The Getty Center
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1200 Getty Center Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90049 Brentwood - Get Directions
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“Note: Parking was $15 and you must take a tram up to the center, so plan accordingly.” in 291 reviews
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“Wonderful collections, amazing architecture, beautiful gardens and an awesome view of LA.” in 71 reviews
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“This is a superb place for a picnic, which I will definitely partake in on my 2nd visit.” in 155 reviews
Recommended Reviews
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- Olia M.
- Folsom, CA
- 28 friends
- 49 reviews
Once of my favorite places in the world!
Perfect balance between world renounced works of beautiful art, and drawing areas for children, balance between sophistication accessibility to children, a.k.a. our future population! Picnic areas and dining options are available.
P.S. You only pay for parking, everything else is free of charge. -
I couldn't believe that this museum was free! $15 for parking was well worth the many galleries covering centuries of art. Plus, the architecture was beautiful and you're up on a hill with a great view of LA and the ocean.
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Pro-tip: don't wait for the tram! It's only a 15 minute walk up the short hill. -
Everybody loves The Getty, of course I do too, but I still love The Getty Villa a little bit more, just saying...Had a family museum day on a sunny and beautiful Saturday afternoon, this place was filled with families and couples, many groups of friends too, obviously this is the perfect hangout spot for everybody!
Took us a while to find the parking, wait for the tram and ride on it to get to The Getty Center. A lot of work to just get to the actual place, but people can walk up the hill if the weather is warm, it's about 15 minutes walk, could be a terrific exercise if you ask me.
They have a real restaurant and two cafeterias, also a few food and drink stands here and there. We had a quick lunch at the main cafe, they offer many different kinds of cuisines, even have a menu in Chinese, how thoughtful is that! My lunch was champagne, Chardonnay and chips, they were tasty.
Although this place is huge, but the layouts of the ground and buildings make it so easy to walk and look. Basically a few pavilions in different directions, an outdoor sculpture area and a huge garden. A few outdoor areas on top of the buildings, the views are absolutely stunning!
It took us a few hours to go through all the exhibits, the arts were amazing and unbelievablely beautiful, I am definitely a big fan of old fashioned arts, I think they are real arts! The seasonal exibition was world war 1 in the library building. They also provided free tours and some other activities throughout the day, since they close at 9pm, so it was a long day to do a lot of things for sure!
The Getty could be romantic when there was less people, a cute little picnic in the garden, enjoy the warmth and relaxing vibe, we might just do that sometime soon!
Ps. Parking is $15 flat rate. -
- Chiante M.
- Anaheim, CA
- 132 friends
- 155 reviews
- Elite ’15
When security guards take their jobs WAY too seriously, the following may occur:
-1 female museum officer, guarding the outdoor sculptures threw a conniption when we ventured into a "non-marked-off-limits" hillside area; then she proceeded with her personal conversation with a security buddy. NOT PROFESSIONAL!
-Inside the Joseph Koudelka exhibit, I was tapped on the shoulder by a 2nd security guard and ordered not to take photographs, but saw others doing so on the exhibition floor. This GUARD WAS KINDER though.
-A 3rd security guard on the Upper Level of the West Pavillion, very RUDELY APPROACHED ME and loudly whispered, "That's close enough!" After I was merely inspecting (with my vision mind you) cracks in a vintage painting. I didn't even touch it, my eyes were just too close for his comfort.
I understand it's day after day or night after monotonous night at the museum for these guards--but being UNCIVILIZED to guests isn't necessary, unless they have truly and intentionally violated a Getty Center policy. Instead of teaching tyrannical customer service tactics to your museum monitors, teach them to smile often and be polite when informing misdirected visitors.
Other than these overbearing security guards and systematically challenging parking and tram lines; this place has magnificent views, aesthetic art work with compelling origins, and stunning areas for lounging or romantic dates. Paid 10 bucks for parking, got off the tram at 5:30pm and my husband and I had a bubbly time crawling through spaces and exploring facets of this striking edifice. Having a glorious time triumphed in the end! -
- Richard L.
- Los Angeles, CA
- 451 friends
- 551 reviews
- Elite ’15
Amazing and it is free except for the $15 parking that is. If you take a bus up here it is just the cost of the bus ride. This is really a world class museum, There are always new and current exhibits as well as the stands that have been here for many years. I highly recommend coming here, especially on a clear day because the vies are over the top looking down on the City of Angels.
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- Loreann T.
- Los Angeles, CA
- 170 friends
- 76 reviews
- Elite ’15
Aside from the astonishing views and incredible artwork, customer service at the Getty Center is top notch -- they really want you to have the best experience possible. They have strollers and wheelchairs available at coat check, so be sure to utilize their equipment if need be.
