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The Getty Center
Rating Details »
Categories: Museums, Botanical Gardens, Art Galleries
Neighborhood: Brentwood1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-7300
Engage with us online!
- Hours:
Tue-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
565 reviews for The Getty Center
I am impressed--fully impressed with this place! The grounds are gorgeous and so manicured, the buildings are architecturally stunning, and the view is unbelievable. And on top of it, admission is FREE.
We were there during Thanksgiving week and we totally lucked out on the weather. It was pleasant and in the high 70's with no wind. The weather made it ideal to explore the facility and allowed for many great angles and photographic shots.
We also enjoyed the exhibits--mainly the portraits of workers by Irving Penn and Migrations of the Mind: Manuscripts from the Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection.
I score the Getty Center #1 in museum experiences in the U.S. for me so far. #2 would be the Milwaukee Museum (but more on that in another Yelp! review).
G is for great views on a clear day. G is for gorgeous architecture. G is for Getty. I wouldn't call myself an art buff by any means, but museum maven I am. After meeting friends for brunch at Annisette, my fiancé and I ventured up the hill to the Getty.
After going down the parking garage and up the hill, the doors of the tram opened up to a beautiful piece of architecture, the Getty Museum. We strolled through the sculpture & gardens outside before venturing into the art galleries. It was a breathtaking experience. I could see myself venturing up there every now and then for special exhibits, but I wouldn't imagine being able to go every weekend like I would at the Met.
To start, i'm not a big museum person. I'll look at sculptures, paintings and everything displayed, but I'll go through everything pretty fast and by the next day it'll be a vague memory of what I had actually saw. Unless I had took a picture of it. So with that said, ....
The Getty is not just a museum, the architecture is beautiful and there are breathtaking views of all of Los Angeles. You can spend your time view all the art or just relax in their garden area. Whatever it is, this is definitely not a place you'll leave thinking you've just wasted your time or the $15 on parking.
I actually really like the Getty Center! And I stopped by on our way back to San Francisco. It's free to enter the center, but it costs $15 per car to park. There's also a free tram that you take from the parking garage to the entrance of the center.
It's really pretty there. The landscaping is gorgeous. The view of LA is amazing. I absolutely love the garden. The cactus garden was pretty cool to look at too. The architecture is awesome. The whole place is just really white though. Even the floors. And it was sooo sunny and hot the day we went. The sun was reflecting off the floors and I was going blind. I ended up grabbing onto A's arm and walking around the place with my eyes closed. I wonder if he had HIS eyes open. I hope so, or we really would've been walking blind.
The displays were okay and we didn't have time to walk though each building. It was just really hot and we were both getting tired and still had the long drive back to San Francisco. I definitely recommend making a trip to The Getty Center if you're in the area. It's sooo pretty.
How do you know you are a New Yorker? When you are standing in the most beautiful place on earth, next to the most beautiful woman on earth, and you lean out over the tracks of the tramway to see when the next god damned train is coming.
This is the Getty. This is you brain on the Getty. Now get that stupid look off your face.
I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, a museumphile. Yeah, I just made up that word. You got a problem with it? I'm not a big art fag. Ok, a minor art fag but who isn't? I can enjoy art, I can enjoy artists (no, I can't. Not really). I can enjoy the little umbrellas they put in drinks at Tiki lounges and airport bars. What I can't enjoy is a lame ass building that purports itself to be an art museum when all it does as serve as a box with doors in it.
Oh beauteous Getty, how thou hast stolen my shriveled heart and made me yearn for things attained by a cute little carpeted train and glistening in the sun like the nubile skin of prepubescent children. Woops, sorry. My parole officer is going to have a field day with that. But I digress, let me start from the beginning......
It was a dark and stormy night.... Cough, cough... sorry, wrong gig.
