The Getty Center

7/31/2014

bright and sunny summer day at the getty...off 405 near ucla...$15 parking fee per car...greetings by friendly seniors...volunteers?...a brochure for the day...short free tram up to the getty center...clean, noiseless and smooth ride...magnificent and modern...smooth and contemporary...multiple levels, buildings and structures...up the grand steps and statues posing for guests...skipping the audio tours or such...a visit to stroll around freely and pause as needed...wanting to explore every inch...starting with the outer perimeters...beautiful courtyards, maze of gardens, whimsical statues, thought inspiring work....beauty of the facilities...the grand views of los angeles...quite a sight...severe drought of 2014 and leaving some of the water dry...exploring the many structures filled with artwork, sculptors and furniture pieces...pictures allowed and not allowed depending on the work....small warning for getting too close to the micro paintings and drawings...taking some pictures of favorites...cafeteria for food or a picnic on the lawn would be nice...beautiful area...enter the dance exhibit and finding a real library underneath...people studying...library by request and approval only...half a day spending and finishing every inch of the getty center...a tram ride down, pay $15 for parking and farewell...

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• See all photos from Hen A. for The Getty Center

6/10/2014

This place is so wonderful! I always enjoy my time here, its so peaceful and serene (especially in the evenings). I just went to see the Queen Victoria Photography Exhibit and it was lovely.

Things to know: Parking is $10 AFTER 5PM but they close at 5:30 (weird)...HOWEVER on Friday, during the summer they are open until 9PM.

Next time I'd like to try the cafe and maybe a class of wine!

4/7/2014

I just have to go back!! I went for "College Night," and I was astonished! Being my first time at the Getty center, I was amazed by the architecture, the variety of artwork, and especially, the view. It was such a beautiful sight with many secluded areas to have a romantic moment. Even though the museum doesn't have anything to do with it, The weather was beyond amazing. It stayed in the mid 70s all night long. Because it was college night, some areas were closed off, and couples hogged the secret areas. I'm definitely going back for several occasions, one being to find all of the secret areas. :)

1/4/2014

Great view of LA. The buildings are amazing. The architecture is beyond breathtaking.

Be prepared to face traffic. This place can get really busy. Parking is $10 after 5pm, I believe. Before that, $15. No street parking. Free entrance, so the parking fee is worth it.

To get to the center, you can either walk (about 0.75 miles), or take the mini-train (awesome! And FREE).

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  The Getty Center

  The Getty Center

6/28/2014

Always interesting, always new things to explore here! Have been at the Getty Center many many times and every time it feels like first....! Love it here.

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  Did some drawing in the Sketching Gallery

  Did some drawing in the Sketching Gallery

11/1/2014

I honestly didn't even visit the galleries. The only thing me and my missus did was buy hot chocolate and admire the views.

Oh my, the views are worth 5 stars ALONE! They are breathtaking! As a photographer, this was heaven! We got here just before sunset which made it even better.

Everywhere you looked there was a view that was breathtaking.

Id visit again just for the view. Simply outstanding.

As for the art, I'm sure that's great too.

3/25/2014

Just love this place! Free to get in and $15 parking.
Come to enjoy the exhibits and scenery.
You can bring your own food and drinks for a picnic on the lawn.
They do sell food, drink, and WINE at reasonable prices.
Come to relax and enjoy some ART!

2/11/2014

The Getty Center or Museum is a must whenever you visit LA.  It is our #3 LA attraction, one that never tires there is so much to see and do.  From the moment you arrive you know you are some place special.
  Whether you come by Metro #761 bus from Westwood or by car, ($15 parking), admission to this American Treasure is free to all.  You start your visit by taking a six minute automated tram ride up the mountain to the spectacular campus of galleries and exhibit halls filled with hundreds of art from the late J. Paul Getty.
  Stay a few hours or all day enjoying a lunch in one of the restaurants, photo the
amazing views of Century City and weather permitting, downtown.  Stroll the pathways that wind around the white marble campus and gardens.  This is an amazing place where you know you will return whenever in town.

THIS IS LA's 3rd BEST ATTRACTION!

Join our LA Tour, click onto my photo.    Day 2 of 9.   Start at 2/10/14.

7/8/2014

This place was amazing! I love patterns and art. It was perfect. We took just the garden tour because she touched on most of the architecture. Sweetest little old lady tour guide. The day was super hot so I recommend water and sunglasses but they do provide umbrellas. They also have a coffee stand and sell popsicles. The cafe is pretty limited but the food is yummy. I cannot wait to bring my picnic basket and have a picnic.

