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Photos: The Getty Center reopens to visitors for the first time in more than a year

A wreath honoring COVID-19 victims stands in the rotunda as visitors return to the Getty Center
A wreath honoring COVID-19 victims stands in the rotunda as visitors return to the Getty Center for the first time in more than a year.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Genaro Molina, of Photo stands for a portrait
By Genaro Molina
Staff Photographer Follow

The sprawling Getty Center museum campus in Brentwood reopened Tuesday at limited capacity.

“`We are delighted to welcome visitors back to the iconic Getty Center, one of Los Angeles’ most visited cultural destinations,” said Timothy Potts, the museum director.

To meet COVID-19 restrictions, reservations are required, with a limited number of spots offered each day. Some galleries that are too small to allow for social distancing will remain closed, and one-way pathways have been established in galleries and gardens.

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First visitors in more than a year

People walk toward the Getty entrance from the tram terminus
The first visitors to the Getty Center in over a year walk from the tram toward the galleries, courtyard and gardens.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Snapshots

Visitors take in a photo exhibit
Visitors take in a photo exhibit — “Photo Flux: Unshuttering LA” — as the Getty Center reopened for the first time in over a year.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Jennifer Conway takes a picture below a cascade of flowers in the Getty Center gardens.
Jennifer Conway takes a picture in the Getty Center gardens.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

One-way routes

Signs on the floor direct visitors on one-way path
Signs on the floor direct visitors on one-way routes to promote social distancing at the reopened Getty Center.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
A visitor walks on a paved terrace at the Getty Center
A visitor walks on a terrace at the Getty Center.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

City view

A visitor walks on a Getty Center sidewalk overlooking the 405 Freeway and Westside skyline
A visitor walks on a Getty Center sidewalk overlooking the 405 Freeway and Westside skyline.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
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Checking in

Bill Mitchell, right, takes a selfie with friends Ron and Malta Tasoff.
Bill Mitchell, right, takes a selfie with friends Ron and Malta Tasoff while visiting the Getty Center.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Two visitors walk past the sculpture "Air" by Aristide Maillol.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

A walk in the garden

Jennifer Conway, top, walks in the garden at the Getty Center.
Jennifer Conway walks in the garden at the Getty Center. Conway is studying horticulture and botany at UCLA.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

On further reflection

Visitors walking through the Getty Center are reflected in the panes of a window
Tickets were limited as the Getty Center reopened Tuesday.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Parting shot

A visitor takes a picture next to cactus gardens at the Getty Center.
A visitor takes a picture next to the cactus gardens at the Getty Center.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

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Genaro Molina

Genaro Molina is an award-winning staff photographer for the Los Angeles Times. He has worked in journalism for more than 35 years starting at the San Francisco Chronicle. Molina has photographed the life and death of Pope John Paul II, the tragedy of AIDS in Africa, the impact of Hurricane Katrina, and Cuba after Castro. His work has appeared in nine books and his photographs have been exhibited extensively including at the Smithsonian Institute and the Annenberg Space for Photography. He was part of the team that was a finalist for the 2026 Pulitzer Prize in Breaking News Photography.

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