I made the afore mentioned most beautiful woman on earth drive me through Hollywood and Beverly Hills just cause. Damn freaking hilarious (pronounced hi-l-aaaaaa-r-eee-uu-s) scene that was. It was like driving down 86th Street in Bay Ridge on Halloween. Because of that experience only did I feel superior as a New Yorker. I'm sucking up here so just cut me some slack. From the bowels of LA we did rise. We popped out somewhere, jumped onto a highway (of course) and scurried our little asses to the Getty.
It is a pretty cool set up. You park in a garage at the foot of a canyon, foot of a hill, crevice of the canyon, crotch of something... whatever. You park down below and take a cute little Logan's Run kind of train up to the museum itself. The landscaping on the way up sucked, by the way. I've seen better displays of cacti and shrubbery at MacDonald's in Phoenix, Az. The tram pulls up to the top of the hill and BAM, you are dumped into an open plaza, stairs leading up to an edifice of stone that glimmers in that LA sun that makes everything look all sparkly and shit. The sky was azure, the stone white, the tourists even whiter, and my baby smiling at me as I gawked like a newborn baby in a world of lactating boobies.
Let me just interject here that I am an architect. These days, that and fifty cents will get me kicked out of the bodega but it might help qualify what I am about to say. The Getty Museum is stunning. Once atop its lofty setting, the purveyor, nay, the participant is embraced by the beauty of the space. The buildings meld beautifully with the terrain. The gardens nestled so delicately upon the jutting surfaces, the meandering paths intertwining and folding upon one another. My mouth was agape the entire visit. I love this place. Even the plastic douchebag trying to look interested in the way-too-young for him girl while wondering how long/how much it would cost him to get her panties to her ankles inspired a giggle and a chuckle in that crazy sunlight.
Art schmart. My girl would tell you the photography exhibit was this or that. Captivating, engaging, blah blah blah. I am a building guy. And this place inspires not only the passion of what architecture should be but what architecture can be. And for that, thank you Getty. And thank you baby for taking me there.
Visiting the Getty when you're strapped for cash and bored is a great idea :D It is only $15 for parking so if you bring 2 friends, thats $5 each! The rest is free. I saw Monet and Van Gough there as well as numerous other beautiful paintings, photography, sculpture, and gardens! Those are the best. Bringing alone some cheese and crackers to eat while you sit on the grassy hillside and look out at the LA skyline is the best.
Free to enter, but $15 per car for parking (on a Saturday, at least), so pile all your friends into one van for the best value. Free tram up to the center, with beautiful architecture surrounding you.
I love the building layouts, as well as the gardens. Beautiful to look at and walk around. The displays sometimes rather...suck? I know it's free, and it's fun to look at, but many of these groupings don't excite me like other museums'. Still, definitely a great place to check out if only for the architecture, gardens, and view.
I love this place! I have been here at least a dozen times, usually after an LA meeting so I can delay my return trip to OC on that f'n 405 fwy.
Even if you are not a "museum fan" this is a must visit, as there is an array of attractions that should please most everyone. The setting, especially on a clear day is incredible. Interesting architecture , beautiful gardens, and oh yeah, a bunch of classic art. The permanent exhibits are heavy on 15-18th century paintings, older the better IMO!
Skip the food, even the "fancy restaurant" which I tried just once and it was ok, just not great. Eat before you go and spend your time enjoying the place and its art. My favorite resting spot is on the museum courtyard where there is a kiosk with beer and wine to ease the foot pain. With all those depictions of rape, crucification, and other historical acts of mayhem and debauchery, one can really work up a thirst.
Oh, NOT FREE! It costs $15 for parking. Worth every penny though.
This is a fantastic spot for studying by yourself or with a group of friends.
Cool tidbits:
1. Come as a group or by yourself... all you have to do is pay for parking.
2. Free wi-fi. Bring your laptop for a nice mini-study jam at a place that's not the library, the coffee shop, or the living room.
3. Bring your own food. Why bother over-paying for premade sammiches? Make yourself a picnic, find a patch of grass around the garden area and enjoy! Not feelin' nature? There's a lot of seating available around the cafe/restaurant areas.
4. Short attention span? Study for an hour... then pack up and check out some art. Then after a lil exploring you can study some more mentally refreshed.
