Freely Available Images Online

Open Content Program

The Open Content Program makes high-resolution images of public domain artwork from the Getty collections freely available, without restrictions, to advance the research, teaching, and practice of art and art history.

The initiative also aims to support and promote the open-access movement among museums and cultural heritage institutions in removing barriers to the use of cultural heritage images.

Digital Collections and Library Catalog

Explore freely available images of selected materials from digital collections in the Library Catalog.

Please note:

  • Public domain images are suitable for most purposes but may have usage restrictions.
  • Users are responsible for checking third-party rights on public domain images.
  • Non-public domain images can be downloaded for personal study, noncommercial use, or fair use under US copyright law.
  • For different file sizes or permission to publish non-public domain images, submit the Library Reproductions and Permissions request form (Collection Image Fees apply).

Images for Exhibition Use

All high-resolution images from the Open Content Program are freely available for exhibition use.

For other images, use the applicable request forms at the bottom of this page.

Exhibition Display Use

Includes:

  • Reproductions as substitutes for original works
  • Gallery wall graphics
  • Didactic panels
  • Electronic uses (e.g., interactive displays, videos, slide shows)

We require at least 6 months prior to an exhibition opening to fulfill requests.

Non-Display Uses (e.g., Catalogs, Ephemera, Websites)

We require at least 12 weeks prior to publication to fulfill requests.

Fees and Limits

  • Collection Image Fees apply to all orders.
  • Requests for all exhibition-related uses (display and publication) should not exceed 30 images and require approval.
  • Additional fees may be charged.

Submission Process

  • Submit the relevant form at the bottom of this page and allow for enough time for your request to be fulfilled.
  • After submitting the form, you will be contacted and asked to provide detailed exhibition and image usage information.

Borrowing Original Collection Materials

Review our Conditions for Borrowing Collection Materials if you intend to borrow original materials for exhibition use.

Use of Audiovisual Materials

To request audiovisual material for digital purposes such as public screenings, gallery projections, audio guides, exhibition websites, or presentations, adhere to the following guidelines:

  1. Review Usage Conditions: Familiarize yourself with the Getty Research Institute’s Conditions for Use of Audiovisual Materials.
  2. Approval and Rights Analysis: Understand that requests for reformatting or access are subject to approval and rights analysis.
  3. Reformatting Timeline: If audiovisual material needs reformatting, allow for a 9-month lead time before your exhibition’s launch.

Understanding copyright is essential when using materials from the Getty Library:

  1. Ownership: The J. Paul Getty Trust does not hold copyrights for many materials in its collections. Consequently, it cannot grant or deny permission to publish them or determine their copyright status.
  2. Research Support: Consult the Copyright Research Guide for guidance on researching the copyright status of an item.
  3. Prior Permission: Ensure that you have located and secured permission from the individual or entity claiming copyright rights before using images from the Getty Library.

Request Forms for Materials and Permissions

We require at least 12 weeks prior to publication to fulfill requests.

Submission Process Overview

  • Requests are processed in the order they are received.
  • All requests are subject to approval and copyright restrictions may apply.
  • Review the Collection Image Fees before proceeding with form submission.

Steps to Complete a Request Form:

  1. Select the request form that suits your use from the options at the bottom of this page.
  2. Read the Terms of Use. By using the form, you agree to:
    • Pay all Collection Image Fees
    • Provide a complimentary copy of your publication to the Getty Research Institute
  3. Check the box at the bottom of the selected Terms of Use page to indicate that you have read and agreed to the Terms of Use.
  4. Click “Submit” to display the request form.
  5. Complete and submit the request form.

Request Forms

Audiovisual material: If you require audiovisual material for digital use related to an exhibition (e.g., public screening, gallery projection, audio guide, exhibition website), review the Getty Research Institute’s Conditions for Use of Audiovisual Materials before submitting the appropriate form.

Quotations: If the Getty Research Institute holds the copyright to the material or the material is in the public domain, you do not need permission. In many cases, the GRI does not hold the copyright. It is the responsibility of the requester to identify and obtain any necessary permission from third parties who may claim copyright.

The preferred citation for unpublished archival material can be found in the finding aids for many archives (in the About section).

Credit line: Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (*add collection ID/accession number, if known).

If you have questions regarding the copyright status of special collections material, please submit a Library Reference Request form. For information about researching the copyright status of an item, consult our Copyright Research Guide.

Please do not suggest or imply endorsement by Getty. See our Terms of Use for more information.

Need Assistance?

If you have difficulties with form submission, reach out to Getty Library Reference:
Email: reference@getty.edu
Phone: (310) 440-7390
Mail: Attn: Getty Library Reference
Getty Research Institute
Getty Library
1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90049

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