Evolving Uses of 3D Technologies

As 3D technologies become increasingly sophisticated, departments across Getty utilize them creatively in conservation, research, display, and innovation

Composite image of hands holding a 3D scanner, a 3D rendering of a marble statue of a nude, an AR clip of monsters dancing, and a 3D architectural rendering

About

Goal

This collection of projects showcases Getty’s use of 3D technologies across its programs – J. Paul Getty Trust, Getty Research Institute (GRI), and J. Paul Getty Museum. It illustrates how the institution’s use of 3D technology continues to grow and adapt over time, offering access, insights, and real-world examples of innovation and problem-solving for those interested in this dynamic field.

Scope

The driving force at Getty behind the use of 3D technologies is the Department of Digital Imaging, headed by Todd Swanson. The department collaborates with Getty’s programs on 3D scanning of objects to provide measurable data, high-fidelity visualization, and renderings to help support a variety of different projects. In the Museum, senior mountmaker BJ Farrar has been integral to the use of 3D technologies in conservation and mountmaking. The scope of Getty’s use of these technologies continues to grow and expand. We are dedicated to trial and error as we learn from the changing 3D landscape, as well as to establishing best practices as we use these technologies for the study, exhibition, and preservation of cultural heritage.

Components

Resources

Featured Resources

  1. Understanding the Architectural Model: Research Applications for 3D Imaging

    Project information

    A scale model of a building constructed in balsawood with accents in crumpled copper and panels painted silver sits on a plywood base.

    Investigating how 3D imaging technologies can be used to digitize architectural models

  2. Van Gogh’s Irises: A Closer Look

    Project information

    Inverted image of Vincent van Gogh's painting "Irises" in which the colors are all in bright neons of blue, green and magenta.

    Reconsidering Van Gogh’s Irises through material analysis and advanced imaging to understand its history and help ensure its preservation

  3. 3D Scanning in Mountmaking

    Project information

    Composite of four images depicting the 3D scanning process, computer rendering, and printing of a small bronze male nude

    Conservation departments at the Getty Museum use 3D technologies to aid in mountmaking, research, and restoration

All Resources

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