I consider this the primo environment for learning. So much art and culture at your fingertips to get those brain juices flowin... it can motivate anyone. It's also nice that there's a variety of places to study. Outside, indoors, at a bench, at a table, on the grass... you can always change it up a bit if you desire a different view. Stay all day... half a day... or even a few hours it's well worth the trip if all you do is pay for parking.
I like the Getty, I do. It holds a beautiful garden with lots of green, it has a spectacular LA view, there is a lot of outdoor space, the shuttle is fun, and it's an art museum you can really wander around all day. Oh, and it's free, which is always nice for a museum. Or really, anything.
But I digress.
I like the Getty, but I don't love it. Why? I'v never been blown away by its exhibitions. Maybe I go at the wrong time or just don't tune in enough to what's happening, but I have never seen anything extremely memorable. I like the ancient furniture displays and the 19th century oil paintings collections fine and well, but I feel like Getty's exhibitions lack a certain pizzazz. Just a little bit.
There is sights to be seen. I have to say my favorite thing about this museum would be the garden. The serene sense it brings to me is unexplainable. However the Chinese art was interesting as well. I just wish there were more to it. Other than that this museum is worth the experience.
I can never get sick of this place. I've been here numerous times. The buildings and the gardens are art pieces themselves. I came here the other day after it rained which is the best time to go. It was actually clear and a great view of the ocean and the reflection of the sun.
So many memories here at the Getty- All aboard! the tram goes rickety rickety up the mountain side 900 feet, overlooking the Westside. When you get there you can stretch your arms out 110 acres. Enter the gardens and fountains which are unlike anything else you'll find for 15 bucks in Los Angeles. 500 different flowers & plants! A rainbow sherbet splash of colour and light glimmering off the rush of water over split rocks. Ma, pa, bro- they all were stunned by the beauty of the gardens and museum. Inside the hallowed halls of posterity I feast hungry eyes on the ancient Greek statues, the Roman columns, the oil on canvas, muy caliente- Dutch, Italian, French. We'll spend a whole Saturday here and relive a thousand years of man's gift to his son and daughter.
What a beautiful venue! I loved the architecture and layout of this entire place! I could walk the grounds and roll in their perfect grass all day long. ALL DAY LONG. I was lucky enough to visit coincidentally on a "Saturdays at the Getty" event. Live music (Rain Machine), booze, picnics, art.. it was pretty awesome! The best part was watching the sunset over the beach (muy romantic!), ontop of one of their "secret" balconies. Oh! And free entrance and parking (after 6pm on a Saturday night), who could complain? The only reason the Getty fails to receive the full 5-stars is that Art was lacking. There were some great key pieces, but I wish I caught an awesome exhibit or something.
I guess I'll just stick to wandering the grounds with a drink in my hand and a sunset as my backdrop.
One of the most beautiful places to go in Los Angeles.
1. Great view of LA: Situated 900 ft above the 405, you get a clear view of the city, and even get to see the wonderful smoggy haze of the LA atmosphere (not many other cities have it, thats why LA is so great).
2. Architecture is amazing. Walking in, I always tell myself that one day, I'm going to buy the place and host nighttime parties here. That is my sole purpose in life.
3. You get to ride a tram uphill. WHO DOESN'T LIKE TRAM RIDES?!
4. There's a garden where you can picnic, if you brought your own food.
5. The art, of course. I'm not that into art (because I don't understand it), but its really a great collection, as my arts & architecture professor told me.
6. It's free, except you pay for parking which I believe was $10.
I'd definitely recommend coming here if you like art, picnics, walking in big places, or tram rides. This is also a great place for a date on a budget (unless you eat at the restaurant).
Lots to see here!! 5 buildings on a higher land and several patio/ garden areas. Wow amazing!
Definitely affordable since you only pay for parking (remember to car pool) and you can spend all day here! From the parking garage you get to take the tram to the actual Getty Center. Inside the tram, you'll get a good view of the surrounding area of LA.