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  LA

  LA
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• See all photos from Kenia G. for The Getty Center

8/6/2013

How anyone can give less than 5 stars for the Getty Center is beyond me.

Let's see:  It's free and you get to see some world class art, an amazing garden area, take several incredible (free) tours, see (free) concerts, hear terrific lecturers (for free), experience wonderful 360 degree views of the City (smog-permitting) and enjoy amazing architecture.    

And don't even start in with the $15 parking charge.  For $15, you get to park on most streets in LA (if you can even find parking) for about 25 minutes given the outrageous meter prices.  Also, I assume you are not driving to the Getty alone.  If you bring one additional person, or perhaps two, then your per person charge is either $7.50 or $5.00 total.  Give me a break, ok?

You can also take in whatever food and drinks you like.  Your bags aren't searched and no one makes you feel like a crook if you don't buy the food on-site.  So there's no excuse there.

The staff is super friendly, too.  We saw a concert on the lawn near the gardens and the staff members were falling all over themselves to give blankets to people to lay on.  For free.  They were literally going out into the crowd to see if people needed blankets.  And this is in LA where no one on the freeway will allow you to nudge into their lane, no matter what.

Yes, there are better museums overall in the world but, come on, overall, there is a ton to enjoy and experience here and you will never, ever beat the price.  

Do yourself a favor and set aside at least 5 or 6 hours and make a day of it.  You can't do that at most museums.  The Getty is a gem.

10/26/2014

I love the Getty. The garden, the art, the view, the place. But today was a real turnoff because there have been some interesting changes. They've decided to add a marketing speech to the tram ride like it's Disneyland, the garden seems like it's not being attended to properly, the art has not changed much in years, and the food quality has declined.  What happened Getty? Too many tourists? Poor management? Making money is more important then the experience?

4/17/2014

I love this place.  The views from the Getty center are amazing.  I have been here for concerts as well as viewing art and both are amazing.  Even to just go up and get lunch you cannot beat the view of LA to the ocean.

If you want a great place to go for the day please check this out!

12/31/2012

LOVE!!!!!

$15 to park and FREE admission!!!

The tram takes you to The Getty. The line can be long, but the wait on a summer weekend was no longer than 15 mins. The tram is slow, but you get to see all the beautiful houses in the hills.

I can spend the whole day here. My fave exhibit is the Italian art. So beautiful and vivid.

There are rooms and rooms of artworks from various eras. What's cool about The Getty is that most of the buildings are connected so you don't even have to go outside, esp if it's HOT!

Umbrellas are provided to shade you from the sun, which I thought was cool. The employees are knowledgeable and friendly. There is a cafe and restaurant on site should you decide to grab a bite to eat.

Note: There are certain exhibits that allow you to take photos. Be sure to ask!

4/20/2014

very cool museum with so much art to look at its crazy. I mean the are rooms full of priceless art . the grounds are very cool too an amazing view of L A and the surrounding area

3/8/2014

What a beautiful museum. We don't have such grand places like this in Seattle. The museum can take literally days to discover and appreciate it all. The whole landscaping throughout is well maintained and a piece of art in its own right. The views are just plain sick! The vast lands of lala land can be seen from this place, make sure your batteries are charged in your camera as there are a ton of pics your going to want to take. you just pay $15 for parking and you got a whole days worth of activities at your disposal.

12/3/2012

We all know what The Getty offers in terms of sweeping views of the city, an immaculate landscape and gardens area, and, of course, a vast collection of art, but what you may not know is that they have a pretty eclectic programming schedule as well. I receive their e-newsletters and I'm always intrigued by their offerings of extras (usually on the weekend, usually free, usually interesting enough to get me to think about branching out from regular social outings to try their alternatives). Being that it's The Getty, the offerings usually revolve around some kind of performance or interactive art (music, moving art scavenger hunt, etc.) and they give you enough advance notice to really commit and craft up a good pitch to entice your fellow bar dwellers to try something new (because hey, if it's not a good time, the bar will always be there when it's over).

I recently went on a gloomy, rainy Saturday for an intimate concert (part of Saturday Nights at the Getty) in the Harold M. Williams Auditorium. The concert was free (you just needed to reserve spots online) and parking is only $10, so it's definitely an affordable weekend adventure if you're on a budget. The artist was Cold Specks and she had a unique voice and a really lovely backup band. The acoustics were fantastic and the crowd was just big enough to feel like part of something but not too overwhelming to where you felt packed in a room like sardines (seated, not standing). They had a makeshift bar in the lobby upon arrival, so if you did want to imbibe, you could do some of that, too.

