Getty Center Announces Major Campus Renovation with Gehry Partners and WHY Architecture

The Getty Center in Los Angeles has announced a comprehensive campus renovation project, entrusting key design aspects to Gehry Partners, WHY Architecture, and OLIN. The renovation aims to modernize the museum’s facilities and enhance the visitor experience, with a focus on upgrading the tram system and entrance areas.

Upgrading the Tram System
A central element of the renovation is the replacement of the Getty Center’s tram system, which has been transporting visitors since the museum opened in 1997. The updated system, manufactured by Doppelmayr, is designed to increase capacity and reduce wait times for the 1.4 million annual visitors.

Gehry Partners and the Lower Tram Plaza

Gehry Partners is spearheading the redesign of the arrival and parking area, known as the Lower Tram. Renderings reveal a new structure featuring a fan-like glass roof that provides natural light over the plaza where visitors queue for the tram. The design aims to create a more welcoming and efficient entry point to the Getty Center.

Landscaping and Art Installations by OLIN

OLIN is responsible for the landscaping surrounding the Gehry Partners-designed Lower Tram structure. The plans include new plantings and the installation of sculptures and other art commissions, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the arrival area.

Welcome Hall by WHY Architecture

Upon disembarking the tram, visitors will enter a new Welcome Hall designed by WHY Architecture. This lobby space will feature improved signage to guide visitors through the campus. A new cafe lined with wooden shelves and a bookstore will also be located in this area, providing additional amenities.

HVAC and Sustainability Improvements

In addition to the tram and entrance upgrades, the Getty Center’s renovation will include improvements to the HVAC system. Further details regarding energy and sustainability enhancements are expected to be released at a later date.

Temporary Closure and Project Timeline

The Getty Center will temporarily close to the public starting March 15, 2027, to facilitate the construction. The reopening is scheduled for spring 2028. The estimated cost of the renovation project ranges between $600 and $800 million.

Datos clave
| Aspecto | Detalle |
|—|—|
| Diseñadores clave | Gehry Partners, WHY Architecture, OLIN |
| Costo estimado | $600-800 millones |
| Cierre temporal | Marzo 15, 2027 |
| Reapertura planificada | Primavera 2028 |

The renovation of the Getty Center signifies a major investment in the museum’s infrastructure, aiming to improve visitor experience and operational efficiency. For architecture enthusiasts and cultural visitors, the redesigned spaces by Gehry Partners, WHY Architecture, and OLIN promise to blend innovative design with the Getty Center’s existing architectural legacy.

Fuente: The Architect’s Newspaper, https://www.archpaper.com/2026/05/getty-center-campus-renovation/

Datos clave