Lots of European arts, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and decorative arts to see. The cactus garden and the main garden were also impressive. A lot of people were picnicking or just laying to soak up the sun on a beautiful day in California.
Long long ago, in an era before the advent of the internet, video & digital media, and the printing press allowed for widespread production and distribution, the porn industry had to rely on other means to peddle their smut. In these archaic times, porn producers took the shape of painters and sculptors, summoned by the wealthy and powerful to adorn their dwellings and monuments with debaucherous pieces in canvas, clay, and cast iron.
Many of these works now reside in museums throughout the world exhibited and proudly displayed under the clever guise of art so that their content and intentions shan't be questioned. But strip away the pretentious undertones and what do you have? Porn. Some soft, some a little more hard core, but nonetheless pornographic in nature.
My first trip to the Getty Center this past weekend was full of these types of works, as well as countless other relics from the past. As one might surmise, I've got little artistic appreciation and knowledge, and even less patience for museums, so for me this journey was more to check it off my list and allow for continued conversation when others breach the topic. Well, for that...and for the lolz.
You see, there's just something about most art that cracks me up. In one painting showing David with Goliath's severed head, it's "David's" long braided locks and attire (http://www.artknowledg...). Amazing to think a sassy posing, red headed, cross dressing tranny took down a giant. The Calydonian Boar Hunt (http://www.getty.edu/a...) also caught my eye. Now, I've never hunted wild boar before, but if I did I think I'd probably want to wear something more than just a flowing red cape that also strategically covers my junk. Boars have tusks, sharpe flesh penetrating tusks. Just a thought.
I also have to question the wardrobe choice of Agostino Pallavicini, seen in this portrait (http://www.getty.edu/a...). Sure the red robe is baller, but what's up with the neck ruffle? I can understand if perhaps his horse and carriage got rear ended resulting in a severe case of whiplash, but if that's not the case this dude definitely needs to start consulting a stylist. Lastly, there was this painting of Christ on the cross (http://www.getty.edu/a...). Nothing much of note here, other than the skull and bones at the bottom of the cross. I mean seriously, if you're going to crucify someone, is it really necessary to place some human remains at their feet? It's already a pretty effed up way to go, but that final touch just seems overly mean spirited.
As funny as those pieces were, the one that put me in stitches was this - http://farm3.static.fl.... From this picture it may not be entirely clear, but when approaching it from a certain angle it had me almost in tears. Nicely done Marino Marini, you win the grand prize as the highlight of my first trip.
Indeed I understand that some may take exception to such parody and classifications, but to those who would I offer that I'm simply enjoying the art and calling a spade a spade. And while I don't question that "art" is subjective in characteristics of quality, intention, and meaning, gratuitous T&A, vag shots, and franks & beans on full display leave no room for interpretation. I've no preference or vested stake in the art vs. porn debate, with my only interest being that the labels applied be done so fairly and across the board. When it boils down to it, if the Sistine Chapel is "art"...then by all means so is Buttman's Bend Over Brazilian Babes 3.
This place is huge!!!! And we only had to pay for parking thanks to oil giant getty!!! I unfortunately had to take an abridged tour due to the fact that it was my last day in LA and I had so much more to venture and see. But the place is so beautiful and the views of the city are unbelievable! Oh yeah did I mention they have a few pieces of art as well.
Getty museum is very nice. Lots of photographic moments especially in the beautiful botanical garden. Best of all it's FREEEE!!!!!!!!!!
With that said, we were a little disappointed with their modern art collection. A lot of them didn't really inspire us. Maybe just personal preference or we're dull in art, haha!
We did like the old paintings though. They made me flash back to elementary school & middle school where I learned about those famous artists, like Van Gogh. Why didn't I have access this museum when I was little?!?!?! I would have had so much more fun with memorizing the names.
Also note that although entering the museum is free, parking is NOT. $15 per car for parking. So yeah it's not entirely free. Also their food sucks. Eat beforehand or afterward if you're coming here, with lots of water in hand. Water here along with other beverages/food in general is EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!!
