Los Angeles Fires: Museums and Galleries Close as Flames Spread

Since January 7, 2025, multiple wildfires have been threatening Los Angeles County, forcing over 130,000 evacuations and leaving more than 200,000 homes without power. Over 10,000 buildings have been destroyed or are at risk. The Palisades Fire, the largest of six blazes, has burned over 21,000 acres and is threatening Brentwood, home to the Getty Center. The Getty Villa Museum, which holds over 44,000 ancient artifacts, saw its grounds catch fire on January 7 but remains protected by advanced smoke systems and double-walled construction; it will stay closed until January 13. The Getty Center is closed until January 16, with only emergency staff remaining. The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is outside the Eaton Fire evacuation zone but will be closed January 9–10. The Hammer Museum announced closure via Instagram and organized a free online meditation session. The Fowler Museum postponed the opening of its exhibition "Fire Kinship: Southern California Native Ecology and Art," which ironically focuses on Indigenous fire management practices. The Huntington Library, Botanical Gardens, MOCA, LACMA, both campuses of Art Center College of Design, M+B Gallery, Lisson Gallery, and Sean Kelly Gallery all report no damage but remain closed or are monitoring the situation.