Today, the J. Paul Getty Trust is one of the world’s largest cultural and philanthropic institutions dedicated to the visual arts. Our work continues to advance the presentation, conservation, and interpretation of the world’s artistic legacy.
Getty was established by businessman and art collector J. Paul Getty (1892–1976). Mr. Getty viewed art as a civilizing influence in society and his bequest enabled the creation of the Trust.
Drawing upon Mr. Getty’s vision, early leaders of the Trust sought to establish an institution that served all facets of the art world, including research, display, conservation, publishing, grants, and education. The Trust constructed the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades and the Getty Center in Brentwood, expanded the collections of the Museum, and created the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Research Institute, and the Getty Foundation, forming the organization we now call Getty.
