Recommended Reviews

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  • 5.0 star rating
    7/3/2014
    1 check-in

    I love their beautiful and peaceful garden and the architecture which over look LA city. The museum exhibits were very interesting as well.

    Love riding the tram since you can see an overview of LA freeway from above.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/12/2014

    We didn't have time to visit this center during our last trip to LA. So we fly back during the last week of our Summer vacation.

    This $1.3 billion Center is well known for its architecture, gardens, and views overlooking Los Angeles. The Museum features pre 20th century European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts; and 19th and 20th century American, Asian, and European photographs.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/14/2013
    1 check-in

    Second time, first time during the day (The former appearance at Getty was for the absolutely amazing Caribbean inspired Yelp Elite event).

    Woohoo! As good as it gets! I'll surely be back.

    I like wandering around outside and going to art museums and this place is up there with the best for both worlds.

    The Morrel photography exhibit was amazing (although photography was not allowed in this specific section) and I highly recommend anyone to check it out.

    I do not really want to write more of a review, because there is no way this review could justify the beauty of the Getty ...so go! Stop reading and go!

    Enjoy!

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/19/2014

    I'm in heaven. I love spending a day at the Getty. Free admission, only pay for parking. There are four buildings to visit, too much to see all of it in a day. To get the full experience you need multiple visits. The Getty collection is simply superb. I can hardly wait till my next visit. FYI, if it's raining, they provide umbrellas. I felt the love.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/2/2014
    1 check-in

    If you don't want to spend a lot of money and have a decent time with your significant other, this is the place to be! It doesn't matter if you love art not, the view of LA alone makes it worth the $15 parking!

    Make sure you charge your smart phone and camera because you'll want to take photos of everything!

    There's also a great garden area and a giant grass hillside where you can just chill and forget about the LA traffic!

    This place has a rotating art section so there's always something new to check out!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/11/2013
    1 check-in

    The Getty, get at me! Haha, but seriously, you need to get your butt to the Getty (I apologize for the overuse of "get"). The architecture, scenery, exhibits, and visuals are absolutely stunning. This is a mesmerizing and gorgeous museum.

    Parking is $15 but the museum itself is free. After parking in their parking structure, you take a tram to the Getty and then you're off on your own to explore their numerous pavilions and garden. The museum is situated on top of a hill overlooking Los Angeles, and that itself is an amazing sight (but stupid LA haze makes it difficult to see far). My boyfriend and I especially enjoyed their Overdrive exhibit documenting the urbanization of LA. Their Renaissance Garden is beautiful with an abundance of vibrant and exotic flowers, plants, and a man-made waterfall. Simply breathtaking.

    The Getty is huge but it also feels very intimate and comfortable, nothing pretentious like other museums. I wish I had enough time to visit all of the pavilions and exhibitions. You can even enjoy a nice lunch or drinks in the museum courtyard. If you're in LA, you have to visit!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/9/2013
    1 check-in

    Incredible. The architecture of the building and the grounds alone are worth the visit to the Getty Center. On the outside you will find some of the best views of sprawling Los Angeles, and on the inside you will find yourself in a state of reflection with the tremendous diversity of art. The changing exhibits are always phenomenal and give you plenty of reason to return. The sheer size of the Getty is impressive so be sure to have 2 to 3 hours at least if you want to capture everything. The lawns are well manicured and the gardens are beautiful from the flowing water to the maze of bursting green hedges. Bring some food, a date, a friend, your mom, whatever, just don't forget to bring yourself as the Getty is an experience to behold.

    No entry fee, but it is $15 to park.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/30/2014
    1 check-in

    Love this place!

    1. There's no modern art bullsh*t - all the exhibits here have so much history, some pieces dating back to the 1600's!! Interesting and super neat!! Can definitely be a learning experience!
    2. It's free! (except for $15 parking and $10 after 5)
    3. AMAZING views of the city + skyline!!
    4. Beautiful during the day AND night time (although I particularly enjoy the daytime more)
    5. The architecture is absolutely stunning! The use of white marble stone gives off the feeling of an ethereal palace!
    6. I've never eaten here before but the reviews seem to suggest that it's pretty good.
    7. Perfect for photoshoots, selfies and profile worthy pictures.

    Along the walkway that leads to the garden, there are grassy areas where you can lay out a blanket and snuggle up with your lover while looking out onto the cityscape or have a picnic! Super romantic !

    I also had my first celebrity sighting!!! Jake & Maggie Gyllenhaal!!

