All events are free, unless otherwise noted. Seating reservations are required for lectures, performances, and courses. For reservations and information, please call (310) 440-7300 or see information on planning a visit.

Symposia

Minding the Gap: Contemporary Architecture in the Historic Environment

Organized by the Getty Conservation Institute, this symposium explores the role of contemporary architectural insertions in historic urban areas. Five international architects and urban planners present projects that illustrate a range of design approaches to working in different environments. An evening panel discussion, moderated by architectural critic Paul Goldberger of the New Yorker magazine, follows. Symposium fee $100; $50 students (includes refreshments, lunch, evening reception, and parking). Advance registration is required. Please register by Wednesday, May 1.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013, 9:00 a.m.–8:15 p.m.
Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium


Learn more about this event.

Urban Ambition: Assessing the Evolution of L.A.

This symposium addresses four broad themes—architectural discourse, professional practice, L.A.'s layered built environment, and artistic interpretations of the city—through lectures, conversations, short films, and performances. Free; reservations required.

Thursday, May 30, 2013, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Friday, May 31, 2013, 10:00 a.m.—5:30 p.m.
Getty Center, Museum Lecture Hall


Learn more about this event.

Lectures and Conversations

Why L.A.? An Evening with Hitoshi Abe, Neil Denari, Craig Hodgetts, and Peter Noever

Architects reflect on why they chose to work in Los Angeles, why they continue to work here, and how the city's built environment and spirit of experimentation has influenced their projects. Presented in conjunction with the symposium Urban Ambition: Assessing the Evolution of L.A. Free; reservations required.

Thursday, May 30, 2013, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium


Learn more about this event.

Charles Phoenix: Architecture in L.A.

Charles Phoenix, pop-culture humorist and author of Southern California in the 50s and Southern Californialand, takes us on a fun-filled Kodachrome tour of town to explore a wide variety of undiscovered architectural gems and legendary landmarks. Prepare to experience Los Angeles as you've never seen it before! Free; reservations required.

Friday, June 7, 2013, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium


Sunday, June 9, 2013, 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium
sold out

Ed Ruscha in Conversation

Artist Ed Ruscha joins Madeleine Brand of KCET (and formerly KPCC) and Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez for an evening of conversation.

Thursday, May 9, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium
sold out

Studio Tours

In Studio: Building Los Angeles

Join us for a behind-the-scenes opportunity as prominent Los Angeles-based architects open their studios to share insights about their work, inspiration, and process. Program fee $25 per studio visit. Information and directions provided following registration.

Performances and Film

Sonic Overdrive: Songs and Stories through the Streets of Los Angeles

Music, an essential part of any cultural landscape, has connected artists to Los Angeles and to one another. L.A.-based musicians explore the networks that have shaped their artistry and influenced them personally and professionally. Presented in conjunction with the symposium Urban Ambition: Assessing the Evolution of L.A. Tickets $20.

Friday, May 31, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium


Learn more about this event.

Film Screening: Smog

The laconic and moody Smog (1962, 35 mm, 88 min) is a little-known film from director Franco Rossi that presents a compelling outsider's perspective following Italian attorney Vittorio Ciocchetti (Enrico Maria Salerno) through two days in the City of Angels, from LAX airport and Pierre Koenig's Stahl House (both newly built) to the oil wells of Culver City. Free; reservation required.

Thursday, June 13, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium

Framing L.A.

Check out Los Angeles, modernism, and architecture in this afternoon-to-evening event presented in conjunction with the exhibition. Immerse yourself in interactive and thought-provoking performances from Machine Project and Dublab DJs. Dance Camera West presents site-specific commissions and dance film screenings. Artist Kiel Johnson creates a hands-on model of the Getty Center where you can add your own innovative design. Sara Daleiden takes you on a tour of Los Angeles from the elevated vantage point of the Getty. This is a free, drop-in program.

Saturday, May 4, 2013, 3:00–9:00 p.m.
Getty Center

Learn more about this event.

Talks

Curator's Gallery Talks

The exhibition's curators lead gallery talks on the exhibition. Meet under the stairs in the Museum Entrance Hall.

Exhibition Tour

Explore the rise of Los Angeles as an international locus of architecture in this special one-hour overview of the exhibition. Meet the educator at the Information Desk.

Tuesdays–Saturdays, April 16–July 20, 2013, 1:00 p.m.
 

Conference

Does Architecture Matter?

Does the work of architects really matter in our daily lives? Do all of the flourishes found in the new wave of buildings dotting our cities change the lives of their inhabitants, or are these structures merely self-contained monuments to an era and its egos? Zócalo Public Square and the Getty Museum present a half-day conference exploring the impact of architecture on the present and future. Free; reservations required.

Sunday, April 14, 2013, 2:00–7:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium

Learn more about this event

Banner image: LAX Theme Building by Pereira & Luckman, Welton Becket & Associates, and Paul R. Williams (detail), construction completed 1961. Pencil, watercolor, and gouache on board, 1958, 36 x 48 in. (91.4 x 121.9 cm). Alan E. Leib Collection. Image courtesy of and © Luckman Salas O'Brien