Also, if you're wondering if you can hold a wedding venue here, forget it because they don't allow private parties like weddings here.
Ah, for many years I lived in the stern shadow of The Getty. I'd pass by it on the 405 while it gazed on me from the hills with a gentle sneer. I could hear a little Getty voice in my head like, "So you just gonna keep passing me like that, huh? Like I'm not even here, eh, monsieur?."
The monorail looked mighty spiffy....I imagined they served cocktails over card tables and other nonsense. I was having those kinds of daydreams on the 405.
The truth of the matter is that to this point, I would have rather taught HTML to a catfish than go to an art museum.
The Getty might change that for me. I had some friends in town, my wife and I wanted to give them some L.A. substance to balance the debauchery, so we gave it a whirl. Although there were NOT cocktails on the monorail, the restaurant more than makes up for it. I didn't eat or drink there, but took a gander at the menu and put it on my bum rush list for the next visit. That menu looked crazy and reasonable.
Most of the art I saw was from French guys of the Baroque, Impressionist and Renaissance eras. If it sounds like I don't know what I'm talking about, It's because I don't. But let's not get wrapped up in details. The fact is, the collection wasn't so snooty that I didn't leave with something tangible and intriguing. I was with a friend who is a high-art and photography buff and she was just as impressed as I was. So it seems like the exhibits offer something for everyone.
The scenic vistas are ridiculous. My group spent damn near 75% of our time taking pictures. From the gardens, labyrinths and pools to the paths and walkways, the Getty is absolutely gorgeous. The architecture ain't to shabby either....matter of fact, consider the architecture part of the exhibit. We sat outside for good chunks of time eating pistachios and shooting the breeze.
Too bad we didn't bring a bottle of wine....it would've been perfect.
Make it a day trip, you can get lost real easy. Here's a few things to keep in mind:
1-Carpool. Parking is $15.
2-This place is massive and will require several trips. Pick out what you wanna see before you go.
3-Bring cameras, take plenty of pictures
4-Bring some wine for the patio
Gorgeous. Beautiful. Phenomenal. Free parking on Sundays, along with a shuttle that runs rapidly between the parking area and the museum. The only complaint I have has nothing to do with the Getty Center, and that's that the beautiful view is ruined by the smog of Los Angeles.
I went here with my boyfriend at the time, and I was so glad he took me. We were there towards the end of the day, but nonetheless it was very pleasant. Check it out, there's tons of art to admire.
I've lived in LA most of my life, yet have only been to the Getty Center once.
It was ok.
The art was ok.
The architecture was ok (not a huge Meier fan).
The food was ok.
The parking and tram operation was whole big bucket of WTF.
I just got back from my first Saturdays Off the 405 event at The Getty, it was quite an event, good music and a great crowd in a relaxed atmosphere.
From previous visits I can tell you the exhibits are generally good, but you gotta love the variety. This place is an EXCELLENT spot for a picnic and a relaxed day reading a book, you have a fantastic view of LA and a beautiful garden.
I wouldn't hesitate to bring a date here... if only someone would ever go out with me... ladies? :P
This place is very amazing for many reasons. I'm sure everything will get talked about in other reviews so I'm just talk about my observations.
The garden is really interesting on the grounds. Being into plants and having a background with horticulture, the thing I noticed about the design is that they forced you if you actually wanted to enter the garden to walk outside of it from above to get to the other side to see the interior. I thought that was very smart on the designers part because it made you see it from all points of view if you waned to go into the garden. It is not usually my favorite to have a sort of modern looking garden but this was done tastefully. With well chosen and interesting plant stock.
The other thing I like as long as we are talking about the garden is the view from outside the museum. I suppose if you are from LA this is nothing new but having never seen the horizon with LA spread out for miles before you from this vantage point was as far as I was concerned part of this museum experience I really enjoyed.
The lay out of the building in the beginning I though was over done because they were so spread out but as we moved through it and more amore people came I began to see the advantage of having it spread out made it less crowded at each of the exhibits since people had places to disperse to.
