The expansive art galleries of the Getty Center in Los Angeles sit high on a hill overlooking the 405 Freeway and the Sepulveda Pass. The complex was commissioned by billionaire J.Paul Getty to house much of his extensive art collection and outside exhibitions. It is free for the public to visit and view.
I’ve been there several times and it’s always an enlightening experience.
Weekends are often crowded at the Getty Center especially during the summer so you may want to go on a weekday or during the off-season.
If you want to avoid crowds travel expert Rick Steves suggests going to museums closer to closing time, and he’s right.
Arriving at the Center
Admission to the Getty Center is free with a reservation but the parking is not. Plan on spending $15 if you bring your car. The lot may get full but there is additional parking nearby, Once you are parked, you will board a tram that takes you up to the complex at the top of the hill.
The view of the city is spectacular. On clear days, you can see the ocean.
The Getty Trust, Collections and Complexes
The Getty Center is the legacy of J. Paul Getty who founded the Getty Oil Company in 1949 and became a mogul. His estimated wealth when he died in 1976 was approximately $6 billion, which would amount to about $30 billion today. He was also an ardent collector of art and antiquities.
Find the best museums in Los Angeles, here
If you saw the film about Getty called All the Money in the World starring Christopher Plummer, or the TV mini-series Trust, starring Donald Sutherland, you would know he was a miser.
The J. Paul Getty Trust was established in 1953 and it’s now the world’s wealthiest art institution. It operates The Getty Center, The Getty Villa, The Getty Foundation, The Getty Research Institute, and The Getty Conservation Institute.
The galleries and pavilions of the Getty Center exhibit extraordinary art and sculpture from all over the world, The complex also has several restaurants and coffee carts. It offers guided and self-guided tours, courses, and lectures, and has spaces available to rent for parties and meetings.
The Getty Villa in Malibu houses 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities and features theatrical and musical performances and you must make reservations online. It is a smaller complex and parking is limited.
The Gardens
The Getty Center is spread out with a beautiful garden area. It’s a lovely place for a stroll and to enjoy nature.
Visiting the Getty Center is an educational and enjoyable way to spend an artful afternoon or evening in Los Angeles. It also hosts events and cocktail parties after dark. If you are visiting Los Angeles you don’t want to miss it.
The Getty Center is located at 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Oooh! It’s definitely on my bucket list!
I wish I could get a copy of your friend’s scavenger hunt!! That would be so, so fun!
it was fun. I wish we had more time to spend up there. Things change all the time. If I was able to get the list from my friend, it would probably be different when you arrived. I thought it was a great idea too.
What a fun way to celebrate a 60th birthday (even if she did overestimate her guests’ stamina!) Loved the silent deadly farter pic too – gave me a smle for the day 🙂
I’m glad it made you laugh, Leanne, Although it was pretty stinky riding in the tram LOL
Scavenger hunts are fun Rebecca and I loved the garden.