The Getty Center and Museum
Easy to find and just off the 405 freeway, visitors entering the Getty Center first take a tram ride to reach the center. During the six minute ride to the top visitors are treated to breathtaking views of Los Angeles perfect for photo opportunities for the alert tourist. Once reaching the top, visitors are surrounded by miles of Italian travertine marble and most will marvel at the stark designs of noted architect Richard Meier. Consisting of an auditorium/concert hall, the Research Institute and of course the museum itself, there is something for everyone at the “Top of the Hill” Funded completely by the trust left behind by the late Billionaire John Paul Getty you will find world class sculpture, paintings and photography. The ever changing exhibits guarantees no matter how many times you visit the Getty, there is always something new to see. Families will love the special exhibits just for children and weekends always include family specific activities. No matter what age you are, there is plenty of fine food at all price levels available on site. Not sure what to see first? Stop by the information desk at the Museum and sign-up for free tours or the daily offering of lectures.
The Research Institute is open to the public if you would like to learn more about art or a specific century, but it is best to arrange a visit there in advance. This plethora of knowledge is used by scholars from near and far. Their collection of photography continues to grow each year and also has a reading room filled with art specific periodicals along with newspapers from across the globe.
For those who just wish to wonder about the property, there are unparalled views in all directions. One cannot visit the Getty Center without a walk through the central garden. Located just to the west of the Museum, this is no ordinary garden. Designed by celebrated artist, Robert Irwin, the garden features plants chosen for their color and intensity and changes with each season. Stark in the winter and blooming in the summer, the zigzag path through the garden leads to the maze and pools at the bottom and well worth the walk. In complete contrast to the rest of the Getty Center Campus you will marvel at the warm and inviting feel and unique vegetation. Many visitors loll on the adjoining lush green lawns listening to the stream which flows over specific stones creating different sounds as it courses down the natural ravine to the blooming azaleas located in the co-centric pools of water.
Before you board the tram to head back down the hill, don’t forget to visit the Museum gift shop which features books about the Getty collections and for that matter about J. Paul Getty himself. The video Concert of Wills which is the documentary about the building of the center is available as well and well worth the price. You can learn just what it took to transform this hilltop atoll into one of the world’s premiere art institutions.
Much lately has been made by the Media regarding the controversy of some of the Getty’s purchases in antiquities. Don’t expect to see any of those treasures, however, those are all housed at the original Getty Museum in Malibu which is now again open to the public but you must have tickets in advance.
The Getty museum is open daily except for Monday and admission is free to all. For more information and directions, www.GETTY.edu
