The Getty Center, a world-renowned art museum in Los Angeles, has been placed in the mandatory evacuation zone due to the rapidly spreading Palisades fire. The museum’s chief executive, Katherine E. Fleming, assured that its galleries are safe and protected.
Located on a hilltop, the Getty Center boasts an impressive collection of masterpieces from the 1400s, including works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Monet. Its sister museum, the Getty Villa, has also been threatened by the fire throughout the week.
The Getty Center’s design features fire-resistant materials, such as stone, concrete, and steel, to slow down the spread of fire. The building’s roofs are covered with fire-resistant aggregate, and it has automatic fire doors that can trap fires in sealed-off areas.
Fleming stated that “aside from a few hot spots,” the Getty Villa remains stable. The museum’s air system is designed to maintain pressure flow, preventing smoke from entering the building. However, sprinklers are only activated as a last resort.
As one of LA’s most popular attractions, the Getty Center’s evacuation has raised concerns among locals and tourists alike.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/11/us/getty-center-museum-pacific-palisades-fire.html