If your crew is open to new ideas for exploring the town, then it's a great little escape and the price tag makes it virtually impossible to ignore. And even if you have to go at it solo, you'll feel good about expanding your horizons.

8/25/2013

Ahhhhhhhh..

Best 15-bucks you can spend in LA...

Park.

Take the tram up.

Walk around, take some pics, enjoy yourself...

Once you've had enough take the tram back down to the parking garage.

Pay 15-bucks.

Go have a nice dinner in Santa Monica and call it a night.

3/4/2013

How can you not love this place?!?

Beauty everywhere you look! From the gardens, to the artwork, (to the patrons!). I love how there is always something in bloom here and the tours of the building and grounds itself are as wonderful as the artwork in the place!

My favorite area of the museum is the photography exhibit. They always have some wonderful artists showcased there. Looking forward to going back!

Great place for a first date, or to hang out with family and friends. Bring the kids! This is a fantastic spot to bring children and have a picnic.

3/5/2014

After visiting The Louvre in Paris, I realized that The Getty Center is probably as close as Los Angeles will get to having a stunning art gallery / museum. Everything from the expansive views of LA to the stunning botanical gardens as well as architecture and artwork, this place has it all.

Even if you aren't an art connoisseur, all of the artifacts you see here, like the many books, drinking glasses, and even room recreations, will keep you busy for hours on end. Trust me, I wasn't into the art scene at all, that is...until I visited several museums in Europe, and now I can't get enough.

Like others have said, the only downside would be the parking, which is $15, but for those who want to make the most of their money, and don't mind crowds, visit on a Saturday since they close later at 9pm, for the night views.

10/18/2012

The Getty Center is a remarkable work of art - inside and out. From the acclaimed modern architectural marvel, to artworks of the European pre-20th century, to the beautiful decorated landscapes and gardens, this museum is the shining star of Los Angeles.

There are noticeable differences between The Getty Center and The Getty Villa. The influence here is the type of art collection and the modernization of the property. You will find more European and American artists here.

After surviving Carmageddon 2, my goal was to drive on the 405 and exit off the "Getty Center" exit and park in their private lot and explore what J. Paul Getty had donated for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. Please note you do not need an on-line reservation for parking as you do with The Getty Villas in Malibu. Once parked, bring your parking ticket with you so you can pay $15 (cash or credit card) by the elevators because there is no parking attendant at the exit. You will wait in the queue for a tram to transport you to the top of the hill which takes less than five minutes. At the top, you will immediately notice the white clean lines and all the beautiful foliage and water features.

While on a limited time schedule, we agreed to discover the West Pavilion only which housed artworks after the 1800s.  The museum is divided in separate pavilions (North, East, South, West and Exhibition). This is also the location of the famous Van Gogh "Irises" painting which truly is breathtaking.

For families, they provide a kid friendly area for little hands to explore their creative side. It is located near the East Pavilion.

Please do make time to visit the "Center Garden" where it gives you a sense of peacefulness to your visit. The gentle water falling into the circular maze of azaleas will relax all of your senses and forgot you're in LA.

Thank you J. Paul Getty Foundation for sharing your generosity and timeless collection of art to the public.

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• See all photos from Santi T. for The Getty Center

8/12/2013

Woot!

Summer hours means they don't close until 9 pm on Saturdays. But after 5 p.m. they have cheaper parking for $10 and free admission always.

I'm not an artsy person but it was a great experience and the building is beautiful. You can definitely find something to admire: view, art, architecture, garden, etc...

10/9/2014

Love the Getty, and all of it's unique exhibits and artifacts etc, it can be a task to get up there , not sure if you still need advance reservations etc, but I do not mind paying the 15.00 to park, as long as it does not increase, it is well worth it!
The only thing, we wish was improved, was the Live Music Entertainment, The Getty is the best spot to catch some good live music after visiting the grounds etc, but most of the live entertainment appears mostly quirky, acoustic, world music etc, just kind of hard to vibe to sometimes, some good feel good Reggae, caribbean, salsa, blues etc feel good, known music from time to time would be refreshing indeed!
Still love The Getty!!!