I am also into rare books and the history of books in general and they have large amounts of manuscripts and rotating exhibits related to incunabula and related subjects. At the time I was there , they were doing one called "Out of Bounds" on marginalia. I loved the exhibit because well I could look at illuminated manuscripts all day and not be tired...what can I say? Reminded me a little of British Museum where you see a 400 page book obviously illuminated on every page and you see two pages per book! Stunning to see ...going back I'm pretty sure. The Gift shop had a few items I was able to get related to the exhibit and complete my set of little Rudolph II Books the museum publishes on Alphabets/illumination and calligraphy.
Moving onto the paintings I saw many favorite artist here, that was just fun to see. Van Gogh's Irises which is my favorite painting by him wghich I did not know was there. There was one by William Bouguereau who I really like. Only the third painting I have seen by him in person. Many Rembrandt's all in one place. And too much other to go through. If you like
looking at paintings and period pieces you will enjoy this.
We had a little bit of limited time so my regret was not getting to go through the photography exhibits more carefully but we did manage to see some of it, enough to know this needs also to be explored at length.
Well enough droning on. For free... be sure and bring money we dropped plenty in the gift shop food parking etc. But I loved every darn moment !
I finally got to go see the Getty for myself, after wanting to go for a few years now. It's funny how many people I know live in LA and have never been to the getty (this used to include me:). My cousin from France was visiting, and my sister and I both wanted to go. It's $15 for parking, but admission is free!
It was a little funny that my cousin took a 10 hour plane ride from France, and we arrive at a museam full of French paintings and Renaissance art - to top it all off the exhibition going on right now is the French Bronzes. We didn't spend much time in these areas, but they have a really interesting American photography gallery that we liked, and the photog (don't recall the name) was pretty risque, but by far is the most interesting exhibit at the Getty. The views are Fabul-ass! So great that I was even popping pics with my Nikon. I think the trick is to get there late, we arrived around 3pm, and the Getty closes at 5pm -but that still gave us plenty of time to relax and enjoy ourselves.
Beautiful center.... wonderful garden... FREE admission (need I say more?!)... $15/car...
I only wish that I had more time to explore all the exhibits. I'll be back.
There are a few places I would tell a tourist to go in Los Angeles. The Getty Center is up there with The Disney Concert Hall and The Griffith Observatory. There is no better view of Los Angeles then at The Getty. People from condensed cities like Chicago and New York can get a visual picture of just how spread out The City of Angels really is. Angelenos can finally prove that Century City is not, in fact downtown Los Angeles.
Things to do...
- Spend 3/4's of your visit outside. Walk the property and check out the view from countless different angles (bring a picnic).
- Venture down into the Garden (grab an umbrella as the sun is hot up there).
- Make reservations at The Restaurant at The Getty and have their summer lemonade gin drink...it's like dessert.
- Don't miss the Impressionist Gallery. It's one of the best in the world.
- Did I say, spend 3/4 of your time outside?
- Check out "Fridays Off the 405" when they have a band and light up the place with huge, lighty uppy lamps.
It is a great place to take a date. If the line is exceptionally long, consider the 15 or so minute or so walk up to the Getty instead of taking the tram.
Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous. I agree with another reviewer, spend most of your time outdoors- appreciate the modern architecture fused with the old, stroll through the garden, take pictures by the mini-waterfall, take off your shoes, lie on the neatly cut grass and soak in the view. Also, don't forget to fully charge your camera before coming!
I came here with my family on a weekday. We brought the mini-van and filled it up with 6 people and admission was only $15 for all of us! What a deal! My mom even had fun on the tram ride =)
500 :)
This review is brought to you by the letter W
W, for the building that houses the best impressionism art, including the most famous Irises painting by Vincent Van Gogh and photography on site.
W, for the view of the entire Westside and downtown LA you can see on the balcony of said building.
W, is for the wonderful museum companion that is Tara C.
W, is for the wow factor of the $15 parking, but quickly realized that it was rather worth it for the free admission for all. The tip is to carpool and pack the entire car (and trunk) with all your friends to get the best bang for the buck.
