Mission & History

Mission

To cultivate advanced knowledge of art and its varied histories

Who We Are

As a part of the J. Paul Getty Trust based in the city of Los Angeles, the Getty Research Institute (GRI) is an international center with an extensive library, special collections, array of programs, and a knowledgeable and diverse staff. We are committed to preserving, creating, and sharing resources related to the history of art, conceived in the broadest terms.

Our Objectives

• Welcome local, national, and international visitors to our library, collections, exhibitions, and facilities
• Contribute to an inclusive, nuanced, and global understanding of art and its histories
• Collect, preserve, create, share, and provide access to resources about art
• Exchange knowledge with diverse communities about the histories of art and cultural heritage
• Sustain the relevance of the humanities, art history, and related areas of study
• Develop and foster professional and technological capacities in the world of libraries, archives, and museums
• Promote an ethos of collaboration through sustainable activities and practices
• Serve as a local and global resource for scholars and researchers

The J. Paul Getty Trust and its programs are not affiliated with Getty Images.

The Getty Research Institute was established in 1983 as part of the J. Paul Getty Trust, with a mission to support advanced research in the history of art and the humanities. Originally known as the Getty Center for the History of Art and the Humanities, it has evolved into a leading international center for scholarship, library collections, and public programs. Over the decades, the Research Institute has expanded its initiatives to foster global collaboration, preserve cultural heritage, and provide access to rare and specialized resources for researchers worldwide.