Getty Research Institute

Overview

The Getty Research Institute (GRI), nestled within the iconic Getty Center in Los Angeles, United States, stands as a premier international hub dedicated to advancing and sharing knowledge of the visual arts. It functions as a vital program of the J. Paul Getty Trust, an organization established by oil magnate J. Paul Getty to foster cultural enrichment.

Far more than a conventional library, the GRI is a dynamic center that cultivates advanced scholarship, maintains an expansive research library, organizes engaging exhibitions, and supports a vibrant residential scholars program. It also plays a significant role in publishing books and developing electronic databases that serve art historians, curators, and the interested public worldwide.

History & Cultural Background

The Getty Research Institute's journey began in 1983 when it was first conceived as the 'Getty Center for the History of Art and the Humanities'. Its inaugural director, Kurt W. Forster, took the helm in 1985, originally operating from a Santa Monica location. The institution's library experienced remarkable growth during its early years, expanding from 30,000 volumes in 1983 to an impressive 450,000 by 1986.

Over the years, the institute evolved, undergoing a name change to the 'Getty Research Institute for the History of Art and the Humanities' by 1996, before being formally known as the 'Getty Research Institute' by 1999. This period of transformation also saw the GRI absorb many functions of the Getty Information Institute, further solidifying its role as a leading research entity. Today, it continues to honor the philanthropic vision of J. Paul Getty, who founded the overarching Getty Trust in 1953 with a mission to preserve and expand access to art and cultural heritage.

What Makes It Special

The Getty Research Institute is distinguished by its extraordinary resources and its commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry into the visual arts. Its research library boasts over 1 million volumes, encompassing books, periodicals, and auction catalogs, alongside an astonishing two million photographs related to art and architecture.

Among its most treasured assets are the special collections, which house rare and unique primary source materials spanning from the 15th century to the present. These include rare books, prints, photographs, manuscripts, and the archives of notable artists, architects, and art dealers. Significant archival holdings include those of American sculptor Malvina Hoffman, influential curator Harald Szeemann, groundbreaking architect Frank Gehry, and the provocative feminist art collective Guerrilla Girls.

Beyond physical collections, the GRI is at the forefront of digital humanities, developing essential tools like the Getty Vocabulary Program (including the Art & Architecture Thesaurus and Union List of Artist Names) and the Getty Provenance Index. It also offers the Getty Research Portal, providing free access to digitized art history texts. The institute's residential scholars program is another unique feature, annually inviting scholars, artists, and cultural figures globally to engage with its collections and contribute to its research themes.

Architecturally, the GRI is an integral part of the Getty Center, designed by Richard Meier. The circular building of the Research Institute stands out within the complex, which itself is renowned for its use of travertine stone (sourced from the same quarries as Rome's Colosseum) and panoramic views of Los Angeles.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

A visit to the Getty Center, and by extension the Getty Research Institute, begins with an enchanting journey. Guests ascend a hill via a unique three-car, cable-pulled hovertrain people mover, offering initial glimpses of the stunning complex and its surroundings. The site's distinctive travertine facades tell a story of ancient Rome, as the stone was quarried from the same source used for iconic structures like the Roman Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain.

Within the GRI's special collections are fascinating pieces of history, such as a hand-colored scroll dating back to 1530 depicting Charles V's coronation, original etchings from Giovanni Battista Piranesi's 'Prisons' series, and Paul Gauguin's first full manuscript draft of 'Noa Noa'. You can even find the key to Rodin's studio, once belonging to his student Malvina Hoffman. The Getty Center's Central Garden, a living artwork designed by Robert Irwin, is often described as 'a sculpture in the form of a garden', inviting contemplation and wonder.

Visitor Perspective

For a curious traveler, visiting the Getty Research Institute offers a unique experience within the grandeur of the Getty Center. While admission to the Getty Center is free, a parking fee applies, though options like ride-sharing or public transportation can bypass this cost.

The Getty Research Library generously extends its privileges to any visitor interested in consulting its vast collection, providing a quiet space for study and exploration, though materials do not circulate outside the library. Public exhibitions are regularly hosted by the GRI, showcasing items from its extraordinary collections and scholarly pursuits. These exhibitions provide an accessible window into the institute's profound work, even for those not engaged in formal research.

Beyond the institute itself, visitors can immerse themselves in the Getty Center's breathtaking architecture, stroll through its meticulously designed gardens, and take in the unparalleled panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. Free daily tours focusing on the architecture and gardens are also available, enhancing the visitor's understanding and appreciation of this remarkable cultural landmark.