The letter W....Yaayyy!!
P.S. LACMA....more like SUCMA
I am not into art, but it's just so a beautiful place, i can't see why anyone would not like the Getty.
Take the tour, it's really interesting to understand why the architecture was designed in such meticulous ways.
Great place for a date. Cheap too.
I am of the belief that I have to immerse myself in matters that don't interest me. That is a necessity in learning. The Getty is one such place for me. Art and architecture fails to excite me as much as hikes through dense groves, or literary museums, but there is something to learn and appreciate at The Getty and what it has to teach it teaches well.
The Getty invites its guests to explore the past through art and gives us a very broad glimpse into the minds and artistic souls of those who lived hundreds of years ago. The Getty provides great descriptions about most of the pieces and detailed information on the artists themselves. But it takes a certain type of inquisitive individual to really walk around, read and examine the art work. There is a lot to see and study. So much so that after awhile it can all seem uniformed.
One big concern is that The Getty is unfriendly to families. Solemn security guards stand around in every room waiting to catch the next guest who gets too close to a painting, or yells at a guest taking pictures of something forbidden, or they chastise wanderlust hands. Even as an adult, I wanted to glide my hand against the smooth bronze statues, jump on the 18th century bed and write this review on the Victorian rolling table.
But The Getty understands that it needs families for it to flourish. They also want families to pass on the traditions of art to the next generation. That is why they have concerts and crafts geared to the little ones.
This is however a very inexpensive outing for families. With only $15 per car (free on Saturdays after 5pm) and free admission, this is accessible for anybody. Bring your own snacks and drinks. The food sold at the cafes are grossly overpriced.
Outside the exhibits, The Getty shows off its beautiful architecture and eccentric landscape. Views of Los Angeles can be stunning, if the smog and haze isn't blocking the view. You will probably spend most of your time outside taking in the wonders of the grounds.
I know it is intimidating and difficult to press through the countless pieces of art and find value in it, especially in the age of entertainment. But if you look at the details of the art, you can glimpse into history, and see, rather eerily, those long dead artists staring back at you and through you, recreating their masterpieces. Given the right teacher, tour guide or mindset, this place is a powerhouse of learning.
I love the Getty! If you live in southern California and have not paid a visit to the Getty, you must! You must visit especially during spring and summer when the weather is perfect and you can sit on the green lawn or relax on the benches inside the botanical garden.
Yes parking is $15 which is expensive but there is no admission fee! You get to experience the splendor of the outdoor gardens and see beautiful art for not even a penny. I think it's a fair trade off. The food is pretty pricey so I suggest either eating beforehand OR bring food and have a picnic outside. It's a great place for couples, friends, families, small kids, everyone!
If I lived in LA, dating would be a lot easier. And I would be a lot more zen, because the 18 first dates I've had since January would have all taken place at the Getty and it wouldn't have mattered that most* of them didn't work out. The garden, the views, the free culture if you like oldschool bronze and French paintings - a little bit of something for everyone. Free admission, but $15 parking.
*hehe. well.
It's a beautiful sunny Sunday, perfect weather for The Getty.
Parking = $10
tram ride up to museum = free
Admission into museum = free
Picnic in a beautiful garden = free
Audio tour through your cell phone = free
Audio tour on the website that you can download and upload to your ipod = free
Architecture tour = free
Garden tour = free
Soaking in the culture and views of Los Angeles ... PRICELESS. I love the getty!