The Cafe at the Getty isn't the cheapest, but there's a variety of food options (burgers, pizze, salads, soups, tacos, and wine is available) and it's pretty decent quality.
For those with young tots who don't have the patience to weave through exhibit after exhibit, they have a Family Room that allows kids to make crafts and interact with art. It's adorable and tons of fun.
If you want to take a break, enjoy the beautiful gardens and amazing views from DTLA to the ocean outside. It's a perfect opportunity to pack a picnic and lounge in the shade later in the afternoon.
There are numerous tours, guides and informational films that help to enhance your experience. Plan on taking a whole afternoon to be able to soak up all the wonder that is the Getty Center. It's a great deal at only $15 for parking and free admission. -
Amazing, totally not a tourist trap and a must do in Los Angeles. I could spend the entire day in the Getty Center and when I return later this year, will definitely be back.
Getting to the Getty Center is pretty easy - lots of signs on the 405 - you can even see it since it's on the top of a mountain. Admission is free, but if you're driving, parking is $15. Make sure you go to their website - looks like there's a specific address you need to put into your GPS - not sure where the other address will take you.
This place can get crowded, especially on a beautiful weekend day like when I went. But there's parking for days and you should be able to find a stall quickly. Once you get out of the parking garage elevators, head toward the free tram that takes you up the hill. *Hint* sit on the left side as you'll be able to enjoy beautiful views of the valley and the 405 as you go up.
Once you get off the tram, you'll want to stop at the visitor center and you'll probably want to take a billion photos. Stop and don't do it because that's what everyone else is doing. Wait for them to leave then you'll be able to snap away to your heart's content.
If this is your first time, I'd suggest you watch the 9 minute orientation and go on some tours. I'll did the garden tour and it was totally worth it! I don't remember the docent's name, but she was very knowledgeable. I ran out of time, but will absolutely go on the architecture tour the next time around.
So many galleries to peruse - so when you visit, make sure you have ample time - heck coming here could be an all day event in itself. You'll be glad you came. -
- Elizabeth S.
- Chino, CA
- 27 friends
- 303 reviews
- Elite ’15
$15 parking ($10 after 5 pm) with free admission. If you go to the info desk, you can get a voucher for free parking if you plan go to the Getty Villa on the same day. A tram takes you up to the museum. Their hours 10:00 am - 5:30 pm (tues-fri, sun), only sat is 10:00 am - 9:00 pm. Closed on mondays.
Beautiful views, though the day I went it was gloomy since it was going to rain the next day. Though you can see the Pacific ocean, Catalina, Downtown LA. and Santa Monica pier on a clear day since it has a great vantage point.
Plenty of things to learn from here if you're into specific art style periods, photography, architecture, and art history.
Lots of tourists since it's a great place to wander about, I saw a large Japanese class take a tour since all of them were in their uniforms. There were a lot of people around Van Gogh's Irises and Monet's Wheatstacks (Snow Effect Morning) so I had to wait while they left since these two are one of my favorites and I like the Impressionistic movement. I did not know they had Degas' Dancer with a Bouquet of Flowers since I knew that the Norton Simon had alot of Degas' work but not this place. They also had the well-known painting of King Louis XIV showing off his legs by Rigaud.
They also had a nice interactive exhibit where you can look at a silver jar and a silk chair. Lots of Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and others to look at. They have some rooms decorated in the Neoclassism, Rococo and other periods for you to see the influences in interior design.
Great place for photographers though they won't let you take pictures in specific exhibits, they were pretty strict in the Spectacular Reubens exhibit. Great architecture too. They also have a sketching room where you can sketch from works or a portraiture. They have some revolving photography exhibits as well.
You can picnic on the grounds, though they stop selling food around 3 which annoyed some people that I was nearby.
They also give out free umbrellas to use while you walk on the grounds like they do at the Getty Villa if it's too hot or if it's raining.
They have a parking garage though don't leave dogs inside your cars, people. One van that was parked near me had a dog crying which caught the attention of other people too.
I love going to an art museum and getting lost for hours and hours though driving back home on the 405 was hell, it was worth it. -
Keeping this short & sweet.
+$15 parking
+free admission
+park in the garage & take a free tram up to the Getty Center
+lots to look at--different types of art & sculptures.
+they have different tours going on as well--grab a brochure.
+my favorite part is the outside garden area.
+lots of good photo ops; bring your friends or your significant other & bust out those selfie sticks ;)
+perfect spot for picnics during spring/fall. I wouldn't recommend picnicing during summer b/c there is very little shade around here.
+you can see an awesome view of the LA on a clear day--aside from all the smog.
+there are cafe's and places that sell food, but don't be surprised at the prices.
Definitely a tourist spot! I heard if you pay for parking at the Getty Center, you can use it again at Getty Villa? But I am not 100% sure about that. It wouldnt hurt to ask?
