Getty to Appeal Ruling That Barred Addition of Theater

The J. Paul Getty Trust said Wednesday that it will appeal a ruling made last month by a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, halting a $150-million expansion and renovation of the Getty Villa museum near Malibu.

Trust officials say that Judge Dzintra Janavs’ ruling “invalidated the city’s approval process” of the Roman-style Villa and its proposed 450-seat outdoor theater.

Janavs said in her ruling that the museum, which is in an agricultural zone, was not zoned for an outdoor theater.

Getty attorney Donald Baker said in a prepared statement, “In light of the unanimous approvals received from the Los Angeles Planning Commission and the Los Angeles City Council that the theater was not only appropriate use but one compatible with the surrounding neighborhood, we have decided that an appellate review of Judge Janavs’ decision is now in order.”

The city had used a statement of “overriding considerations” to proceed with renovations, trust officials said.

The theater would integrate the museum’s collection of Greek and Roman antiquities with outdoor classical drama and musical performances. The Getty Villa, which was built in 1974 and closed in 1997 for renovations, has had continued interior remodeling permitted under the old permit.