PS. They have a small exhibit of how a bronze sculpture is made and I thought it was fascinating!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/23/2008
This place is stunning. Not only is it beautiful, but there is such a wonderful view of the city.… Read more »
I love spending a day relaxing, eating, people watching, and photo snapping at the Getty! All that! It is totally worth the approximately 2 hour drive from San Diego (there is usually traffic). So worth it! There are so many awesome things about the place. It's free to get in! Yes, FREE! You do pay $15 for parking but it's free after 5pm on Saturdays when the Getty stays open until 9pm. And you can bring in anything you like, like a whole picnic! And drinks! I've spotted people carrying in whole bottles of wine! I will have my picnic next time because there WILL be a next time. If you don't want to pack your own food the soup at the Getty is super great! I've had a carrot, and something, creamed soup and it was fantastic! I had one other soup too, maybe butternut squash, also creamed and loved that as well! I have the soup with a side of bread and the all you can eat saltine crackers : ) The garden is wonderful with all types of living things. I have seen some fascinating spiders hiding deep within. And the views are grand! So bring a camera! Grab yourself a complimentary umbrella, if need be, (too sunny or rainy) provided by the Getty free of charge. And there are plenty for everyone! Thank you Getty! So cruise up Saturday and spend some time here (or the whole day getting lost in the awesome architecture of the buildings!). I guarantee you will enjoy yourself.
I think the Getty is quite possibly the best place in Los Angeles. I may be biased since I'm an art history major, but I think the Getty has something to offer everyone.
The architectural structure is beautiful and the garden is a fun and tranquil place to just hang out. I used to go all time time to relax and read or study. Plus they have free wi-fi and a fun, usually uncrowded, coffee shop area if you want quiet.
I personally love the collection of art they have there. While it isn't totally mind blowing or as revolutionary as some other contemporary and modern exhibitions may seem, they have a variety of interesting and beautiful pieces from all over the globe.
I love that they have things that appeal to anyone; I can bring people who aren't huge art fans there and they always have a good time. And since all you have to pay for is parking, it's a pretty inexpensive outing. That being said, if you plan to eat there, I remember prices being a little on the higher side for what is offered (but thats usually how it is in museums).
To top it all off, the view from center is amazing; you can see everything and I think that alone makes the trip totally worthwhile.
There are several things in life that I have a tough time keeping my hands off of....like Ryan Reynolds, David Beckham, cute fuzzy animals, a nice piece of...cake, and pretty works of art at the Getty! After getting warned twice, I knew it was time to retire my grubby hands behind my back. ACK! Sorry!
The Getty totally exceeded my expectations. Screw the tram ride and take a lovely stroll up the hill instead. Once you reach the top, amazing architecture greets you while ancient masterpieces awaits you on the inside. It's like a cultural arts-architectural-botanical recreation center for the entire family!!
*** architecturally dreamy, you gotta love it! ***
Getty is contemporary yet does well to be
earthy too. they weave rock, trees, grass,
and water into this complex seamlessly.
grassy knolls resemble putting greens.
colorful botanicals line their pathways.
fountains accent dining/seating areas.
if you cannot chill here, seek pro help.
the art collection doesn't do it for me though ...
mostly European 1700-1800s period paintings,
early-1900s photos, and mid-1900s sculptures.
i do dig the sculpture gardens ... more modern.
mini-me loves the Family Room made for kids.
the grounds deserve a 10-star rating alone.
next time i will try to come for their 6-9pm
"Saturdays Off the 405" courtyard event.
i have yet to do a walk and drink too. ;)
*** $10 parking is the only fee required. ***
OVERALL RATING = 8 / 10
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The tram ride up the hill, the well-crafted botanical gardens, the architecture... all sort of created this new world that you step into as you get off the tram.
It's much better at night. They sometimes have bands play with free admission. Along with my wife and friends, we got to enjoy a few drinks and watch Earlimart play there.
Looking forward to another live show there.
Enjoy!
I think Getty is my main place to get my arts fix. Anytime elitist Europeans ask me about galleries or museums in LA, Getty is my number one.
Their exhibitions may not be the most amazing in comparison to other big museums in major metropolitan areas, but it varies quite frequently and gives you a good range of different materials. They usually have pieces ranging from the 18th century to modern day photography (photography section in the West Pavilion is always interesting). But the best part probably is the outdoors area -- the architecture is beautiful, the gardens relaxing and a great break from smog ass LA, and the views are expansive.
Come after 5 pm to avoid the $15 parking fee, woop woop!