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- Lynette T.
- Los Angeles, CA
- 412 friends
- 630 reviews
Going to The Getty to watch the sunset during extended Saturday hours.
Awesome!
On Saturdays, the museum stays open until 9pm.
Parking is reduced to $10 after 5pm.
We've visited several times over the years, but this was the first time for an evening visit.
Had to circle around to find a spot in the garage, but luck was with us and we scored a primo spot right by the elevator!
The tram line moved quickly and we were up there with time to spare before the sun set.
We spent most of our time on the balconies & in the gardens because my husband wanted to take some sunset pics around the complex.
Lots of other folks had the same idea and had their phones & selfie sticks out.
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Got some nice pics!
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We did visit all the galleries, but I have several favorites on my must-see list.
In Building N, I love looking at the calligraphy manuscripts-
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my Monet (one of the Rouen Cathedral series)- yelp.com/user_local_phot…
(Heyyyyy, they moved it! It was centered on the far wall and I loved giving it a close-up look first and then walking backwards to see the details become clearer the farther you go. Now, on a side wall, it just doesn't have the same impact. Move it back, please!)
My husband likes looking at all the woodwork (furniture, carvings & panels)-
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The Getty Center is always a recommended to-do, but try going on a late afternoon Saturday visit for something different! -
You can stop looking now. This is hands down, the best museum in Los Angeles. Period.
Located right above the 405 Freeway in the hills of Brentwood, there is an incredible amount of stuff to do here. You could spend an entire day and still not get through everything at this museum (which is a good thing). There is art pretty much anywhere you walk in this place, in all different forms. Quite honestly, you don't even have to be a connoisseur of art to appreciate this place. You could just spend an entire day here just awestruck by the views of Los Angeles and the magnificent gardens. Bring your cameras, cause there's tons of picturesque spots everywhere.
Also noteworthy - it's only open until nighttime on Saturdays (it closes early all other days and is closed on Monday) so if you want to experience the Getty at night you'll have to come then. But to be honest, it's a lot better during the day because you can fully take in the amazing views of the city and all of the architecture here.
Normally for places like this, I say that it's worth every penny. Except the Getty is FREE (parking is $15 but it's per car so just bring a bunch of people to split the cost). This is definitely a must see if you're in Los Angeles visiting or a native who has lived here your whole life but were too scared to brave the traffic on the 405 to get here. Trust me, it's worth it. -
Positives:
-This place is just amazing
-IT'S FREEEEE!!!
-It's near UCLA
Negatives:
-Parking is expensive ($15, $10 after 5pm)
-Sometimes can be crowded (which just means it's THAT good)
This place is just an amazing place. You can go alone, or with groups. It's a GREAT date place. I highly advise coming here at night on weekends (they stay open until late only on weekends). The art here is just amazing. The exhibits are so good. Just looking at the architecture and the gardens makes me fall in love with the place. Everything is just done perfectly (sort of like Disneyland). Astounding view of LA.
Bottom Line:
Just go. If you haven't gone, you have to go. If you have gone, go again. I would come here again and again and again. It is one of the most amazing things about LA. -
This is my second time coming to this place. I didn't get to see everything. Gorgeous museum! The artwork is just amazing. A mini museum pretty much describes this place. The outdoor sculptures are breathtaking. Very modern. I will definitely want to come back here on my next trip to L.A.. Parking wasn't hard to find. Easy access from the freeway.
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How can you not fall in love with the Getty Center.
This stunning building has some of the Worlds most amazing masterpieces and amazing views of Los Angeles from all around the Center.
The museum is free of charge and has a monorail from the Car park which is $15.
This is a must see whilst in LA!! -
Is it wrong to say I was disappointed by the Getty?
After taking the tram from the parking lot to the amazing mountaintop complex, I was sure I was in for an amazing art experience. And yes, there are some treasures here. But the collection is surprisingly small for a museum this large.
Also, don't expect anything remotely modern. There's nothing newer than 1900 here. For a museum of this size, that's baffling.
The buildings themselves are gorgeous, built of huge chiseled stone. Each building has maybe a dozen rooms with various artwork. While you can take pictures of seemingly everything, a guard stopped me from snapping a picture of James Ensor's Christ's Entry into Brussels in 1889. "Even without a flash?" I asked. "Yep," he said. "Why?" "I don't know," he said. Someone should alert Google not to have a billion images of it - google.com/search?q=Chri…
I love going to an art museum and getting lost for hours and hours. But the Getty is one of those musuems that has a million portraits of fat, old dukes and duchesses. I find those kind of boring.
I did enjoy Van Gogh's Irises, the sculpture of Andromeda and the Sea Monster, Bouguereau's Young Girl Defending Herself against Eros and Gérard's Belisarius.
