Discover Europe's first encounters with Africa, Asia, and the Americas through ocean travel—the primary means for exploration, commerce, and the circulation of knowledge. See how different lands and cultures were perceived and represented in this diverse collection of rare books, maps, maritime instruments, photographs, prints, and panoramic vues d'optique—all revealing the roots of today's globalization. Connecting Seas is the first exhibition in the Getty Research Institute's newly expanded galleries.

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Celebrate the season by viewing the radiant jewel-toned stained glass windows of Canterbury Cathedral. Removed for the first time from high in the legendary church, the monumental Ancestors of Christ windows are exhibited with leaves from the St. Albans Psalter, a richly illuminated book of psalms. See these two exceptionally rare masterpieces of English medieval artistry in this major exhibition.

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Don't miss this rare opportunity to see one of the most iconic documents of the ancient world, the Cyrus Cylinder, as its U.S. tour concludes. Inscribed with cuneiform script, this clay cylinder records the conquest of Babylon in 539 B.C. by the Persian king Cyrus the Great. It bears witness to the multiethnic nature of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus, whose reign introduced innovative forms of writing, freedom of religion, and luxury goods to the Near East.

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Three fascinating films by Werner Herzog explore the ways in which humankind interacts with the majesty of nature. In The Great Ecstasy of the Woodcarver Steiner, Herzog focuses on champion ski-jumper Walter Steiner who faces death at every jump. Cave of Forgotten Dreams brings to life the incredible ancient cave paintings of Chauvet-Pont-d'Arc. The third film, Herzog's Encounters at the End of the World, weaves interviews of the temporary inhabitants of Antarctica with breathtaking worlds beneath the ice. Free; tickets required.

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Explore how myths and fairy tales have provided rich source materials for artists through the ages, and how generations of artists have, in turn, inflected the stories. Join folklorist Maria Tatar of Harvard University as she examines these centuries-old tales in this fascinating discussion. Free; reservations required.

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The architectural style of California Modernism was influenced by the landscape and regional climate. Join the Getty Conservation Institute for an evening of lectures and a panel discussion on conservation strategies for icons of California Modernism, including works by Richard Neutra, Gregory Ain, Lawrence Halprin, Garret Eckbo and Moore, and Lyndon, Turnbull, Whitaker Partnership. Presented in conjunction with the GCI's Conserving Modern Architecture Initiative. Free; reservations required.

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Without planes, trains, or automobiles, how could works of art and precious materials move through a network of exchanges all over Europe during the 12th century? Art historian Madeline Caviness of Tufts University reveals how reliquaries, portable altars, relics of the true cross, stained glass, manuscripts, and other prized goods traveled across the continent before the modern era of transportation. Free; reservations required.

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Explore the materials and techniques used to create the vibrant manuscript illuminations on view in the Canterbury and St. Albans: Treasures from Church and Cloister exhibition in this daylong medieval painting workshop with artist Sylvana Barrett. Participants discover early pigment sources and investigate the commercial as well as symbolic value of period colors. Open to 22 participants. Tickets $125 (includes materials and lunch). Complimentary parking.

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Become a docent or volunteer at the Getty Center or the Getty Villa!

Volunteers greet and assist visitors, provide directions and information, and help our guests get the most out of their visit.

Docents provide tours for visitors of all ages and facilitate in the Sketching Gallery, Family Room, and the Family Forum.

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O P E N I N G   T H I S   M O N T H
– Connecting Seas (Dec. 7–Apr. 13)

C O N T I N U I N G   T H I S   M O N T H
– Abelardo Morell: The Universe Next Door (Through Jan. 5)
– At the Window: The Photographer's View (Through Jan. 5)
– Werner Herzog: Hearsay of the Soul (Through Jan. 19)
– Canterbury and St. Albans (Through Feb. 2)
– Gods and Heroes (Through Feb. 9)
– In Focus: Architecture (Through Mar. 2)
– Miracles and Martyrs (Through Mar. 2)

H O T   T I C K E T S
– Talk: Fairy Tale, Myth, and Visual Culture (Dec. 4)
– Film Series: Into the Mystic: Werner Herzog (Dec. 7, 8)
– Talk: Everyday Modernism in the California Landscape (Dec. 10)
– Talk: Artistic Exchange in 12th-Century Europe (Dec. 11)
– Course: Manuscript Illumination Workshop (Dec. 11)

C L O S I N G   T H I S   M O N T H
– The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia (Through Dec. 8)

C O N T I N U I N G   T H I S   M O N T H
– Tiberius: Portrait of an Emperor (Through Mar. 3)

H O T   T I C K E T S
– Course: Death and Humor in the Ancient World (Dec. 7)

CONTACT US
General inquiries: visitorservices@getty.edu
Press inquiries: communications@getty.edu or visit our Press Room
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