I love museums. I love what they offer and I love how every museum has a different way of presenting and displaying the work. The Getty Center, takes presentation to a whole new level. Literally. Visit the Getty Center, you won’t be disappointed.
Perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Museum offers a mesmerizing blend of art, architecture, and breathtaking views. A visit to this iconic destination is a must for anyone visiting Los Angeles. From its impressive art collections to its serene gardens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Getty Center.
The Getty Center is the larger and more well-known of the two J. Paul Getty Museum locations in Los Angeles, the other being the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. The museum’s history dates back to the 1950s when oil magnate Jean Paul Getty opened an art museum at his ranch in Malibu. As the collection grew, it became clear that a larger space was needed, leading to the establishment of the J. Paul Getty Trust in 1953. This trust, endowed by Getty’s estate, became one of the world’s wealthiest art institutions. The Getty Center, designed by architect Richard Meier, took 13 years and around $1.3 billion to build, finally opening its doors to the public in 1997. The center’s location atop a hill offers sweeping views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, making it a cultural and architectural landmark in the city.
In addition to his legacy in the art world, J. Paul Getty’s name is often associated with the infamous kidnapping of his grandson, John Paul Getty III, in 1973. The 16-year-old was abducted in Rome, and his captors demanded a $17 million ransom. Initially, Getty Sr., known for his frugality despite his immense wealth, refused to pay. It wasn’t until the kidnappers sent a severed ear of the young Getty to a newspaper that the patriarch agreed to contribute to the ransom, but only up to the amount that was tax-deductible. The rest was loaned to his son at 4% interest. The traumatic event ended with John Paul Getty III’s release after five months in captivity. This episode, a dark and dramatic chapter in the Getty family’s history, has been depicted in various films and books, further embedding it into the public’s consciousness. The Getty Center Museum does a great job of presenting his legacy and includes J. Paul Getty’s private papers dating back to 1909.
The adventure starts with a scenic tram ride from the parking structure to the museum. The tram glides up the hill, offering stunning views of Los Angeles and the surrounding landscape, setting the stage for a day of exploration.
The Getty Center’s architecture is a marvel in itself. The buildings are clad in 1.2 million square feet of travertine, quarried in Bagni di Tivoli, Italy. This stone, totaling 290,000 blocks and weighing 16,000 tons, is used as pavement and wall material, giving the museum its distinctive look. The use of travertine connects the modern design of the Getty with the timeless beauty of classical architecture.
The Getty Center is home to an extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, illuminated manuscripts, and photographs. The museum’s four main pavilions each offer a unique focus:
The Getty Center’s exhibitions are constantly changing, offering new and exciting experiences with each visit. From classical art to contemporary pieces, there’s always something intriguing on display. Be sure to check out the special exhibitions, which often feature rare and significant works from around the world.
In between gallery visits, take a moment to relax in the museum courtyard. The central courtyard is a peaceful oasis with its fountains, shaded seating areas, and beautiful landscaping. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and soak in the serene atmosphere.
When visiting the Getty Center, be sure to take time to explore the museum’s expansive and beautifully maintained gardens. These outdoor spaces are not just a respite from the galleries but an integral part of the Getty experience. With meticulously curated landscapes and eye-catching sculptures, the gardens offer a peaceful and engaging environment for all visitors.
The crown jewel of the Getty Center’s outdoor spaces is the Central Garden, designed by artist Robert Irwin. Spanning 134,000 square feet, this garden is a living work of art featuring over 500 varieties of plants. The Central Garden is designed to evolve constantly, highlighting the changing relationships between nature, experience, and design. Stroll along the tree-lined walkway, admire the bougainvillea arbors, and relax by the central pool. Don’t miss Irwin’s thoughtful inscription on the garden plaza: “Always changing, never twice the same.”
Venture west from the Central Garden to discover the Lower Terrace Garden. This area offers breathtaking views of the city and is particularly enjoyable for families with children. The garden features whimsical sculptures, such as Walking Flower, The Jousters, and the kinetic, wind-activated Three Squares Gyratory. It’s a playful and interactive space that adds an element of fun to your visit.