Another strange issue with the Getty is that they have some paintings mounted very high off the ground. While you can view them from a distance, when you approach closer, the glare from the lights blinds you from seeing them. Since they're already 20 feet in the air, that means you can't get a good look at them.
The Getty is a lovely facility by itself, and worth visiting for classical art lovers. Fans of modern art should look elsewhere. -
- Lina V.
- Playa Vista, Los Angeles, CA
- 5 friends
- 12 reviews
One of Los Angeles true gem! Has one of thee most beautiful views of the city of L.A. and of the ocean, pure serenity. Great place to bring a date and have a picnic with the background view of L.A.. Love the sculptures and paintings, you could literally spend the whole day admiring the architect and art at the Getty.
The Getty itself is free but the parking is $15, instead of paying for parking we parked the car down the street by the Bel-Air sign and walked up the hill, we then caught the tram that took us right to the museum. The food there is kind of pricey and very limited so we brought our own, great way to save.
Next stop is the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. -
I first came to the Getty Center in 1997 when I was a freshman in high school taking AP Art History. I fell in love with it that day though I had been fascinated by the Center since my younger days. I remember looking up on the hill seeing the museum under construction for years. I remember hearing stories of how the tram to the top would utilize mag-lev technology. Well, the tram is there but, sadly, it does not levitate. Regardless, the Getty Center is a work of art and a master piece in and of itself. The architecture is amazing and the views from high upon that hill are stunning. Equally as beautiful if not surpassing the beauty of the art within.
There are the standard "always on display" pieces like Monet's Haystacks or Van Gogh's Irises (my favorite). They have some temporary displays like the contemporary photographers from Japan or the Fench decorative arts. If you would prefer getting closer to nature you can head out to the garden and catch views of Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Santa Catalina Island. Whatever your fancy, the Getty Center is sure to indulge your senses. And it is big. There are easily three or four buildings for you to explore. Each of which has two or three floors. Even a guy like me who flies through a museum can spend at least an hour and a half here and not get bored. Tired yes. Bored no.
To cap off my day of the arts (which also happened to be the Day of the Dead), I pruchased a print of Van Gogh's Irises. I tol you it was my favorite. It has been for a long time. So I bought the unframed print for $4.95. The framed version would have been $49.95. No thanks. I went to a framing store later and got a frame for $10. It looks great.
One end note, while the tram to the top may not be a mag-lev like I had heard all these many years ago, I still think it is fun. Enjoy the ride. Enjoy the views. Most of all, enjoy the work of the masters before you an me. -
The Getty Center is the world' largest cultural and philanthropic organization that is dedicated solely to the visual arts. Founded by J. Paul Getty, he believed in making art available to the public for education and enjoyment. The Center was extremely backed up in parking, as there was a huge influx of people trying to check the museum out. It was about a 1.5 hour ordeal in terms of waiting in queue to find the next available parking space. Luckily, there were police officers as well as guards who were directing the traffic. When you park ($15; first hour is free, however), you take either the elevator or walk upstairs to get in line for the tram. This free tram is about a km away from the main area, in which it drops you off and lets you mosey around the different parts of the Center. Admission is free! When we were there, there was a 'Spectacular Rubens - The Triumph of the Eucharist' exhibition as well as a 'Josef Koudelka: Nationality Doubtful' photography exhibits going on. I found that most art pieces were from the Baroque period, but I did find the manuscripts exhibit really nice as well as Koudelka's gelatin silver print images being quite interesting :D You can also check out the guided or the self-guided tours and shop at the museum store. I think a good hour is needed to check out the pieces. You can also snap some great pictures of the scenery outside during the Golden Hour.
+free admission
+$15 parking (first hour is free)
+take the free tram, or walk about 1km to the Center -
I'm hardly a connoisseur of art, but this place took my breath away. Yes, it costs to park here, but there's no other fee to get in. Once our of the parking lot, you take a tram with a very pleasant view of the area (overlooking the 405).
Love how everything is spread out into four buildings, all connected so you don't have to go outside. The layout of the outdoor gardens is magnificent. I guess this is typical now, but since I haven't been to an art museum in quite a while, I thought this was neat: they give out headphones and iPods pre-loaded with info on the exhibits, so you can get background info on everything.
It was a bit cold and rainy when I went there, so I couldn't really enjoy the outdoor space, but wow, I'll definitely come back here next time I'm in LA. -
As to my feeling about The Getty Center, exactly the same as those of Yelper Jim D. WOW JUST WOW!
