Getty Center
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 440-7330
- Best of Citysearch:
- Free Attraction 2008, Free Attraction 2008
- Hours:
- Tue-Thu, Sun 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm
Editorial Review for Getty Center – by David E. Brady
The Scene
Perched high atop the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the 405 freeway, the Getty Center is a sprawling, stone-and-glass complex dedicated to the display and preservation of the J. Paul Getty Trust's collection of mostly European art. Designed by architect Richard Meier, the 24-acre site offers a sweeping east-to-west panorama of everything from Hollywood to the Pacific Ocean--views worth a visit all by themselves. Best of all, admission is free.
The Collection
Housed primarily in four modestly sized pavilions, the collection includes the works of influential painters (including Renoir, Monet and Van Gogh), classic Greek and Roman sculpture, beautifully illustrated religious manuscripts and delicate room furnishings from 18th-century France and Germany. The permanent collection is supplemented by temporary exhibits that change about every 10 weeks. Don't miss Robert Irwin's Central Garden, a mazelike creation of water and landscaping that changes seasonally.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoParking reservations are no longer required on weekends and weekday evenings. All other times, be sure to call ahead for a spot: (310) 440-7300, then push 4. Be sure to bring $8 cash for parking.
Look GoodIf you're in school, zip into the garage using the lane set aside for students, as long as you have a valid student I.D.
The ExtrasVideo and still photography are permitted throughout the permanent collections and Research Institute, but you can't use a flash.
User Reviews for Getty Center
07/11/2007 Posted by netter1
The art collection at the Getty Center is definitely impressive, but it's not what I like most about visiting there. For me, it's all about the architecture and how the Southland is viewed from and sometimes (literally) through the buildings. You can walk from one building to another and stumble across little (and sometimes not so little) "peepholes" that act as windows or frames for images of the city below or beyond. On a clear day, you can see great views of both the city and the ocean. If you're here in the middle of the day and get hungry, you have different options. There are snack carts, the casual "cafeteria-style" eatery and a gourmet restaurant. My one tip is to bring a sweater or a light-weight jacket. Despite the fact you're in the middle of Southern California...where the weather is usually beautiful...you are on top of a knoll and it does get windy. Make the Getty Center part of your day on the Westside...and then head to the beach for a great sunset dinner.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
11/21/2006 Posted by 15bigones
This is a must-see for any visit to the LA area. It is beautifully situated on a hilltop on the Westside, with a panoramic view of the city, the Valley, and the Pacific Ocean. The architecture is modernistic and lovely. The grounds are beautifully landscaped. The museum is spread out, with buildings for different periods of art. It doesn't have the most comprehensive collection, but there are notable pieces here. The changing exhibitions and shows are usually worth seeing. The grounds alone make it a place worth spending a day.
Pros: Beautiful location and grounds, nice collection of art, free admission
Cons: Not the most comprehensive collection of art from any period represented
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