The Getty Conservation Institute is:

A private, non-profit institution that works internationally to advance conservation practice through research, education, applied field work, and the dissemination of knowledge A leader and authoritative voice on issues of cultural heritage conservation A catalyst for high quality and sustainable conservation work in our areas of specialty A creative force for the development of innovative approaches and model conservation strategies A trusted source of information and education for the cultural conservation community

The work of the Getty Conservation Institute is carried out through four departments: Buildings and Sites, Collections, Science, and Communications.

The Getty Conservation Institute is housed at the Getty Center in Los Angeles, along with the other programs of the Getty Trust. Its facility at the Getty Center includes scientific laboratories, programmatic and administrative offices, and a conservation information center. In addition, the Getty Conservation Institute maintains a laboratory at the Getty Villa, also in Los Angeles.