I'm a real museum buff, so I don't get my socks knocked off all that easy, but The Getty Center is just so spectacular and stunning in setup, architectural design and exhibits, it did just that. I've never seen anything like it or even remotely approaching its detail, planning or beauty. Everything about it is a never before and nowhere else from the unique hovertrain ride up from the parking area up to the plaza and into the grand rotunda entrance. The architecture is just stunning and the mountain top location with views of LA and the valleys below completely breathtaking. The structure itself is a work of art every bit the equal of the magnificent art it houses. They tell me it was built at a cost of $1.4 billion, but from looking at it, I would think more and to my eye, worth every penny of what was spent.
The art displays are something else again, perfect in lay out, lighting and setup. It's entirely different and far superior to the cluttery hodgepodge of others like the Prada wherein the jumble tends not to enhance its featured collection but in fact detract tends to detract in definition, one from the other. And as for the art collection itself, fabulously superior to that of any museum of recent times. -
- Dan A.
- Marina del Rey, CA
- 0 friends
- 6 reviews
This is a really amazing museum.. The building and gardens themselves are stunning, before you even take into account the scenic views of the west side of LA and not to mention the buildings being crammed full of some of the best, wide-ranging and well-curated works I've come across in LA. (Rubens, Goya, Degas, Monet plus more contemporary exhibitions).
Only loses stars from me because of the seeming lack of organization in parking / getting in and out. Understandably it's going to be busy and some waiting will be necessary but it's poorly marshaled and incredibly infuriating! Go early and don't leave right around closing time to avoid. -
- Ivy W.
- Los Angeles, CA
- 1199 friends
- 1155 reviews
Whenever someone asks me where to take out-of-town visitors, the first place I think of is The Getty Center. My first visit was in high school and the Center continues to be one of two of my favorite museums in Southern California (the other being the Natural History Museum at Exposition Park). Located on a hilltop in the Santa Monica mountains along the 405 freeway, the Center is larger than it's counterpart, the Getty Villa in Malibu, and offers a vast collection of artwork from various time periods, modern architecture, beautiful landscaping and gardens, and amazing views of the city.
Hours
Tue-Fri, Sun 10 am-5:30 pm
Sat 10 am-9 pm
Closed Mon
Admission
One of my favorite things about the Center is that admission is always free. You only have to pay for parking, which is $15 per vehicle ($10 after 5 pm) and not bad at all considering how wonderful the museum is. Side note: it's hard to believe parking was $5 in 2008.
Art
Exhibitions are often changing, but the permanent collection is my favorite. The Center has numerous galleries including European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts; a collection of medieval and early Renaissance manuscripts and artifacts; photographic arts; and Impressionist paintings, which showcases one of my favorites, "Irises" by Vincent Van Gogh. Contemporary and modern sculpture are also featured throughout the grounds.
Architecture
Incorporating the modern designs of architect Richard Meier, the Center's unique design elements offer beautiful open spaces and spectacular views of LA. Sweeping views include the Pacific Ocean, San Gabriel mountains, and the vast street-grid of the city. The complex is mostly made of beige-colored, cleft-cut, textured, and fossilized travertine stone (1.2 million sqft. of it) from Bagni di Tivoli, Italy and includes plenty of natural light, one of the Center's most important architectural elements. What about the artwork? Fear not, the galleries have special filters to prevent damage.
Gardens
The Central Garden was created by artist Robert Irwin and lies at the heart of the Center, covering 134,000 sqft. of the grounds. My favorite thing to do in the garden is to lay on the lawn and soak in the sun.
Eat
You're always welcome to bring your own food and have a picnic in the gardens. But if you're hungry and without food, you have a few options at the Center. The Restaurant offers a full-service dining experience in an elegant setting with views of the Santa Monica mountains. If you're on a budget and want something less fancy, there's also the self-service Cafe right under The Restaurant, which offers sandwiches, soups, salads, pizza, tacos, burritos, grilled items, wine, and beer. There's also the Garden Terrace Cafe, similar to Cafe, but outdoors and overlooks the Central Garden. Two coffee carts are also on the grounds and offer coffee, hot tea, espresso, bottled beverages, baked goods, as well as food options. If you're really set on having a picnic but forgot to bring food, you can order gourmet boxed lunches from the Center.
Shop
I love museum shops and the ones at the Center are no exception. There are actually several stores on the grounds, but my favorite is the main store inside the Museum Entrance Hall, which offers a broad selection of books, children's books, toys, gifts, apparel, stationery, and jewelry.
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- Carmen S.
- Long Beach, CA
- 8 friends
- 10 reviews
Beautiful museum!! Spent a few hours here and even had a picnic facing the garden in the grassy areas surrounding. So many neat things to look at!! I really enjoyed looking at the antique furniture they had (beds, dressers with hidden compartments, chandeliers, etc). Don't get too close to the paintings though. My boyfriend and I were looking at one painting and were a few feet away and were stopped by the security guard in the room for being "too close", but there were no signs regarding how far back you needed to be. But overall was a great experience and will be back again!
