With stunning imagination and technical skill, Herb Ritts created distinctive photographs of fashion models, nudes, and celebrities that successfully bridged the gap between art and commerce.

This major exhibition—which presents for the first time works acquired by the J. Paul Getty Museum in 2011—features nearly 100 photographs, including a selection of Ritts's vintage prints, magazine covers, Polaroids, and commercial video projects.

A special audio tour presents behind-the-scenes stories from Ritts's subjects and collaborators.



Explore Ritts's photographs and hear stories about the images »

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One of Hollywood's legendary directors, Fred Zinnemann (1907–1997) refused to conform to the studio system. Rethinking traditional film genres and telling stories about outsiders and nonconformists were essential qualities of this master director, who created a true cinema of resistance. A conversation follows each screening. Free; a separate reservation is required for each film.

– The Seventh Cross: April 3
– The Search: April 10
– High Noon: April 17
– Julia: April 24

35mm prints courtesy collection of the George Eastman House (The Seventh Cross), the Academy Film Archive (The Search), and 20th Century Fox (Julia).

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To celebrate Herb Ritts's photographs, many of which recall the glamour of Hollywood's golden age, we screen eight movies whose characters changed culture and society.

– The Sheik: April 28, 3pm
– Pandora's Box: April 28, 7pm
– Morocco: April 29, noon
– Gilda: April 29, 3pm
– A Streetcar Named Desire: May 5, 3pm
– And God Created Woman: May 5, 7pm
– Rebel without a Cause: May 6, noon
– Jailhouse Rock: May 6, 3pm

Free; a separate reservation is required for each film.

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Our annual world music series concludes with the a cappella ensemble les Charbonniers d'Enfer (the little coalminers from hell), who perform the traditional folk music of Quebec with exhilarating harmonies and exuberant footwork. Free; reservations required.

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Hear renowned chefs and authors speak, taste unique cuisine, and participate in a book signing with the return of the Celebrity Chef Series!

First on the menu, renowned author Frances Mayes signs copies of her newly published Tuscan Sun Cookbook, gives a free talk about Italian life and cuisine, and joins visitors for a prix-fixe lunch to enjoy her new recipes.

– Book signing (free): 10:30 a.m.
– Lecture (free): noon
– Lunch ($75): 1:00–2:30 p.m.

Learn more, get tickets to the lecture, and RSVP for the prix-fixe lunch »

Aphrodite always had serious competition from her son Eros, the Greek god of desire. Eros was active everywhere in Greek and Roman daily life, and his interferences in the affairs of gods and mortals were as much a cause for celebration as for lamentation.

On the occasion of the new exhibition Aphrodite and the Gods of Love, Christine Kondoleon of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, discusses ancient perceptions of Eros and his role in the realm of human desire, sex, and love. Free; a ticket is required.

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Explore Britain's magnificent historic houses and learn about plans to preserve them from Sir Simon Jenkins, chair of the National Trust of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

He discusses how the National Trust is bringing the past alive at a range of breathtaking sites—from a medieval moated castle to a 17th-century mansion adorned with Renaissance paintings. Free; reservations required.

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Enjoy a day of fun activities celebrating the love goddess Aphrodite, one of the most widely worshipped deities of the ancient world. Engaging workshops, enchanting storytelling, and inspiring performances of music and dance all reimagine Aphrodite in the world of 21st-century Los Angeles. Free; a ticket is required.

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O P E N I N G   T H I S   M O N T H
– Herb Ritts: L.A. Style (Apr. 3)
– Portraits of Renown: Photography and the Cult of Celebrity (Apr. 3)
– The Getty Research Institute: Recent Print Acquisitions (Apr. 7)

H O T   T I C K E T S
– Sounds of L.A.: Les Charbonniers de l'Enfer (Apr. 14 & 15)
– College Night at the Getty Center (Apr. 16)
– Lecture: The English Country House (Apr. 19)
– Course: Experiencing the Getty Collection (Apr. 20)

C O N T I N U I N G   T H I S   M O N T H
– Aphrodite and the Gods of Love

H O T   T I C K E T S
– Course: Drawing from Antiquity (Apr. 7)
– Culinary Workshop: Aphrodisiacs (Apr. 14, 15, 28, & 29)
– Lecture: Playing with Eros (Apr. 19)
– Symposium: Excavating Aphrodite (Apr. 20)
– Family Festival (Apr. 21)

M A R K   Y O U R   C A L E N D A R
Tickets are available now for:
– Villa Theater Lab: Hugh Lupton and Helen Chadwick (May 18–20)

CONTACT US
General inquiries: visitorservices@getty.edu
Press inquiries: communications@getty.edu or visit our Press Room
e-Getty feedback: egetty@getty.edu

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Admission to the Getty Villa is FREE. An advance, timed-entry ticket is required. Parking is $15, but $10 for evening events after 5:00 p.m.
Plan your visit

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