The getty center architecture in detail the getty center opened in 1997 to critical acclaim located in the brentwood hills above los angeles the center comprises the j paul getty museum the getty research institute of arts and the humanities and four other arts institutions which focus on scholarship conservation and education. The 12 million square feet of travertine stone covers many surfaces of the getty center natural light natural light is one of the getty centers most important architectural elements the many exterior walls of glass allow sunshine to illuminate the interiors a computer assisted system of louvers and shades adjusts the light indoors the paintings galleries on the upper level of the north south east and west pavilions are all naturally lit with special filters to prevent damage to . Because of height restrictions half of the getty center is below ground three stories up and three stories down the getty center is organized around a central arrival plaza architect richard meier used curvilinear design elements the museum entrance hall and the canopy over the harold m williams auditorium are circular. The getty center richard meier partners architects the getty center occupies a unique hilly site jutting southward from the santa monica mountains in california the program brings the seven components of the getty trust into a coherent unity while maintaining their individual identities