6/11/2013 Updated review

"Architecture In LA", billed as a lecture, by pop-culture humorist, Charles Phoenix charlesphoenix.com, rocked The Getty's auditorium Sunday. Author of "Southern California in the 50s: Sun, Fun, and Fantasy", Phoenix entertained, educated with kitschy standup and a slide show down memory lane.
Who knew starbursts, upward sloping roofs, boomerangs, flying saucers, all Googie architecture en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go… features that adorn the motels, diners, bowling alleys of the 40s, 50s and 60s could be so "now"!
Glad our group had enough time to explore "Overdrive: L.A. Constructs The Future, 1940-1990" getty.edu/art/exhibition… as this was THE perfect prelude to the lecture. You have until July 21, 2013 so check it out, as well as, "In Focus: Ed Ruscha" getty.edu/art/exhibition… until September 29, 2013.
Cheers to Los Angeles' art and architecture!
Subscribe to the e-Getty Newsletter getty.edu/subscribe/eget…!

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  Charles Phoenix http://www.charlesphoenix.com/ lecture, hysterically informative!

  Charles Phoenix http://www.charlesphoenix.com/ lecture, hysterically informative!
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  Pacific Standard Time, Modern Architecture In LA http://www.pacificstandardtime.org/

  Pacific Standard Time, Modern Architecture In LA http://www.pacificstandardtime.org/
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  "Overdrive, LA Constructs The Future, 1940 - 1990" ends July 21, 2013. Don't miss this exhibit!

  "Overdrive, LA Constructs The Future, 1940 - 1990" ends July 21, 2013. Don't miss this exhibit!

2/24/2014

I could spend forever here.
FOUR art buildings and beautiful grounds to wander - I lost complete track of time. Everyone flocks to the Van Goghs (and can you blame them?), but make sure you take a minute to stop and take everything in. I was so surprised at how many people skipped over his "Weaver at the Loom" to see the famous "Irises" in the next room - probably not even aware that both are his.
If the art doesn't get something in your stirring, the architecture will.
And if that doesn't, the views will. Stay long enough to see the sunset - you won't regret it.
Admission is free, parking is $15 - so I always bring a full car. Art is better shared, anyway.

7/21/2013

World Class Museum. If you haven't been to the Getty, then you should go. Especially if you live in Los Angeles. I'm always shocked to find out that people who live here have never been to such amazing land marks!
Some highlights for first time visitors:
-$15 for parking but admission is free
-there is a cafe with food AND booze
- beautiful large garden with 360 view of LA
-artifact collection varies from Greek sculpture to impressionist paintings to modern art. It's got a little bit of everything so no one will be bored.
-Get here early to avoid the large crowds. ALSO, the Getty does special events and lectures and stuff that you can sign up for on their website- there's less people at these events so they're good opportunities to go and check out the museum when there's less people.

4/5/2014

It was just okay to me. I wont ever go back however, I'm just not a museum type of guy I guess. I appreciated the beautiful scenery of the garden as well as the city, but other than that I wasn't too excited about the overall experience.

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• See all photos from Alex A. for The Getty Center

7/18/2013

Amazing free art museam that you take a tram up a hill to get to. The only expense is parking and gifts or food you purchase up there. The exhibits are all great and well put together and each building has each art exhibit labeled so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. They also have a beautiful garden area where people go to stroll and enjoy the view and weather. It was a fantastic place to be when the sun is out. Great place to come for a date assuming you are with someone who is litterate. We didn't go to cafe or buy anything from the shops but I hear the food there is good. Come check it out.

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  Reddit anyone?

  Reddit anyone?
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2/7/2014

LOVEEEEEE. I desperately wanted to see the other Getty location because that's probably where a bigger garden is? Not sure. But this location didn't disappoint. The garden was still very nice, although I expected to be able to go into it :) The scenery was perfect for pictures and professional Instagram takers, HAHA.

The museum itself was great as well. Beautiful layout, easy to walk through. They had so many different rooms of different times, it was relaxing and educational.

Getty, I get you.

5/2/2014

One of the go-to museums here in LA - this, Getty Villa and Lacma. Make it a family affair or go on a date. Enjoy the views and artwork.

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• See all photos from Royce D. for The Getty Center

9/5/2013

Wow wow wow!

This place is amazing. The museum itself is a work of art. It's classy, the staff is friendly, the exhibits were top notch. The gardens are a must-see as well.

At first I was annoyed at the $15 parking charge, but the museum itself is free and we definitely got our money's worth. Getting to see famous, beautiful works of art I've only read about in books was an amazing experience. And the views! Stunning.

7/21/2013

Gorgeous architecture, grounds, and views from this museum.  Allow yourself at least 2.5 hours to see exhibits/grounds in their entirety.

Unfortunately, I made the mistake of going on an empty stomach, didn't want to eat on the grounds, so I had to cut my visit short!  :(  Bring some snacks OR be prepared to shell out your hard earned tourist dollahs!!!

