One of Los Angeles’ most prized cultural landmarks, the Getty Villa, has been closed to the public due to the rapidly spreading Palisades Fire. Flames have been spotted near the museum, prompting swift action to protect the site. Aerial footage revealed the fire’s alarming proximity to the Getty Villa on Tuesday. The museum was closed to the public on Tuesday evening, cancelling all events. The fire, fueled by a major windstorm of up to 100mph, has prompted mass evacuations from parts of Santa Monica to the Palisades.
According to a statement issued today by the Getty Museum, the Villa and its staff were not harmed, and the Getty will remain closed through January 13. “Irrigation was immediately deployed throughout the grounds Tuesday morning,” the statement said. “Museum galleries and library archives were sealed off from smoke by state-of-the-art air handling systems. The double-walled construction of the galleries also provides significant protection for the collections.”
The Getty has extensively removed brush from the surrounding area as part of its fire mitigation efforts throughout the year,” authorities said. The museum staff assured the valuable collection is still there and safe. State-of-the-art air filtration systems effectively prevent smoke from infiltrating the archives and galleries.
The Palisades Fire has consumed nearly 3,000 acres in the area, destroying buildings and forcing evacuations across the area. Severe winds have exacerbated the blaze, threatening more than 10,000 households and 13,000 other structures, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said on Monday.
For those unfamiliar with the landmark, the Getty Villa is an educational institution celebrating ancient civilisations’ art and culture, including the Greeks and Romans. The villa is located along the scenic Pacific Palisades coastline and consists of antiquities dating back to 6,500 BC, beautifully maintained gardens and a library. It comprises over 44,000 antiquities. Here is a brief overview of what is housed at the Getty Villa: Sculptures: Marble and bronze statues of gods, heroes and athletes, including iconic works such as depictions of Aphrodite and Hermes. Exquisite vases and ceramics illustrate mythological scenes and daily life in ancient Greece. Jewellery and decorative arts: Intricate goldwork and personal adornments reflect the craftsmanship of ancient Greek artisans. Vibrant floor mosaics and wall paintings that bring Roman interiors to life. Portraiture: Busts and statues of emperors, philosophers, and other prominent figures of Roman society. Portraiture: Portraits of delicate male Roman glass vessels showcasing ancient techniques.
They also own many Etruscan treasures, including sarcophagi, urns, and grave goods, which provide insight into Etruscan beliefs about the afterlife. Metalwork: Tools, weapons and ceremonial objects crafted from bronze and other metals. A specialised collection of texts and research materials focusing on the ancient Mediterranean world accessible to scholars. Reconstructed spaces are reconstructed spaces that have been damaged and reconstructed.
The villa is part of the exhibit and is modelled after the ancient Roman Villa dei Papiri. Its gardens, fountains and peristyle courtyards evoke the ambience of a classic Roman estate. The Getty Villa offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore ancient Mediterranean civilisations’ art, history and daily lives in an immersive and architecturally stunning setting.
The Museum of Contemporary Art stated that both its Grand Avenue and Geffen Contemporary locations will be closed “due to the current wind conditions and devastating fires affecting the Los Angeles area”. The Broad Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Los Angeles County Museum of Art are also closed Friday (10 January).
Top Photo © P C Robinson Artlyst 2025