    ~ So magical here ~!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/31/2013

    The Getty Center is full of art, it has beautiful views, and is just stunning on it's own.  I could describe to you how fantastic the Getty is, but I would rather show you:

    The Steps: yelp.com/biz_photos/the-…

    The View: yelp.com/biz_photos/the-…

    Admission is FREE, no reservations required. Parking is $15, but $10 after 5 p.m.  If this is your first trip to LA or you've lived here your whole life, the Getty is worth your time.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/21/2013
    1 check-in

    I guess I don't really have an appreciation for art but definitely can see how great the Getty could be for those who do. The couple of collection that I went to had a theme to them.

    Went to the hand painting room that had a description with haiku which was really cool way of describing the artwork. Moved on to the Greek mythology sculpture which was very intricate.

    One of my favorite rooms was the French decor. It gave a sense if what it meant to be ballin status back in the days. High ceiling with columns and a really flashy color schemes. The teal green room with gold furniture were boss status.

    I moved on to the outside area. Beautiful view of the snail pace 405 and DTLA in the background. It shows the true colors of what LA is all about. Also outside was the famous garden with the maze in the center. Get your pennies and count ready to throw in the center.

    Overall I'm not an artsy person and I ended up interpreting art in a comical way but still made the most of it. The highlight was the tram ride. The only complaint I have is the $15 parking. I'll find a free day next time.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/13/2013
    1 check-in

    The Getty Center is absolutely my all time favorite museum! I love coming here to chill out on the grass area, watch people roll down the hills, wander round the garden areas, gaze up at the wonderful architecture, and walk around and see the art work of course. It's great for photography and for taking visitors to someplace unique in LA. I probably have a few hundred photos of the Getty. I've been coming here for years and I try to make it out here as often as I can. It's a pain to get to, but so worth it to unwind and enjoy the day.

    It's extremely easy to come here and have a few hours pass by without noticing. I usually bring a book and some snacks and relax on the grassy area. Walk around the garden area and then climb some stairs to look a the views of LA. On a minimal smoggy day it is amazing! You can see so far out over the city.

    The art itself doesn't rotate out that much. I don't stroll through the regular collection much since I come here often enough that I remember most of it. The changing exhibit they do have is pretty good and is almost always interesting.

    Even the cafe is pretty good. They have a very large area and many types of food to choose from.

    Parking is $15 a car before 5pm and $10 a car afterwards. If you want to save a bit of money though you can always take a bus. I usually do this when coming alone. The LA Rapid 761 is the only bus that I know of that takes you directly to the Getty Center. Round trip is only $3!

    Love the Getty!

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/30/2013

    Super fun, educational, and it's free!

    With more than 1k reviews, there should be no reason not  to check this place out - if you haven't done so already.

    Here are some tips:
    1. Bring water with you - it takes a lot of time traveling back and forth on the tram, and then walking flights of stairs to and from the museum - if you get easily thirsty, like me, you'd pack some liquids. I wish I did.

    2. Make it a family fun day, buy parking tickets for $15 and park here, and the Getty Villa - it'll save you some pennies and get an opportunity to explore more of what Getty has to offer. Just remember - Getty Villa requires advanced appointment setting for visits online, so just make sure to do that and you'll be able to enjoy both museums at the rate of one for parking. I wish I had done that too.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/30/2013
    2 check-ins

    NYC has The Met, Paris has the Louvre, and LA has The Getty.

    Did I just compared the Getty to other famous museums? Yes. A must stop when you're in town. The Getty is locate on hill. That means breathtaking views of LA and Santa Monica.

    Museum entrance is free but it costs $15 for parking. You can either take the tram (there's usually a wait) or walk to the musuem. Do take the tram up but walk down hill. It's better that way.

    They have exhibits, all free, they have neo-classical paintings, drawings, photography, etc. You know art stuff.

    What I love the most is the architecture of the museum. The black and white architecture compliments the colorful center garden. A must see!

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/27/2013
    1 check-in

    Love the Getty!
    Pros:
    - Beautiful collection
    - Amazing view of the city
    - Lovely garden
    - Well organized
    - Interesting tours
    -Free admission

    Cons:
    - Parking is $15
    - It gets super  busy

    Highly recommend!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/24/2014
    1 check-in

    The Getty Center is absolutely breath taking. I went here to see BADBADNOTGOOD at Saturdays Off the 405. We walked around for a bit and took in the amazing views of the city. We did not get a chance to see any of the exhibits but we plan to make a trip in the next couple of weeks to explore the museum more. Glad I finally made a trip to this beautiful place!

