Seismic Mountmaking

Seismic mountmaking aims to not only fulfill the basic display requirements for an artwork, but also provides protection against the potential forces of seismic activity. The mountmakers and conservators in the Antiquities and Decorative Arts and Sculpture Conservation departments evaluate every object that goes on display for appropriate seismic protection. Care is taken to design mount systems that capture each object from vertical and horizontal movement and do so in a discreet manner that minimizes distracting elements from the display.

Initial foundational research is the cornerstone of Getty’s seismic mountmaking methodology and has subsequently been adopted by museums around the world. Sharing information and discoveries is critical to advances in mountmaking technology. From 2006–2010, Getty organized a series of symposiums called “Advances in the Protection of Museum Collections from Earthquake Damage” held in Los Angeles, Istanbul, Athens, Tokyo, and Palermo. Getty was also instrumental in initiating the International Mountmakers Forum (IMF), which hosts a bi-annual conference, first held at the Villa in 2008. Getty also hosted the 8th IMF Conference in 2022.

Start of the Project

The concept for seismic mountmaking at the Getty Museum began in the early 1980’s with a small group of dedicated people in the conservation and preparations departments. In consultation with seismic engineers, research was undertaken to better understand the potentially harmful forces of an earthquake and develop strategies to minimize damage to its collections.

Dangers of Seismic Activity on Cultural Heritage

In an earthquake, artworks can be susceptible to violent ground motions. To address this, the museum incorporates various methods that secure the artwork and helps protect it from damage. For example, The Statue of Hercules (Lansdowne Herakles) in Gallery 108 at the Getty Villa incorporates a base isolator and mounting system hidden beneath the display furniture. The primary mass of the large marble figure is in part supported by very thin ankles, making the sculpture vulnerable to damage during seismic activity.

Next Steps

Seismic mountmaking is continually evolving, requiring ongoing research into new materials and techniques, as well as improved understanding of earthquakes and their potential impact on the museum’s structures. While the last major seismic event in Southern California was in 1994, the Getty Museum assumes another can happen at any time and prepares for that eventuality.

Shake Table

Mount designs range from simple methods of securing the object, such as microcrystalline wax and monofilament ties, to complex base isolation systems. An example of our ongoing research into mount designs is the use of a bi-axial shake table that simulates the horizontal forces of an earthquake. This can provide invaluable insights on how a mounting system might perform during a real earthquake.

Magnetic Mounting Cups

Magnetic mounting cups (mag-cups) are a new addition to the system of seismic mountmaking, developed to create internal mounts and minimize the handling of fragile objects. The cups are designed to have enough pull strength to be considered a “full capture” or “seismic mount.” They are made of aluminum, stainless steel, and brass, which are non-magnetic and lightweight, allowing the cup to be supported by the magnet. Pull strength can be increased and decreased gradually by turning a handle incorporated into the base of the cup. The magnets are combined with steel plates, steel beaded-chain, or steel shot in Tyvek bags. They are reusable for a range of vessel weights and sizes, depending on the stability of the object and strength of the magnet.

In 2018, the J. Paul Getty Museum partnered with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports and the National Technical University of Athens on a project to protect museum objects in the event of an earthquake. The results of the Getty-funded research have led to the development of a new prototype of base isolators which utilize parabolic ramps. New isolators will be fabricated in Greece and used to protect a select group of ancient sculptures at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.