At a Glance: The J. Paul Getty Trust

History: The J. Paul Getty Trust was established by the legendary oil tycoon in 1953, when he set up a museum at his house in Malibu, Cal. At his death, in 1976, Mr. Getty left $700-million in Getty Oil stock to the museum. In 1980, the museum’s trustees received court approval to pursue activities beyond the operations of the museum.

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Purpose and areas of support:

Following Mr. Getty’s instructions to support “the diffusion of artistic and general knowledge,” the Getty Trust operates two museums and a broad range of research, educational, and conservation programs.

Assets: Approximately $4.5-billion in the trust’s endowment. In addition, the trust owns a vast and valuable art collection, and extensive property, including the Getty Center, a one-million-square-foot complex in the hills above Los Angeles. Officials estimate the trust’s art collection to be worth about $1.8-billion and real estate and other property to be worth about $1.2-billion.

Grants and operating programs: The J. Paul Getty Museum is the trust’s flagship program. Other programs include the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Education Institute for the Arts, the Getty Leadership Institute for Museum Management, the Getty Research Institute for the History of Art and the Humanities, and the Getty Grant Program. The Getty Information Institute is in the process of shutting down.

Key officials: Barry Munitz, president; Robert F. Erburu, chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 400, Los Angeles 90049-1681; (310) 440-7360.

World-Wide Web site: http://www.getty.edu