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/15/2014

    Aw snap, I love this museum. Came here with a friend on an overcast day for the garden, and it was still beautiful. That garden is GORGEOUS.

    Visited a bunch of galleries and I loved the European art one the most. The view from the top of the center is really breathtaking as well.

    Parking is expensive, but it is free admission. Also cool that there's a tram that takes you to/from the museum from the parking lot.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/22/2013
    1 check-in

    Tip: Don't plan a trip here for an hour or two, You literally need to plan either half a day (4-5) hours here (morning)  or an entire day should be sent aside for this place. :) Its pretty big, with about 5-6 buildings to visit along with the garden.  

    Parking is convenient.  Free admission but 15 bucks for parking so going as a group in one car would be a good idea.  A tram is provided from the elevators to the top, or you can opt to walk. :) I don't much enjoy the sculptures, glass etc as much as paintings, but this experience was amazing.  Food court is available as well as a food cart full of snacks outside the central area of all the buildings.  

    *recommendation: If you are planning to spend a good amount of time here, grab a basket full of goodies and a blanket.  The garden area is really nice, throw a blanket down and have a picnic!*

    Overall, my experience has been great.  After 3.5 hours, I still only saw about 35-40% of all the displays.  This is my excuse to come back another time. :)

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/16/2013
    1 check-in
    Listed in Culture Vultures

    What a beautiful museum. Several buildings for different exhibit. Very organized.

    The view is gorgeous. Nice place to have family outing. Great place to bring food & wine and enjoy the garden and view.

    Admission: FREE

    Parking: Parking structure (FEE)

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/14/2013
    1 check-in

    Tram ride is still legendary. Views from the mountain are spectacular. Garden is always amazing. I personally find the exhibits at this museum to be just okay, but after going to the Louvre and the British Museum this year, it's not a fair comparison.

    Plus it's still free. Parking is the usual $15 flat rate on most days.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/29/2013
    2 check-ins

    I always like coming here.  The art on display inspires and makes me curious where the artist got their inspiration.  As a musician, I saw in my own development an evolution from "imitation", to discovery of the essence of the art to making what I do unique.  Of the artists I've studied, I got the firm belief that to break the mold, you must first learn how the mold was made.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/9/2014
    2 check-ins

    There is nothing not to love about this place! Parking is $15 and admission is FREE! The building and grounds are absolutely beautiful. The view is amazing. The food in the cafes is really good. The tours are nice and very informational. The various rotating and standing exhibits are wonderful. And they have wonderful lawns that are perfect to enjoy the scenery, have a picnic and let the kids run around. The place is so big, that you could go several times and see something different every time. This is a must see attraction in LA!

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/10/2013

    The Getty Center is a huge complex nestled up in the hills just outside LA and as a designer it was a must see for me.  How could it not be?  Art Galleries + Modern Architecture + Gardens + Views of LA & beyond = what I imaged would be an all-around amazing day.

    To start things off - Parking in the giant garage is $15, tram ride to the top of the hill is $0 as is the admission to the center.  There were two of us, so $7.50 a piece to take in the art and the view was well worth it.

    Once at the top of the hill you are presented with stunning, clean, crisp architecture. White travertine stone on the walkways and the building provided a truly striking contrast, allowing the landscape both inside and outside the area to pop.

    The artwork, unfortunately, was a bit unforgettable for me.  Which makes sense I guess- I think we actually spent the majority of my time there outside taking in the garden and views.  Despite this I would definitely recommend for anyone... it really was a perfect way to start our day out and about in Hollywood.  And the views really can't be beat.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/6/2013
    1 check-in

    This place is one of the coolest places on EARTH. And it's FREE.  And it's HERE in Los Angeles.  I could go on and on, but let it suffice to say that it's awesome in every way and that's all there is to it.  Included are photos from my album called "Art that Tripped Me Out and Made Me Feel Like I was Having One of those Flashbacks They've Been Promising Me".

    I have spoken.  And it is so.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/23/2014
    1 check-in

    Can't get a better deal for a an awesome panoramic view of LA, some legit art, and excellent gardens. This is a perfect date spot for a picnic and sunset, and should be on everyone's list of things I need to do while in LA, whether living or visiting.

    Parking is just $15, unless you go after 5pm when it is just $10, and admission to the exhibits is free.

    They have a cafe and a refreshment stand with basic sandwiches and drinks that are decently priced.

