The Getty Villa: Bringing Ancient Rome and Greece to Malibu, CA

For anyone who has an interest in art and ancient cultures, the Getty Villa in Malibu, California is the perfect place to visit. The villa, a replica of a house from the ancient town of Pompeii near Naples, Italy, is an amazing museum filled with art work, mosaics, gardens and even a restaurant the provides a nice, relaxing break. Perhaps best of all, a visit to the villa won't cost a penny, but advance reservations are needed and parking is $8. Reservations can be done online or by phone, and is needed because the proprietors want to keep the crowds under control, only allowing a certain amount of people each hour. It works wonderfully and keeps the grounds relatively free from large crowds.

Visitors are free to wander through the different rooms at their leisure, taking time to read the signs and truly appreciate how magnificent the pieces are. Even children will enjoy looking at the ancient artwork and sculptures. After a while, it's nice to take a brief respite and grab a cup of coffee or snack from the restaurant. There are indoor and outdoor tables and the food is actually very good and a reasonable price. The galleries contain antiquities from Greece and Rome and are themed by subject matter. There are galleries that have depictions of the various gods, mythological creatures, items of jewelry, vases or objects from the Trojan War time. The artifacts range from about 6,500 BC to AD 400 and give a glimpse of the ancient world.

Some of the gallery rooms house changing exhibits, so it's advisable to check schedules for special exhibits or upcoming displays before making reservations. There are also audio players that can be rented for those who want to listen to commentary as they stroll. The lovely gardens in the center of the villa are worth spending some time in. There are statues and seats surrounding the center rectangular reflecting pool. The shrubs and flowers are incredible and lend an air of authenticity to the villa. It really is like taking a step into the past. For children who aren't too interested in museums, the Getty Villa will definitely be a different experience for them. It's not a boring museum with row and row of dull objects. The Villa is colorful and filled with beauty that will allow even young children to peek into the lives of those who lived thousands of years ago. It's educational without appearing to be educational. . The website is: http://www.getty.edu/visit/ for information.