The Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California: A Visitor's Guide

The Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California is named after J. Paul Getty, the millionaire who made his fortune in the oil business. The Getty Museum features art from J. Paul Getty's private collections, as well as present day art and exhibitions. The art at the Getty Museum isn't the only reason for a visit, however. The architecture of the glass, metal, and stone buildings that make up the Getty Center, were designed by architect, Richard Meier. Visitors who enjoy architecture, will appreciate the modernism of the Getty Center buildings and complex.

The beautiful gardens at the Getty Center are yet another reason to visit. Combined with the art and architectural exhibits, the Getty Center Gardens are not to be missed by those who enjoy an artistic approach to gardening. One of the best reasons to plan a visit to the Getty Museum is because there is free admission. The only expense for visiting the Getty Center will be the $8 parking fee if visiting by car.

Hours

The Getty Museum is open from Tuesday through Thursdays and on Sundays from 10 am until 6 pm. Weekend hours for Friday and Saturday are 10 am until 9 pm. Many visitors enjoy the scenic evening outdoor views during the later weekend hours. The Getty Museum is closed on Mondays.

Location

The location of the Getty Museum places it on the hilltop of the Santa Monica Mountains, giving guests a panoramic view of the city of Los Angeles and surrounding areas. The address of the Getty Museum is 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California, 90049. The Getty Museum is approximately 12 miles to the northwest of Los Angeles and can be reached by car via the I-405 in West Los Angeles. The Metro Rapid Line also provides transportation to the Getty Museum on the 761.

The Getty Museum Art Collection

The art collection at the Getty Museum includes a variety of art, from sculpture and photography, to famous paintings such as Van Gogh's Irises. The art collection is displayed in five separate buildings, with different levels. European paintings from the Middle Ages through the present time are featured, and special art exhibitions are scheduled throughout the year from specific visiting art collections. Van Gogh and Rembrandt are just a few recognizable artists with work on display at the Getty Museum.

Various talks and tours are available during the day at the Getty Museum, and the daily schedule is available upon arrival. A GettyGuide is available for those who want to have additional information during their tour of the Getty Museum, and for only $5, visitors can enjoy an audio tour while they tour. The Getty Museum is kid-friendly and even has special children's tours scheduled during the summer months and on weekends during the year. Weekend workshops for families are sometimes scheduled, as well as storytelling and games for children.

The Architecture of the Getty Museum

Some visitors to the Getty Museum will enjoy the architecture as a form of art. Richard Meier designed the Getty Museum with unique and modernistic architectural touches. Guests can appreciate the architectural work from an outside vantage point while visiting the Getty Museum. Evenings are the perfect time to view both the stunning city below as well as the architectural design of the Getty Museum buildings.

The Getty Museum Gardens

The most famous garden at the Getty Museum is showcased as the Central Garden, a garden that creator and artist, Robert Irwin, planned to be always changing. An incredible number of plants, flowers, and trees compose the Getty Museum Gardens, and a stroll through the Getty Gardens is a nice way to begin or end a tour at the Getty Museum.

Shopping and Restaurants

There is one sit-down restaurant at the Getty Museum, open for lunch from 11:30 am until 2 pm on weekdays and 11 am until 3 pm on Sundays. Dinner is served at the restaurant on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 pm until 9 pm. A smaller, informal cafe is open for lunch hours daily from 11 am until 3 pm, and coffee carts are also available. A picnic area is set up for groups or those who want to enjoy outdoor lunch. The Museum Store offers visitors the full range of books, DVDs, and art related items, as well as more typical souvenir type items.