    Get cultured!

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/5/2013

    A decent collection with a few outstanding pieces, plus buildings, gardens and views of LA that are worth the trip in their own right.  

    The Getty is a beautiful set of buildings perched atop hills with fantastic views of the surrounding area.  Even if the buildings were empty, it'd be worth the trip up.  They're not empty, of course, but rather house a collection that's weighted towards pre-1850s European art.  As someone who favors modern and contemporary art, I have less here to enjoy, but there is one pavilion with pieces from the early 1800s up thru about 1900.  Lots of filler, but there are a few well known and exceptional works that are worth the price of admission.  Aside from photography, there's essentially nothing from the 1900s on.

    The photography permanent collection is decent, and there's currently an exhibition  of camera obscura pix by Abelardo Morell that I found fascinating.  

    For the collection alone, I'd say 3 stars.  It doesn't rival the Met or MOMA in NYC, the Art Institute of Chicago, or the Tates, to name a few.  But again, it does have its moments, and will look more appealing if you favor the older stuff.  

    Plus one star for the buildings and views, and plus another for the fact that admission is free, and we get to my maybe-just-a-bit-generous rating.  Enjoy!

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/20/2013
    1 check-in
    Listed in SoCal Favorites

    I'm a huge fan of museums and this is definitely up there with the best of them. Set up in the hills above Sepulveda Blvd, on a sunny day this place has one of the most beautiful view of L.A. and the surrounding hills.

    They have a great collection of the Impressionists and also some beautiful gardens. The entire architecture of the place with its Travertine tiles and white buildings is just breathtaking. It's a great date spot too. You can bring a picnic lunch and sit out on the lawns overlooking the garden and just relax.

    Admission is free but parking is $15. You'll park and then take the tram up the hill to get to the actual museum. On weekends, beware there may be some longer waits for the tram to and from the museum also.

    If you're hungry they have several options for eating and a couple of beverage carts with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy some quality people watching and the soothing sounds of the fountains.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/28/2013

    This place is gorgeous. The first thing i said was, "is this what heaven looks like?" I love the modern architecture here.

    parking here is free however the museum is free. Its definitely worth it especially if you have a car full of people. You take a monorail up to the museum. They have lots of paintings and different places to look at it. I think this place would be great for a photo shoot. The view of LA isn't bad either.

    You can take pictures of the paintings, but remember no flash!

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/16/2014
    1 check-in

    !st time here. The place is AMAZING! Current exhibit is right up my ally. Jackson Pollock, Ansel Adams, Roger Fenton, Henry Moore, Vincent Van Gogh, Giacometti, WOW! all my favorites in one place. "Good for Kids?" DEFINITELY! Everyone should bring their kids, if not here then to any museum. We could all use a little art appreciation. Also bought my now favorite t-shirt of all time.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/23/2014
    1 check-in

    Beautiful collections, beautiful views... a great way to spend few hours in a magical atmosphere.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/8/2014
    3 check-ins

    I absolutely love this place!  I try and visit the J Paul Getty Museum at least twice a year for a couple of reasons...

    First, it's difficult to see everything all in one day, especially if you're like me and you tend to take your time reading the little placards next to each painting/picture/sculpture to learn a little about its history.  I tend to study the paintings too -- I hate to sound a bit cliche or "hopeless romantic" about the arts, but some paintings tend to portray themselves differently to me every time I visit.  I'm not sure if it's because of my attitude/state-of-mind at the time or if it's just the painting itself, but I tend to notice different details which speak to me differently almost every time I see this particular paintings.  And for me, this tends to be fun and interesting... kind of like getting one clue at a time to a bigger puzzle every time I visit.

    Secondly, the Getty grounds change with the seasons -- flowers bloom during spring/summer, foliage turns those golden colors during the fall/winter.  Going twice a year feels like going to two separate museums every year.

    About half of the buildings at the Getty offer permanent exhibits, but the other half are ever-changing exhibits which showcase different art throughout the year.   The museum offers art in many different forms and various types of media manufactured both in the past and in the present.  In the past I remember seeing amazing exhibits from historical artists like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Degas, etc.  In my recent visit, I went for one reason specifically -- to see Ansel Adam's gallery.  He's one of my favorite photographers of all time and his 'f/64' club was quite inspiring to me as a photographer.

    While 'The Getty' has plenty to offer, it's difficult to surmise the experience and greatness of The Getty on such a short review.  It's one of those things that you have to just experience for yourself.  In comparison, it would be like explaining what Disneyland has to offer, to someone who has never been there before.  It just can't be done.

