The Getty Center is one of the best museums in Los Angeles, and one of my personal favorite places for a day trip. Unlike a lot of museums, the Getty doesn't have that stuffy, white glove, "they're-watching-you-so-no-photography" feel. The Getty is comfortable and friendly environment and has a wide range of exhibits to suit almost anyone's taste. This is a great place for out-of-town visitors, as well as for locals to take a day trip. I often bring a sack lunch and my journal and lounge by the pond or in the gardens for an afternoon of inspired writing, or sometimes just for fun.
The Getty has several fixed exhibits, including ancient Greek and Roman pottery and statues, Medieval illuminated manuscripts – gorgeous! – mummies, and plenty of Monet paintings. They also have a wide selection of rotating exhibits, like Rembrant, ancient Christian iconography, Irving Penn, modern photography, ancient Mexican architecture, and tons more. The gardens, too, are gorgeous, and worth a visit all on their own.
The view of Los Angeles from the Center is simply gorgeous. Come for the sunset view on a Saturday after five, and parking is free.
The Getty Center is free, but parking is $15 per vehicle. You can also take public transportation and not have to pay for parking. Plan a day trip and pack a lunch, or enjoy one of the several restaurants on site. There is a very good and reasonably priced cafeteria, or a pricey-but delicious reservations-only restaurant.
I hope you visit, and have a great day!
Getty Center address and hours
The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, California 90049
Phone: +1 310 440 7300
Tuesday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Monday CLOSED
Closed Mondays and on January 1, July 4 (Independence Day), Thanksgiving, and December 25 (Christmas Day).
Photo by Laura Padgett on flickr
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