Garden after renovation

The restoration was completed in September 1995. Getty House: the Official Mayoral Residence was ready to play a proud role in representing the style and substance of Los Angeles and its citizens.

To celebrate the restoration project and re-introduce Getty House to Los Angeles, a public open house was held in October and November 1995. During the open house, tours were self-guided with docents stationed throughout the house to answer questions. Each visitor was given a tribute book about Getty House and the restoration foundation.

Over 30,000 Angelenos visited Getty House and viewed the newly restored mayoral residence. The event and the spirit of the accomplishment served as a catalyst for encouraging widespread pride in the City of Los Angeles. Further, the public’s desire to experience Getty House gave way to the creation of the Getty House Foundation and its educational focus.

In 1996, the foundation’s name was changed to the Getty House Foundation. Along with a new identity was a redefined mission:

Getty House is the Official Mayoral Residence of Los Angeles. Getty House Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to civics education, the preservation of the house, and community engagement.

It is the intention of GHF that all Angelenos view Getty House with pride — as a symbol of great committment to the city and as a viable resource for all. To achieve this goal, the Foundation established a number of programs and outreach initiatives, including an annual benefit gala, school tours and educational materials, special forums with guest speakers, and most importantly, participatory programs for young people in the community.