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If you live near UCLA, a bus conveniently drops you off right in front of the Getty Center. A tram takes you up the hill to the museum itself. You get to explore the beautiful grounds: contemporary, white marble buildings, an iconic garden, aerial views of the city, cool art, and sometimes cool concerts.
You kind of feel like you're at some super elite mansion of the gods, but no-- all of it is FREE and open to the public. -
- Annette H.
- Sunnyside, NY
- 10 friends
- 41 reviews
The Museum *****
Most beautiful modern museum I have been, so far.
Architecture*****
On your visit join the Architecture tour. The guide will take you through a journey of Richard Meyer's -(the designer of the Getty Centre)- philosophy, connection and ideas.
The North, South, East and West buildings are a fantastic idea to keep the collections in categories of time and style. Natural light sources and plenty of balconies, terraces and outdoor spaces combining location, weather, architecture and gardens, which is pure joy for visitors.
Garden*****
Also I recommend the garden tour, the garden designed by Robert Irwin is stunning and of course the Californian dream weather keeps visitors outdoors enjoying drinks and snacks from the cafes. Check the artist in residence, on my visit I had the pleasure to meet the Oak brothers.
Art***
This is a private collection of one art lover/investor .... Who was into a certain style, many portraits of wealthy people, and references to Jesus, the photography exhibition of Josef Koudelka balanced the world of rich, which was on a psychological level well chosen by Getty's art department.
Personally I love painting and beauty myself and enjoyed looking at Midcentury and onwards portraits and fables. It was amazing to see Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh famous classics in one room. Great experience!!!
Tip
Try the tours, it will give you more insight and history!!!
Thank you Mr Getty to allow everyone the pleasure to view your collection for free!!!
I had a beautiful day!!!
This incredible place is for EVERYONE
and DONT MISS THE SUNSET on your visit, it's magical!!!! -
- Sarah Y.
- Playa del Rey, CA
- 95 friends
- 18 reviews
Pros: Amazing museum a lot of European paintings and sculptures. Beautiful view! Require a good amount of time to see everything!
Cons: It can get crowded. So getting into the area can be slow and then getting into the parking lot can be slow and then getting a parking spot is slow.
Overall, a must in LA. As a tip, go earlier in the day even thought going before sunset is a amazing. -
I was iffed that I had to pay for parking, but whatever. The scenery is beautiful up there. A short tram ride into the main building, the gardens and fountains are worth the trek. Take a blanket, a book, and you have created a relaxing day to yourself or with friends.
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If you kidnapped me and blindfolded me and took me inside the getty and asked me to rate the museum I'd have given it two stars at best. The art was eurocentric and generally a mix of bland Renaissance baroque and romantic period pieces. There were some impressive ones but generally there was nothing of major note to the art.
However, here is how the getty earned back two more stars from me. To start, It's free. Second, you park in a garage and have to take this darling tram up the side of the mountains to get to the structure itself. Darling is the only word to describe it. The architecture of the buildings themselves is phenomenal. I tend to enjoy architecture more than art anyway, and so this was fantastic for me. The landscaping too was amazing and used the ebb and flow of the grounds very well. Finally, the view from the top of the getty is amazing. You can see all the way to the coast as well as century city west wood and downtown. It's as good a view as from the griffin observatory. Anyone visiting LA for a day, skip the observatory for the traffic come here and feel so LA it'll hurt. -
- Janelle L.
- West Hills, CA
- 198 friends
- 327 reviews
- Elite ’15
The Getty Foundation is so amazing! Admission is FREE 99 every day from 10 am - 5 pm. During the summer they are open till 9 pm on Fridays.
We thought 2-3 hours would be enough but it wasn't, especially if you'd like to lunch at one of their cafés or the restaurant. Of course it depends on what you've come for. Personally, I could sit, picnic and people watch in the garden all by myself for a couple of hours.
Parking is $15 ($10 after 5 pm) and seems to fill up by 1 ish. There is an overflow parking lot across Sepulveda. There's always people coming and going, so parking isn't too atrocious. Drivers beware though, the compact spaces are tight!
TIP: if there's door to go outside, go take a look. The views change from overlook to bridge and every single one of them is AMAZING!
TIP#2: when you pay $15 to park you can go to the Getty Center and Getty Villa on that same ticket! Inquire at the parking office because I'm not sure how it works exactly because the machine takes your ticket upon your exit. -
- Mihaela C.
- Irvine, CA
- 54 friends
- 58 reviews
Great architecture! Pretty Gardens and good exhibits. This was my 3 rd time to the Getty and I love the original Monets, Manets and Rembrants.
Parking is $15 dollars, but the museum is free!
