What it does
Getty’s Open Content Program offers CC0 images of public-domain art and archival material. It includes museum paintings, manuscripts and antiquities as well as research collections of prints, maps and historical photographs.
Start with Art Collection Search for museum objects or Research Collections Search for archival material. On an eligible museum record, Download image saves a large file; the arrow beside it offers other sizes. Getty identifies Large and Highest Resolution versions as suitable for print.
The CC0 mark identifies program images. You can crop, modify and use them commercially, and Getty asks for a credit to its Open Content Program. It does not issue individual permission letters.
A missing download can reflect unresolved rights, privacy concerns or an unavailable digital file. Larger files, colour correction and new photography are separate paid requests. This program belongs to the Getty Trust and has no connection to Getty Images.
Strengths
- Museum and research collections cover different kinds of historical imagery.
- The download menu offers a choice of image sizes.
Watch out for
- Some displayed works are outside Open Content and require a separate request.
Best for
- Art publishers and designers sourcing historical images
- Educators working with museum and archival collections
Sources
- Open Content Program | Getty Projects (Oct 27, 2026)
- Open Content Program FAQs | Getty Projects (Oct 27, 2026)