    I will say this though -- the Getty's main cafe has an AWESOME cheeseburger, so much so that I have made it a tradition to get one cheeseburger upon immediate arrival every time I go.  And it's not just ANY cheeseburger.  It's a cheeseburger with avocado and a fried egg, with garlic fries as a side.  It's deliciously awesome.  THAT, is my recommendation to you -- if you've read this far along in my boring review, you deserve that much of a treat.  Congratulations.  

    So, I will leave you to your vices and part ways with this last bit of advice.  If there was EVER a landmark spot in LA that you were deciding to go to, make The Getty Museum one of the first stops.  Art influences life -- without art, life ceases to exist.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/10/2014
    1 check-in

    They have extended hours in the summer.

    This place is great! All you have to pay for is $15 for parking - admission is free! Pack a lunch and take in the culture. I brought 2 kids (12 & 16) and we had a blast. There's a little scavenger hunt in a neat brochure geared for kids that gets them actively involved in looking at the pieces. Very fun way to get them interested. There's also a special exhibit that gets kids to interact with some pieces of art housed in other parts of the museum. It was great to have them associate the actual piece of art with the art that they had just played with a short time ago.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/20/2013
    2 check-ins
    Listed in Must See LA

    Definitely a place to see, whether you're a tourist or a local.

    Most of the artwork is paintings, sculptures, and furnishings from the middle ages to the 1800s. There are many multi-level buildings, so getting through everything will definitely take some time. Since I'm more of a contemporary art person, I never get that excited about what I see in the galleries.

    I come here more for the architecture and the panoramic view of Los Angeles. It's a great place to read, walk, or just to sit and think.

    Admission is free.

    Since parking is $15, I usually just take a 10 minute ride on the Metro 761 bus from Westwood (the stop is Sepulveda and Getty Center). Super easy.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/8/2014
    1 check-in

    $15 for parking and you could spend all day gere so it would be worth it.  it's quite a tight space for a compact but hey managed it.

    After that you can walk up to the getty but it's all up hill or you can get the cool train up.

    The getty building is quite simply stunning as well as the art, garden and other spaces.

    You get a pretty cool view of LA from the getty centre itself.

    Really enjoyed my visit here and would highly recommened it.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/17/2014

    Free. Just book parking in advance.
    Fun maze outside on the mountain top.
    I actually really enjoyed the food at the cafe, a bit pricey and lots of bees in the summer buzzing around your food.
    Loved the art displays, I went a few years ago.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/19/2013
    1 check-in

    'The Central Garden is a sculpture in the form of a garden, which aims to be art,' said Robert Irvin, the designer of the Central Garden at the Getty Center.

    The maze of the garden, which appears as a ripple, pleases the eyes and soothes the mind. The ever-changing color of the sculpture across the seasons makes it worthwhile to visit the museum several times a year. I would recommend you joining the Garden Tour to enhance your knowledge about the museum and art in general.

    The beauty of the museum not only relies on the uniqueness of the garden, but also depends upon the complex yet clean architecture of the museum. Designed by the renowned architect Richard Meier, the museum is built upon two natural ridges and allows visitors to have a fantastic view of LA across the campus.

    My friends and I greatly enjoyed our tour at Getty Center, and hope to visit the public section of the Getty Research Institute next time. I highly recommend you visiting this museum, where the admission is free and the artwork collection is extensive.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/12/2013

    Free parking before 12pm and no entrance fee, what!? It must have been a special deal or something that day, but normally the parking is $15 and NO Entrance Fee! The packed tram ride from the lot winds around the hill and deposits you on the Getty's entrance steps..

    First impressions are everything - the steps have sculptures set playfully against the off-white stone that is throughout the museum and makes a wonderful backdrop for all the artwork/landscaping, designs and views..almost like a modern day Roman feel. There is a large modern art sculpture on the first balcony at the entrance.. it looks like an artist's rendition of a giant jungle gym gone rogue and entices you to take numerous photos capturing the backdrop of the museum entrance and views.

    The entire musuem is an architecural masterpiece! White stone, large open spaces, situated perfectly on the hill so as to take advantage of the views of the Los Angeles area, and can also help tell you what the traffic on the 405 looks like..

    The exhibits themselves are all seperated by era and type.. especially fun was the Decorative Arts exhibition in which you can view old French and European furnished rooms as they would have been set in a grand villa or palace.

