The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center is the centerpiece of the J. Paul Getty Trust. The $300 million museum, designed by architect Richard Meier, sits on 750 acres atop a bluff in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, about 12 miles from downtown. The spectacular building is well worth a visit in its own right.
History
The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center opened in 1997, made possible by the J. Paul Getty Trust, the largest arts endowment in history. The facility includes four exhibit pavilions as well as a botanical garden and expansive grounds. In addition to the art exhibits, the Getty Center is a research, conservation, and leadership center and hosts a generous arts grant program.
The Collection
The Getty's permanent collection includes classical sculpture and art, European paintings, drawings, manuscripts, decorative arts, and photography. Except for photography, the museum concentrates on art produced before the 20th century. Highlights of the collection include "Irises" by Van Gogh and "King of France and Navarre" by Rigaud, among many others.
A sister museum, Getty's Villa in Malibu, houses the Trust's collection of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman sculpture.
The Changing Exhibits
In addition to the permanent collection, the Getty Museum at the Getty Center hosts a regular schedule of temporary exhibits. Like the permanent collection, admission to these exhibits is free. Recent shows have included "Icons of the Sinai," "Landscape in the Renaissance," and "Degas at the Getty."
Visiting the Getty Museum
The Getty Museum at the Getty Center is located just off the intersection of the San Diego freeway (I-405) and the Santa Monica freeway (I-10), about 12 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The museum is open year-round, except for Mondays, January 1, July 4, December 25, and Thanksgiving.
Hours are 10am to 6pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and 10am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday. Admission is free. An orientation film is offered in a theater near the main entrance and is a good way to begin your visit. The museum also offers a variety of audio tours for a nominal fee and a free pamphlet on "what to see if you only have one hour."
Ample parking is available for an $8 per car free. A complimentary tram takes visitors from the parking lot to the museum at the top of the hill. The public bus system also stops at the front gate to the museum.
The Getty Museum at the Getty Center offers four dining options, from cafeteria-style to fine dining, as well as scenic picnic facilities. The museum also houses an interesting gift shop, stocked with prints, cards, posters, books, and other gift items.
Contact Information
The Getty Museum
1200 Getty Center Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90049-1679
310 440-7300
