New Exhibition

Beginnings: The Story of Creation in the Middle Ages

January 27 – April 19, 2026

Museum North Pavillion, Plaza Level

Getty Center, Los Angeles, CA

Left: Portrait of Eve (detail), 2021, Harmonia Rosales. Oil, gold leaf, and silver leaf on panel. The Akil Family. © Harmonia Rosales. Photo: Brad Kaye

Creation stories imagine the world’s origins, often leading to a shared cultural vision of identity and values. For medieval Christians, the Biblical story of the seven days of Creation was essential to understanding the natural and spiritual realms, as well as humanity’s role in bridging the two. This exhibition features manuscripts from Getty’s collection alongside select contemporary paintings by LA-based artist Harmonia Rosales to explore how the Creation was visualized, represented, and interpreted both in the Middle Ages and today.

This exhibition is presented in English and Spanish. Esta exhibición se presenta en inglés y en español.

For more information, visit https://www.getty.edu/exhibitions/creation-story/