    There is a whole floor dedicated to paintings, where the Van Gogh's Irises were displayed along with many other beautiful European paintings. My personal favorite exhibit was the Italian religious pieces dating back to the 14th and 15th century.

    The central garden was especially gorgeous this time of year, everything was in full bloom and as you meander slowly downward along the gardens path you are surprised with every new discovery that unfurls at each turn.

    You can spend a full two days here and probably not see every piece of art that The Getty has on display. It really is a wonderful museum and very accessible to everyone.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/9/2014
    Listed in Stuff

    How blessed we are to have some local amazing museums but by far The Getty is the most architecturally and visually beautiful. Views as far as the eye can see, lovely gardens, great cafe's for dining and plenty of coffee carts as well. The coffee though is awful. Exhibits are always outstanding and last weekend while being here they had Impressionist and early 1500-1600's, which they always do, The French collection, the Masters, Renoir, Monet, Picasso and Lissot(think that was the name and it was my favorite). They offer activities for children and a sketching gallery. Many guided tours. I love going about freely but do not enjoy all the people scanning the exhibits and using headphones. I prefer the old school way....slowly enjoying, taking it in, reading about it and doing some personal interpreting while soaking in the experience. Busy on weekends, $15.00 parking, tram ride and FREE to view. Get there early!

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/11/2013
    1 check-in

    Beautiful place! The train ride up the museum is awesome! I got a few cool shots of LA view on my way up.

    The Garden Center is way cool, pretty, and free!

    There were a few different buildings to check out but we didn't have enough time to see them all. I enjoy art but don't know enough about it to appreciate each individually. After awhile, they all look-alike to me. YIKES! Sorry art-snobs! =/

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/30/2014
    1 check-in

    The admission is free. Parking before 5pm is $15, and $10 after 5pm. Architecture is extraordinary, and u can enjoy the view of Los Angeles as well!!!

    Coffee cart: I got a mocha, and cookie!!! The chocolate flavor in the mocha was rich, but did not "overpower" the taste of coffee!!! The cookie was soft and not too sweet!!! Great experience!!!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/11/2013
    1 check-in

    "Is it true that Irish gardens have more variety than ours?"

    This is one of the questions posed by Lady Grantham to her newly anointed son-in-law on the season premiere of series 3 of Downton Abbey.

    Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to travel to Ireland (or Europe for that matter), and know not one single thing about Irish Gardens.  Absolutely not a thing.  However, one thing I do know is that if you're looking or want to be surrounded by beautiful and picturesque gardens, make your way to the Getty Center.

    The Getty Center, situated in the hills above Los Angeles, offers its visitors not only lovely and well-manicured gardens, but also various pavilions home to numerous works of art and sculptures.  Please visit thegetty.edu for complete details regarding exhibits, location, and parking.

    PARKING:  Ample parking is available in their garage.   After parking your car, take the elevator to the top floor as there is a tram that will transport visitors to the museum.  Parking fee is $15.  Pay at the automated machines via cash or credit card before proceeding to your car.

    FEE:  No admission fees.  

    THE HILLS:  Art is not the only beauty one can view at the Getty, as visitors are also treated to stunning (and breathtaking) views of the metropolis known as Los Angeles.  The views are beautiful, especially on a clear day, but the main attraction, of course, is the art itself.  The North pavilion houses art before 1700, the East and South the time period 1600-1800, and the West is home to artworks after 1800.  

    Before I go on, I would highly recommend checking the hours the museum is open on the day you are planning to visit.  I myself got the hours mistaken and thought the museum closed late (9pm) but was closing at 530pm instead.  Since we arrived at the museum at roughly 3pm, I only able to view artwork/photography in the West Pavilion and walk thru the gardens.

    I enjoyed the photography exhibit immensely, but I thought the gardens were the most memorable part of my visit overall.  The central garden features a stream/waterfall cascading into a circular pool with a maze of hedges in its center.  The gardens are well kept, lush, colorful, and easily a focal point of a tourist's (me!) visit.

    Lastly, the museum/building itself could also be considered a "work of art" as its architecture, fountains, and grounds are very pristine and simply immaculate.  

    NOTE:  There is a gift shop as well as various eateries throughout the museum grounds.

    Bottom Line:  Although my time/visit was short it was very enjoyable as well as memorable.  I hope to visit the Getty on a future LA trip.  

    Future visit:  I also hope to make it to the Getty Villa in Malibu.  Someday hopefully.