As wildfires threaten the Getty Center, its safety measures for art face a crucial test

But now, with the Palisades wildfire nearby and an evacuation order for Brentwood, the Getty’s safety claims are being put to the test. Katherine Fleming, the Getty Trust’s president, reassured everyone that the galleries are safe.
Still, after a close call at the Getty Villa in Malibu, staff are keeping a close eye on the situation. They have no plans to evacuate the art or personnel, believing they’re already in the safest spot.
A 2019 article highlighted the careful planning that went into the Getty’s construction, with fire safety in mind. The buildings are surrounded by open space and drought-resistant plants, designed to act as a fire buffer.
Getty’s director of facilities, Mike Rogers, emphasized that fire safety is part of their culture. Inside, the walls are made of reinforced concrete, and there are sprinklers everywhere, although they’re a last resort due to the art’s fragility.
The design includes fire separations to prevent flames from spreading. Rogers feels confident in the building’s safety, stating it was well thought-out and maintained.
Fleming mentioned that all staff at the Getty Villa stayed on-site during the fire threat, and some luck and pre-emptive actions helped keep the situation under control.