Depending on your interests, take a look at the photos to decide whether or not Getty is a must-see for you & your family during your visit.  It's an inexpensive visit, but it will take a good chunk of time to scope it out.  If you're short on time and don't care for paintings/sculptures, skip it!

I don't think kids would be particularly interested in visiting.  Lotsa different levels, but there are elevators to accommodate strollers.

Tip:  I believe admission is free for pedestrians/people who get dropped off.  Otherwise, it's $15 for parking.  :)

1/3/2014

[ Visited December, 2013 ]

Being from Chicago, I'm spoiled on art collections and culture....but we don't have the Getty. There's no admission charge (except for a nominal parking fee), the location is marvelous, and the collection of art and photography is definitely something to see. Even if you skipped everything else and just went to relax in the garden, it would be well-worth the effort.

10/3/2014

Wonderful views and a beautiful garden.

1/27/2014

Just went back to the Getty Center on Sunday (my fifth visit in 8 months) and I would shout from the highest rooftops at how great this place this.

Angelenos do not miss this place.  I know most of you went on your fifth grade class trip, but this place is awesome. GET THERE.

You go in and then out.  Beautiful architecture, then inside for art.  Outside to the garden, then inside to visit another building.
The fountains and design of this place make you feel like all is right with the world...who would expect less from the location of the "Star Trek Academy" LOL!

People picnic, there is a wonderful cafe with coffee, hot cocoa, baked good.  Sit next to a fountain, a table, a garden.  Total yumm on top of the hill.

$15 to park and then you can get a pass to go over to the Malibu location for free.
Amazing!

8/20/2012

Absolutely magnificent!

If you are coming to the area and have never been, add this to the list.
I hope to go back one day and spend endless amount of time learning about it all in detail. This time I was with my hubby who is not as interested or patient like I was but even he was floored at the magnitude, architecture and gardens.

We headed here to kick off our day one morning. We parked and took a tram up to the premises. We did as best as we could with the map they gave us without joining a tour. While there we coincided with the "A Revolutionary Project: Cuba from Walker Evans to Now" exhibit. Perfect timing!

As much as I enjoyed the art, I could not get enough of the grounds and just strolling through it all taking it all in. More than half my photos must have been of the Getty while in CA. I think getting there early was the way to go because by the time we left it was significantly busier.

This place is an absolute MUST!

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• See all photos from Brenda P. for The Getty Center

7/9/2013

The Getty isn't really known for its collection...

But they do put together some great exhibits.

Can't beat the views and the gardens.  

They're open til 9 on Friday's in the summer (with discounted parking after 5pm).

Free admission - just pay for parking.

1/24/2014

Hands down the best museum in Los Angeles. Free admission and $15 parking is all in all a great deal. Though it can be crowded sometimes, it has a great variety of art from different eras. I don't know much about visual art, but the Getty makes it easy to understand, appreciate, and admire the art that is here. The building itself is beyond beautiful, and the lawn is a treat when the museum isn't too busy for some picnics.

All in all one of the best day trips/excursions one could have in Los Angeles.

9/18/2014

I came here with my family and we all had a great time. There is so much to see! Not just the art itself, but the design of the Getty Center is beautiful and there are amazing views throughout. The wait was not too long when we got there. You take tram-ride up, which takes about 10-15 minutes, and then you are free to go wherever you please :) The best part about this is that the admission is free! I recommend bringing some comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking. Fortunately for those who are handicap, they have a lot of accessible routes for people in wheelchairs, etc. The staff is also super friendly. This is a must-see when you're in LA! Especially if you appreciate any type of art, and if you don't, well, this may just change your mind!

12/21/2013

This museum is beauuuutiful. Whatever is the opposite word for being an expert in art is exactly what I am. I just have no clue. Nine times out of ten when I look at a piece of artwork, I stare at it deeply like everyone else, but in my mind I'm saying, "I don't get it." So obviously I can't comment much on the artwork, but even still I really enjoyed my time here and highly recommend it. The museum itself is gorgeous. There are balconies and rooftops where you can overlook the city and watch the sunset. There's a lot of open space, like a breath of fresh air. The garden is beautiful. If you're looking for a place to relax and clear your mind, I don't think you can find a better place. Especially in LA, where if the crowds don't suffocate you the pollution will, the Getty is truly an escape.

8/14/2013

I've been going to the Getty ever since it re-opened.

It's not a daily or weekly type place to visit unless you're close, but it's a great place to take out of town guests, a date, or just a nice place to hang out.

Great public events and it's free!

You do have to pay for parking but there are other options to get there if you don't want to pay for parking.