Bring a blanket and have lunch in the gardens if you wish. ( food is available at the cafes on site )
The views are gorgeous! Check out the south and west building top floor balconies! -
Just absolutely breathtaking!
Every building, inside the museum walls, the garden, the views, so perfect and exquisite!
The Getty Center is a large. We were there for a good 3-4 hours and only saw half of what the Getty had to offer. Since the Getty is free, I highly recommended taking the whole family. It's a great experience for all. The Getty offers free iPods for guests to use and enjoy on a self-guided tour.
I'm looking forward to our next trip to the Getty! Full review pending :)
PS - Yoga on Saturday mornings! -
Free admission but you have to pay for parking. $10-15 however you can spend the day here if you wanted, there is so much to do. We came here for a outdoor concert picnic, there was so many people around however there was so much space to sit down and set up your own picnic. They even offered to purchase food too. I was just so impressed with this place, the cleanliness, the architecture, the views, the paintings, the exhibits and my all time favorite: The Family Room! Yes they have a room for children too, it was sooo awesome. Your child can color and make their own masks, your child can read a book on this cool bed, your child can put these tubes in these holes. I loved it.
I definitely would come here again, I enjoyed the garden and the breathtaking views. Love the Getty! -
- Julie H.
- Escondido, CA
- 35 friends
- 111 reviews
This is a truly beautiful museum, from the architecture to the art spaces and the art itself! I was in awe of their tasteful display of the illumination exhibition! In one day I took in El Greco, Titian, Van Gogh, Picasso and so many more!
The cafes and the restaurant are tastefully designed of course! Plenty of spaces for sitting to take in the art both inside the galleries and outside in the courtyards. Admission is free and you only pay for parking! If you are a non-profit even the parking is free! -
Went here with my boyfriend one day while visiting California. It was highly recommended here and on Trip Advisor so we made sure it was a stop on our list. Parking is $15, then admission is free. Taking the monorail to the Center was very cool and the views were awesome! The Getty Center itself is very gorgeous and laid out very well. We went in the month of July on a Friday, and even in the late morning it was pretty crowded.
It took only a few hours to explore the Center. I particularly loved the photography as that is something I am drawn to. Lovely place that I would definitely go to again! -
If you never been to The Getty Center, you'll have to visit it for the breath taking view, gorgeous architecture and fine art collection.
For those on a budget, the place is free.
[ Driving here ]
When using a GPS to come here, make sure to use this address:
1200 Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
[ Parking ]
They do charge for parking, though like most museums they do charge, here it is not much. If you visit here after 5pm it is $10, and before it is $15. You are allowed to come early in the day, pay for parking, leave and come back later in the evening and do not have to pay again for parking, you just pay once.
Military: If you have your Military ID, you can park here free from May 26th through Labour Day (Sept 1st). Just make sure you take your parking ticket and your military identification card to their info desk and they will validate your parking.
[ Hours ]
Tues/Weds/Thurs/Fri/Sunday 10AM-5:30PM
Saturday they are open the longest from 10AM-9PM.
[ Wi-Fi ]
They have free Wi-Fi.
[ Food ]
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of LA and see the Getty Central Garden while eating at the Garden Terrace Cafe.
[ Central Garden ]
This is one of my favourite spots to visit here; the gardens are just stunning. The whole garden is 134,000 SQFT, within the gardens are three lovely bougainvillea arbors. While walking through the gardens visitors will use all of their senses to smell, hear and see beautiful azaleas, trees, cactus and more.
[ Art ]
The Getty has a massive collection of European and American paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, furniture and even manuscripts. All of these collections of art are found within their four pavilions (North/South/East/West). These pieces date back from the 17th century all the way till the 19th century.
[ Summary ]
I completely love the Getty Center and think the art that lines the interior walls is just as beautiful as the outside of this prodigious architecture masterpiece designed by Richard Meier (Pritzker Architecture Prize), who also designed our local High Museum in Atlanta. For anyone who appreciates fine arts, history, great views and architecture, the Getty Center is definitely a must stop!
[Review #202] -
- Chelsea C.
- Los Angeles, CA
- 61 friends
- 20 reviews
The Getty is an LA treasure that I wish I could get to more often. At a friend's suggestion, we went on a Saturday, packed a picnic & planned on making a day of it. The weather was perfect (75 in Jan!), the art entrancing, & the view breathtaking. After taking in the Impressionist gallery ( personal fav), we headed to the garden, set up our picnic, enjoyed the weather & the company. It was a perfect day. I hope to get back there again soon!
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Yelp's 365 Review Challenge 2014 #289 - #365
Aside from the Stars Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign, what is a good spot in LA to visit? Of course it would be the Getty Museum!
Los Angeles has lots of museums but the Getty will always be the number one out of the Norton Simon, Mocha, and LA Museum of modern art. Sitting on top of the hill where you can spot as far as Downtown Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Pier on a clear day, this has by far the best art collection.
