Robert Irwin's Central Garden

Conceived across 134,000 square feet at the Getty Center by artist Robert Irwin, the landscape unfolds along a path that gradually descends toward the lower basin. The walkway crosses the stream to reach a plaza where bougainvillea climbs through umbrella-like trellises before opening onto surrounding gardens. Irwin selected more than 500 plant varieties specifically to accentuate the interplay of light, color, and reflection. The living installation has evolved continually since 1997 as plantings grow, are trimmed, and have new additions brought into the palette.