Free food, DJ sets, and after-hours access to the Getty Research Institute headline this Monday’s massive student festival.
College students across Los Angeles will descend upon the Getty Center this Monday, April 13, for an expansive “College Night” takeover featuring sensory tours, graffiti masterclasses, and after-hours gallery access.
The event, which runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., is entirely free for students with a valid I.D. and an online reservation, covering admission, parking, and a complimentary meal. This year’s sensory highlight is a self-guided tour featuring scent strips developed by The Institute for Art and Olfaction, offering a literal “whiff” of the museum’s permanent collection. In the courtyard, DJ Hourglass and Brian Henry will provide the soundtrack while students connect with curators and staff.
Featured programming includes:
- Live Art & Performance: L.A. graffiti legend Prime will demonstrate the “LA Style”—a mix of geometric block letters and calligraphic influences—while CalArts artist Gabrielle Civil presents her performance piece, “Black Weirdo School,” with lectures at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m.
- Hands-on Art Making: Students can join Otis College professor Heather Joseph-Witham for activities inspired by the course “Paranormal L.A.,” or participate in live figure drawing led by artist Peter Zokosky.
- The Getty Research Institute: The GRI building will host screenings of short films and videos from its archives, themed postcard-making stations (with stamps provided), and free popcorn.
- Sustainability & Earth Month: Attendees are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles for custom stickers by Prime or silkscreen a reusable tote with Nova Community Arts. Upcycled collage stations will also be hosted by Collage Garage.
Current exhibitions open for viewing include “Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985,” “Beginnings: The Story of Creation in the Middle Ages,” and “Virtue and Vice: Allegory in European Drawing,” and “How to Be a Guerrilla Girl,“ which is open for its final viewing. Students can also soak in the incredible views of the city at the Getty’s Central Garden and will also receive a 20% discount at the Museum Store throughout the evening.
