Photo and Video Policy

Information about taking photos and filming for visitors, journalists, and filmmakers

Two men wearing hats and blue button-down shirts, use DSLR cameras to snap photos and look at art in a gallery filled with paintings

Photography and Video at Getty

Photos and videos taken for personal use at the Getty Center and Getty Villa Museum are welcome. Read on for details.

Handheld cameras, video cameras, and camera phones are welcome in all public outdoor spaces as well as in the permanent collection galleries, subject to the following:

  • Photographs and videos are for personal use only and may not be sold.
  • Professional photo shoots, including wedding, engagement, and modeling, are not permitted.
  • Natural light only; no flash or other supplemental light.
  • Selfie sticks are welcome in public outdoor spaces only. To protect the art and for the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, selfie sticks are not allowed inside.
  • Tripods, monopods, handheld microphones, lighting, props and other external equipment are not permitted.
  • A safe distance must be maintained from all artwork, cases, platforms, and pedestals. Cameras must be kept a minimum of 18 inches away from artwork and may never be held over an artwork.

Some works of art in the permanent collection galleries may be restricted; please pay attention to signage that prohibits photographs or video of individual works of art.

Photography and video of artworks on loan for changing exhibitions are sometimes prohibited by lenders. Please check at the entrances of changing exhibitions for any restrictions in those galleries. Where permitted, photography and video are subject to the same conditions described above.

Outdoor sculptures and works of art displayed in the galleries may also be protected by copyright law.

Privacy and Visitor Experience

Please be mindful that your photography or video activities respect the needs and privacy of other visitors and do not distract staff or volunteers from their primary duties. The Getty reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph or videotape on its premises if it is a disruption and/or is perceived that it might endanger works of art or other visitors.

High-Resolution Artwork Images

Love a particular work of art on display? High-resolution images of thousands of works in the Getty’s collection are available for free download under our Open Content Program. Open content images may be used for any purpose without further permission from the Getty.

Live-Streaming Video Apps

Personal live-streaming via video apps is permitted in the permanent collection galleries, subject to the same conditions described above. We ask that live broadcasts respect the privacy of other visitors, and that volunteers and staff not be interviewed or otherwise engaged in a way that takes them away from their primary job duties.

3-D Scanning of Artworks

3-D scanning using handheld cameras is permitted in the permanent collection galleries, subject to the same conditions described above. Please email Museum Rights and Reproductions with any questions related to 3-D scanning activities.

Drones

For safety and security reasons, drones are not permitted at the Getty Center or Getty Villa.

Use of the Getty's Name, Mark, Site, Architecture or Logo

Photographs and videos, where permitted, are for personal use only and may not be sold. Any commercial or other unauthorized use of any transmission, picture, film/type, writing, drawing, or other depiction of the Getty sites or architecture, or its names, marks, or logos, is prohibited without prior specific written approval of the J. Paul Getty Trust. Please call the Communications Department at (310) 440-7360 or email Getty Communications for more information.

Getty-Sponsored Filming

The Getty may photograph, film, or videotape visitors for educational and promotional purposes. By visiting Getty, you consent to the use of your likeness, voice, or video image for these purposes.

Press and Professional Filming and Photography

News Coverage

Getty welcomes news media filming and photography in connection with stories about Getty’s work around the world. News media must arrange shoots in advance; please call (310) 440-7360 or email Getty Communications.

Filming or Photo Shoots

To inquire about using the Getty Center or Getty Villa Museum as a location for film, TV, music, or magazine editorial shoots, email Getty Communications. Please note that Getty is extremely selective about approving such shoots and approval must be made in advance and in writing, with a signed location and license agreement. Please make your request with enough lead time to arrange logistics and execute an agreement, at least 2 to 3 weeks, and possibly longer for film or TV shoots.

Commercial Shoots

Getty does not permit commercial photo shoots, including third-party advertising for product sales, or professional photo shoots, including wedding, engagement, and modeling.

Student Films/Personal Projects

We are unable to accommodate student films and personal projects, or news or documentary shoots that are not connected to Getty’s work.

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