Despite the destruction caused by wildfires in Los Angeles, the Getty Museum stands as a symbol of strength and readiness. Flames approached within six feet of the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, yet both the villa and the Getty Center in Brentwood remain unharmed, with their priceless collections intact. The narrative of how the Getty endured the assault involves careful planning, innovative design, and an unwavering commitment to preservation.
The Wall Street Journal has a fascinating article describing the Getty Museum’s defenses against fire.
Designed by architect Richard Meier, the Getty Center features creamy travertine-clad walls, expansive plazas, and crushed rock roofs, all selected with fire resistance in mind. At the Getty Villa, fire-resistant concrete walls, tile roofs, and a sophisticated sprinkler system have protected the structure since its opening in 1974.
Beyond architecture, low-ignition plants like acacia shrubs and oak trees, pruned of low-hanging branches, frame both campuses. Groundskeepers rotate irrigation sprinklers to keep the grass and plants moist, which is crucial during wildfire warnings. These sprinklers are connected to municipal water lines but can also draw from the Getty’s million-gallon water tank or the villa’s 50,000-gallon reserve in emergencies.
You Can Read More Here: https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/fine-art/getty-museum-los-angeles-fires-villa-center-1f600dae
