"Mai" to Make Getty Debut Sept. 15
Joshua Reynolds, Portrait of Mai (detail), about 1776. National Portrait Gallery, London, and Getty Museum Joshua Reynold's Portrait of Mai will appear at the Getty for the first time this fall. The painting of a Polynesian visitor to 18th-century London was purchased jointly by the National Portrait Gallery (UK) and the Getty for $62 million in 2023. Mai is to alternate between the institutions. It was shown at the National Portrait Gallery shortly after the purchase and made a tour of regional UK museums in 2025–2026. At the Getty, Mai will anchor an installation of Enlightenment portraits by Gainsborough, Goya, and David. "Joshua Reynolds's Portrait of Mai and 18th-Century Portraiture" will open Sep, 15, 2026, and run until the Getty Center closes for refurbishment Mar. 15, 2027. The Center is to reopen, with Mai , in time for the 2028 Olympics. More on Mai here . Below, photos from Mai 's UK tour. Mai at the National Portrait Gallery, London At Fitzwil...
