Getty Museum's Fire-Resistant Design Shields Priceless Art from Devastating LA Wildfires

The museum's advanced architecture and disaster preparedness protected over 125,000 artifacts as wildfires destroyed thousands of homes and structures in Los Angeles.

• The Getty Museum and its Villa, designed with fire-resistant materials and strategic landscaping, successfully withstood the Los Angeles wildfires threatening the region.
• The wildfires, which have consumed over 40,000 acres, caused at least 25 deaths, displaced 150,000 people, and are projected to result in over $135 billion in damages.
• The museum's features include fire-resistant travertine exteriors, reinforced concrete, a rooftop of crushed stone, and a network of sprinklers for rapid fire response.
• Wealth disparities became a focal point as private firefighters were hired by affluent homeowners, while others faced irreparable losses and struggled with inadequate resources.
• Experts warn that climate change will increase the frequency of such disasters, highlighting the need for equitable disaster preparedness and stronger governance.

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