Getty Curators Judge Emoji Artistry

Curators at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles have embarked on a unique social media project, humorously evaluating the design of art-related emojis. These experts apply their scholarly knowledge to critique emoji variations found on different platforms and operating systems. For instance, an amphora emoji received a low rating due to its "very lazy decoration."

This initiative, which began in 2020, aims to make the Getty Museum feel less intimidating and more accessible to a wider audience. The curators, including a curatorial assistant and an associate curator, infuse their scholarly expertise with a relatable, elder millennial snark. Their critical assessments, such as one describing a castle emoji as a "baffling bouncy house," have resonated strongly online.

As the Getty Center prepares for a year of renovations starting in March 2027, its digital presence is becoming increasingly vital. The museum's social media team is actively developing digital-native audiences through engaging content about medieval horoscopes and dating tips, demonstrating a shift in the museum's role to be more inclusive and digitally focused.