Ranging from the 1200's to the 20th century with famous artists such as Rembrandt, Cesant, Monet, and Van Gogh. There are four sections of art at the Getty; North, South, East, and West. Each wing has it's own collection and period of art. Just walking outside the Getty is breathtaking with it's modern architecture, and white slabs of marble and stone make it an art piece of it's own.
What makes it a great place to visit is it's FREE except for the parking which cost $15 or $10 after 5pm. I'm assuming the get their funding through private downers. The downside is they shut off all the water from the fountains because of California's water shortage. Aside from the art is the Getty Gardens outside with it's towering trees and different kinds of flowers all around. This has really been a fun experience. Don't forget, they also have free tours throughout the day and a fancy restaurant called, "The Restaurant" next to the entrance. Feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks if you want to save some money. -
The usual knick knacks you get from a gift store except way pricier. They are located to the left of the main Museum entrance and are open till 9 PM on Saturdays. Very busy with all the tourists.
They have a nice collection of fine jewelry with prices ranging up to $$$ for the women. Some nice scarves to one side and all other memorabilia all over the store. My favorites are the glass blown birds and a couple of music boxes. Very nostalgic.
Last time I was here I got a the music box; of course. And a CD of the Music from the Baroque Era. Wonderful, wonderful memories.
3 stars for the prices which I think are absurd and for how one of the staff started to turn towards me after helping another customer, take one look and move away. LOL. Sorry if I looked like I wasn't gonna buy any of the jewelry ( I didn't). But a simple hello would've been nice.Decided on a whim after grabbing lunch from The Griddle Cafe to go see The Getty Center and boy am I… Read more
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- Matthew Y.
- Fountain Valley, CA
- 283 friends
- 249 reviews
- Elite ’15
The Getty Center is located off The Getty Center Drive but the easiest way to get there is to exit the freeway at Moraga Drive and then fall it down and you will reach Getty Center Drive. They have a parking structure that cost $15.00 but if you have a big truck you can't park in there. It's compact only.
Quick History
Jean Paul Getty the richest man in the world in 1957. Getty became a millionaire by the time he was 23. By the 1960s, his company Getty Oil became one of the largest oil companies in the world. He collected art with the same eye for underappreciated value that he had for a salt dome covering a rich pool of oil deep beneath it. Prizing beauty for its permanence, he preferred the art of royals and aristocrats from western history: Greek and Roman sculpture, paintings of Renaissance masters, and furniture of 18th century European monarchs. Though he delighted in the tax deductions that accrued when he donated his art to museums, he also demonstrated a genuine desire to share his art with the public.
So after doing a little research you can have a better appreciation for his collection.
When you park make sure you take your parking ticket with you because you need to pay at the pay station when you going to leave.
Take the elevators to the top level and get in line to take the tram up to the top.
Once you get to the top grab yourself a map and walk around. They have many different art gallery areas and they have security everywhere. Try not to get to close to the art because if you do the security will come up to you and say Stand back your to close. ha ha. Overall this museum is really huge the have galleries on many different levels and they have tons to look at. The grounds are well maintained and they have spectacular views of the entire city.
I would recommend on bring a backpack with snacks and water because the food there is pretty expensive. It's always nice to save money when you can.
If you have never been here you should get with your lady take a trip up there and have a good ol time.
I was reading in there information area that there is another Getty Museum called Getty Villa in Malibu. Might have to check that out.
Thank you Jean Paul Getty for letting us see your amazingly huge collection.
- Matt -
This is an awesome museum! Taking advantage of the beautiful view of the city and the ocean, the Getty is a series of buildings with exhibits, perfectly manicured gardens and gorgeous grounds. It's a refreshing departure from the usual museum experience.
After parking and taking the tram to the museum, a group of us began to explore the exhibits in the pavilions as we waited for one of the afternoon garden tours. The welcome video offered a nice overview of the museum and the maps, along with the daily schedule of activities and tours came in handy. On the Saturday that we went, Ansel Adams had a wonderful exhibit that was being featured.
Photography is allowed in some areas of the museum and in the gardens. Taking a good camera will allow you to capture the full beauty of the property. It's a great place to spend an afternoon or even a day. You can leisurely peruse the exhibits, relax in the garden with a picnic lunch or a few snacks from the cafe or food carts, read a book or spend time catching up with friends. It's a great destination that is relatively inexpensive with free admission and $15 for parking which will allow you to park at both the museum and the Getty Villa in the same day.
The Getty is one of those places that I've been meaning to visit since I moved to LA and I'm glad that I finally made it there. There was so much to see that I barely scraped the surface of what the museum has to offer. I look forward to returning.
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