At the South Museum Pavilion, you’ll find the Cactus Garden, a tribute to the resilient and diverse cactus. This garden showcases a variety of cacti in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Walk along the elevated path to fully appreciate the contrast between the striking plants and the expansive cityscape below. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean in the distance, making the Cactus Garden a uniquely picturesque spot.
To make the most of your garden exploration, consider downloading the Getty Center’s Central Garden audio tour. This guide provides fascinating insights into the design and significance of each garden, enriching your experience with historical and botanical details.
Visit the Fran and Ray Stark Sculpture Garden and Terrace. This tranquil area features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary sculptures, donated by the trustees of film producer Ray Stark and his wife, Fran. Notable pieces include Henry Moore’s Bronze Form “Seated Woman” and Rene Magritte’s “La Folie Des Grandeurs.” This serene garden, offers stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline and is a perfect spot to take a quiet moment.
Before you leave, make sure to stop by the Museum Store. It offers a wide range of art books, prints, jewelry, and unique souvenirs that reflect the museum’s collection. It’s a great place to find a memento of your visit or a gift for an art-loving friend.
Dining Options at the Getty Center
If you plan to spend a full day at the Getty, you’ll be pleased to know there are several dining options on-site:
The Restaurant: Offers seasonal American cuisine with panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Reservations are recommended.
The Café: Serves a variety of fresh and delicious options, including salads, sandwiches, and hot entrees.
Coffee Carts: Perfect for a quick snack or beverage.
Picnic Areas: Bring your own picnic to enjoy on the lawn next to the Central Garden or at any of the public seating areas.
Phone: (310) 440-7330
Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90049-1687
Website: www.getty.edu
Open Hours
Tuesday – Friday, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Monday: Closed
When you visit the Getty Center, you will find that it is more than just a museum; it’s a cultural landmark that offers a rich and immersive experience. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a history buff, or simply looking for a beautiful place to spend the day, the Getty Center has something to offer. With its world-class art collection, stunning architecture, and serene gardens, it’s a must-visit destination in Los Angeles.
So, next time you’re in LA, make sure to carve out some time to explore the Getty Center. You won’t be disappointed.
Located in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Brentwood, the Getty Center is accessible only by tram from the parking structure. Enter via Getty Center Drive off of I-405.
The Getty Center is free, but a reservation is required to attend. Click here to reserve your tickets. Getty Center Tickets.
$20 per car ($15 after 3 p.m.). If you visit both the Getty Center and the Getty Villa on the same day, parking at the second location is free.
The Getty Center Museum offers a free app. Download the Getty App to tour through the museum and gardens. Download The Getty App here.
The Getty Center Museum offers a variety of daily scheduled tours, including docent-led tours of the permanent collection, architecture tours, and garden tours. Click here to reserve a Free Getty Center Tour.
Absolutely! The Getty Museum offers a unique combination of world-class art, stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens, making it a must-visit destination in Los Angeles.
Yes, the Getty Center requires reservations, but the tickets are free.
Yes, the Getty Museum has a full-service restaurant, two cafes, and coffee carts. The restaurant offers seasonal American cuisine with panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Only service animals are allowed at the Getty Museum. Pets are not permitted.
There is no specific dress code for the Getty Museum, but visitors are encouraged to dress comfortably.
The Getty Museum is free thanks to the J. Paul Getty Trust, which funds the museum through the substantial endowment left by J. Paul Getty.
The Getty Center, the main location of the Getty Museum, opened in 1997.
The Getty Museum was founded by J. Paul Getty in 1953.
The Getty Museum has two locations: the Getty Center in Los Angeles and the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades.
Vincent van Gogh’s “Irises” is located in the West Pavilion of the Getty Center.
Both the Getty Center and the Getty Villa offer unique experiences. The Getty Center focuses on European and American art from the medieval period to the present, while the Getty Villa specializes in ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art.
The Getty Museum Challenge was a social media trend where people recreated famous artworks from the Getty Museum’s collection using everyday household items.
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