Getty Center Museum

Los Angeles, California Travel Guide

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Getty Center Museum

Overview: Referred to as “The Getty” by locals, the Getty Center offers an impressive blend of art and exhibitions, architecture, garden and view of Los Angeles. This makes it one of the most comprehensive and inclusive museums anywhere in Los Angeles, second only to the LACMA. Everything about the Getty Center makes it one of the most worthy sojourns to make in Los Angeles.

The Getty Center is perched atop of the Brentwood Hills in the Santa Monica Mountains right across from the famed Bel Air homes. To reach the Getty Center, you must take a tram from the parking lot. The pleasant tram ride curves around the bend a bit while giving you a great view of Los Angeles. At the Getty Center, the South Pavilion terrace offers a spectacular view of the center’s garden, Los Angeles’ homes, freeway lines and curves and the ocean. On the north and west sides of the Getty Center is the natural scenery of the Santa Monica Mountains.

The various vantage points of Los Angeles can be attributed to the modern, strong yet elegant architecture and design of the Getty Center. The Getty Center is a huge compound – no doubt about it. Architect Richard Meier had in mind straight lines, frames and curves. Some exhibit buildings stand clean, warm and boxy and appear to be extensions of each other. These buildings, the grounds and archway are made of “travertine” rock. Meanwhile, other buildings are ultra modern. Several terraces break up the crowded look with their “curvelinear” designs.

As for the art and exhibitions of the Getty Museum, you will be impressed with some of the finest collections. The Getty Museum displays 450 European paintings, including Vincent van Gogh’s Irises, Greek and Roman antique collections, sculptures and decorative arts, a fantastic photography section and much more. The North Pavilion, just to the left of the Museum Entrance Hall, houses paintings (before 1600), sculptures and the decorative arts. Adjacent is the East Pavilion, exhibiting paintings between 1600 – 1800 and a sketch gallery. The South Pavilion consists of more paintings and the decorative arts. It also has the terrace from which you can capture Los Angeles. The West Pavilion has more sculptures, paitings and drawings. All of the Pavilions of the Getty Center Museum have rooms where exhibitions change periodically.

In between the art, you take a stroll around the grounds of the Getty Center. Have a coffee and sandwich and/or soup at one of the cafes outside. Sometime during your visit, make your way over to the gardens of the Getty. The garden section has a lovely waterfall running down into a circular pond with a maze of flowers. The pond is surrounded by a circular walkway. The walkway has a cute arch and bridge. Finally, the entire garden is surrounded by lush green grass on which you can relax and enjoy a beautiful day at the Getty Center.

The Getty Center is one of those overlooked gems in Los Angeles. Though it, and the LACMA, are the most well-known museums, the Getty Center has a real advantage, which is, it’s not hugely crowded; there is room to move, relax and enjoy. It’s also a great date place! Tours are also provided as well.

Location: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Site: www.getty.edu/museum/
Ph: (310) 440-7330

Cost: No cost for the museum

Parking: $10.00

Accessibility: The entire Getty Center and Museum is wheelchair accessible, including the tram.

Getting There: www.bigbluebus.com, www.metro.net, www.ladottransit.com