I hadn’t been to the Getty Villa in ages but as I was going to be on the West Side for a couple of weeks dog sitting for my daughter, it was first on my list. The weather had been dreadful during the week but was spectacular on the day I visited.
Watch my video walking tour of the Villa on YouTube
The Getty Villa is off Pacific Coast Highway north of Santa Monica and timed reservations are required. You must pay $20 for parking but the museum is free. The Metro bus also has a stop there.
The grounds are disability accessible with ramps and elevators for those with difficulty walking. Assisted listening devices, materials in Braille or large print, and wheelchairs and strollers are available.
Sign up for a free guided tour or pick up audio guides.
Mega billionaire J. Paul Getty had the villa designed to replicate the Roman Villa dei Papiri, which was an ancient residence that was buried by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
As the ruins of the old villa are mostly underground, Getty’s architects were able to base their design on the exposed section that was drawn by 18th-century architects as well as add details from the ruins of Pompei and Herculaneum in Italy. The grounds of the Getty Villa feature Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art and artifacts including a stunning glass collection and ancient jewelry.
Spring is a particularly gorgeous time to visit with flowers and herbs blooming in all their glory. There is a dedicated herb garden with flowering shrubs, a lily pond, fountains, formal gardens, and statuary throughout.
A large amphitheater stands outside the villa that is used for presentations and events.
Enjoy a Mediterranean-style lunch at the café overlooking it or a quick snack or dring at the coffee cart.
The Museum Store is below the café where you can purchase books, Knick knacks, jewelry, souvenirs and children’s toys.
If you look out from the top floor at the Western side of the villa you will get a stunning view of the azure Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, you may be able to see Catalina. Imagine that you are overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
The Getty Villa opened in 1974 predating its sister complex, The Getty Center off the Sepulveda Pass which opened in 1997. The Villa was temporarily closed for renovation and earthquake compliance in 1997 and the collection was moved to the Getty Center. It reopened in 2006 to house Getty’s extensive antiquities collection.
Plan to take your time, sit and meditate in its tranquil gardens, and enjoy the view.
The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA | Website
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