Los Angeles Fires Challenge Getty’s Claim as Safest Art Storage
The Getty Center’s fire safety is under scrutiny as nearby wildfires threaten its priceless art collection
Los Angeles, Getty Center, Wildfires, Art Safety, California
Los Angeles: The Getty Center is known for housing some incredible art pieces, like Van Gogh’s Irises and a stunning Rembrandt. It’s a treasure trove of art spanning over seven centuries.
Built in 1997, the Getty Center was designed with fire safety in mind. It features fire-resistant materials and is surrounded by well-watered landscaping to help keep flames at bay.
But now, with the Palisades wildfire raging nearby and an evacuation order for Brentwood, the Getty’s reputation for being the safest place for art is really being put to the test.
Despite the chaos, Getty’s president, Katherine Fleming, reassured everyone that the galleries are safe. She made a statement saying they’re well protected.
Still, staff at the Getty Villa, about 10 miles away, are keeping a close eye on things after a close call last week. They’re staying vigilant, even if they’re not planning to evacuate the artwork just yet.
Fleming mentioned that they believe the art is already in the safest place possible. A 2019 article highlighted how the museum was built with safety in mind, using materials and designs specifically for fire protection.
The buildings are surrounded by open spaces to act as a fire buffer, and they’ve planted drought-resistant plants to minimize fire risk. They even have a comprehensive irrigation system to help stop flames from spreading.
Mike Rogers, the director of facilities, emphasized that fire safety is part of their culture at Getty. They’re always thinking about emergency planning.
Inside, the buildings are made of reinforced concrete and fire-protected steel, with roofs designed to withstand heat. They have a million-gallon sprinkler system, but they’d only use it as a last resort to protect the delicate art.
Instead, they focus on containment, with fire separations to keep flames from spreading. Rogers confidently stated that if a fire starts, it won’t be able to travel far.
He believes the Getty Center is a well-thought-out and carefully maintained facility, making them feel safe. Fleming also shared that all staff at the Getty Villa stayed on-site during the fire threat, and they got lucky in some ways.
She noted that proactive measures, like trimming landscaping and clearing brush, helped prevent a disaster.