most significant modernization since the campus opened in 1997.
The Getty Center renovation targets an aging tram system, visitor flow, and accessibility across the hilltop site.
| What’s changing | Details |
|---|---|
| New tram system | Higher capacity and updated technology, cutting wait times for the ride up the hill. |
| Revitalized galleries | Reimagined display spaces plus new artist commissions across the campus. |
| Renovated Welcome Hall | A new cafe and bookstore at the top of the hill. |
| Wider upgrades | Improved parking, wireless connectivity, and energy efficiency across the site. |
What’s Still Open There?
The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades remains open as normal throughout the Getty Center’s closure. A selection of paintings normally on view at the Center will move to the Villa for the duration.
Also worth knowing: the nearby La Brea Tar Pits’ Page Museum began its own, separate two-year closure on July 6, 2026. That is a different institution undergoing its own renovation ahead of the 2028 Olympics — it is not connected to the Getty Center’s closure.
Getty Center Closing Timeline: Key Dates
Three dates matter for anyone planning a visit before the Getty Center’s 2027 closure.
The closure was first announced on April 9, 2026, by Getty leadership.
At the time, it was described as the most significant modernization effort since the Center’s 1997 opening.
What to See at the Getty Center Before It Closes
Plenty of things to do in Los Angeles revolve around the Getty Center itself, so use the time before the Getty Center closing to see it properly.
| Highlight | Why it’s worth seeing |
|---|---|
| The architecture | Richard Meier’s travertine-clad buildings and curved walkways, best appreciated on foot. |
| The Central Garden | Artist Robert Irwin’s living sculpture, a signature Getty Center feature. |
| The permanent collection | European paintings, drawings, sculpture, and photography spanning centuries. |
| The tram ride | The current tram is part of the experience and is being replaced during the renovation. |
| The view | A hilltop panorama over Los Angeles and out to the Pacific, especially at sunset. |
How to Plan Your Visit Before March 2027
Admission to the Getty Center is free, but every visitor needs a timed-entry reservation booked online in advance.
Walk-in entry is not guaranteed, especially as the closure date approaches and visits pick up.
- Reserve your timed entry online before you travel, ideally a few weeks ahead.
- Check the opening days: the Getty Center is open Tuesday to Sunday, closed Monday, with extended hours on Saturday.
- Budget for parking: as of this writing it’s $25 per car, dropping to $15 after 3pm and $10 after 6pm (free on Saturdays after 6pm) — rates can change, so check getty.edu before you go.
- Book your Los Angeles flights early if you are planning a trip around the closure date, since demand for a final visit tends to build closer to March 2027.
- Pick where to stay: hotels in Los Angeles around Brentwood or Bel-Air sit closest to the Getty Center’s tram entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Getty Center closed right now?
No. The Getty Center is open on its normal schedule as of writing. The closure begins March 15, 2027, so there is still time to plan a visit.
Why is the Getty Center closing?
For its first major modernization since the campus opened in 1997. The $600–800 million project covers a new tram system, revitalized galleries, and a renovated Welcome Hall.
How long will the Getty Center be closed?
About a year. The closure runs from March 15, 2027 to spring 2028, when the Center reopens ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics.
Can I still visit a Getty museum during the closure?
Yes. The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades stays open as normal, and it will display a selection of paintings usually shown at the Getty Center.
Do I need a reservation to visit the Getty Center?
Yes. Admission is free, but every visitor needs a timed-entry reservation booked online in advance, since walk-ins are not guaranteed.
Is the Getty Center closure connected to the La Brea Tar Pits closure?
No. They are separate institutions on separate timelines. The La Brea Tar Pits’ Page Museum began its own two-year closure on July 6, 2026, ahead of the same 2028 Olympics.
Plan Your Los Angeles Trip Now
The window to see the Getty Center before its year-long closure keeps shrinking, so it is worth building it into a Los Angeles trip soon.
Compare flights and hotels on Wego to lock in your dates while the museum is still fully open.
Sources
- Getty — Getty Announces Major Modernization Efforts to Enhance Visitor Experience, Accessibility, and Energy Resilience
- Engineering News-Record — Getty Center to Close a Year For First Renovation in Three Decades
- The Art Newspaper — Getty Center Will Close for a Year to Undergo Major Renovations
- AOL Entertainment — Getty Center Will Close for Renovations, Eyeing a Reopening Ahead of 2028 Olympics
- Getty — Visit the Getty Center (hours, admission, and parking)
- Beverly Press & Park Labrea News — La Brea Tar Pits Closes in July for Two-Year Transformational Project
Disclaimer: We’ve worked hard to make sure the information in this article is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publishing. Travel details such as prices, schedules, visa rules, and entry requirements can change at short notice, so it remains your responsibility to verify the current details with official sources before you book or travel. Wego accepts no liability for any loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this content.
