Overview

Two prominent museums in Los Angeles County have announced significant closures for renovations in preparation for the 2028 Olympics. The La Brea Tar Pits museum will undergo a two-year closure, while the Getty Center will close for over a year.

The renovations aim to modernize facilities and enhance visitor experiences as the region anticipates a surge in tourism during the Olympic Games.

Key details

  • The La Brea Tar Pits museum will close starting July 6, 2025, for approximately two years.
  • It is expected to reopen sometime in 2028.
  • The renovations at La Brea Tar Pits include a comprehensive overhaul of its 13-acre campus.
  • The George C. Page Museum, which opened in 1977, will be modernized during this period.
  • Lori Bettison-Varga, president and director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, stated this is the largest capital investment in the institution's history.
  • The Getty Center will close to the public on March 15, 2027.
  • The Getty Center is scheduled to reopen in spring 2028.
  • Renovations at the Getty Center will include upgrades to gallery spaces and the tram system.
  • Improvements will also be made to the Welcome Hall and other areas across the hilltop campus.
  • Katherine E. Fleming, president and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust, emphasized the commitment to enhancing visitor experience and sustainability.
  • Both museums are not directly affiliated with each other.
  • The 2028 Olympics is expected to attract around 15 million visitors to the Southland.

Context

The planned renovations at these museums reflect a broader effort to prepare Los Angeles for the influx of visitors expected during the upcoming Olympic Games, highlighting the city's commitment to cultural accessibility and sustainability.

What happens next

As the closures approach, both museums will likely provide additional information regarding specific renovation plans and timelines, as well as updates on the reopening schedules.

What we don't know yet

Details on the specific renovation features and costs for both museums have not been confirmed.