Why visit
It is a rare trifecta of world-class art, landmark architecture, and a hilltop garden with ocean-to-mountain views, all completely free to enter. The tram ride up and the sweep of the campus make a Getty visit feel like an event in itself, not just a museum stop.
A futuristic tram carries visitors up from the parking structure to the hilltop campus, where pavilions of cream-colored stone and glass hold the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection of European paintings, drawings, sculpture, decorative arts, and photography. Highlights include works by Van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt, and Cezanne, alongside rotating special exhibitions. The architecture itself, with its clean lines, fountains, and open plazas, is a major part of the appeal.
Outside, the terraced Central Garden designed by artist Robert Irwin is a living artwork of winding paths, flowering plants, and a maze hedge floating in a pool. The grounds offer spectacular views stretching from the mountains to the Pacific on clear days, making the Getty as much about the setting as the art. Plan a few hours, since the campus is large and easy to linger in.
History
The institution grew from the collection of oil magnate J. Paul Getty, whose original museum was a villa in Pacific Palisades. As the collection and endowment expanded, the Getty Trust commissioned architect Richard Meier to design a grand new campus, which opened in 1997 after more than a decade of planning and construction. The original Malibu site reopened as the Getty Villa, focused on antiquities.
Insider Tips
- ✦Even though admission is free, check whether parking reservations are needed before you drive over.
- ✦Don't skip the Central Garden, which changes with the seasons and is a destination in itself.
- ✦Allow at least half a day, and wear comfortable shoes for the expansive hilltop campus.
Photo Tips
- 📸Shoot the travertine pavilions and open plazas in late-afternoon light to bring out the warm tones in the stone.
- 📸Look down into the Central Garden's spiral maze hedge from the upper terrace for a striking overhead composition.
- 📸Use the south-facing overlook on a clear day to frame the LA Basin stretching toward the ocean.
Before You Go
- ✓Admission is free, but check whether a parking reservation is required before you drive over.
- ✓The Getty is usually closed Mondays, so plan for Tuesday through Sunday.
- ✓Allow at least half a day and wear comfortable shoes for the expansive hilltop campus.
Visiting with family
The tram ride excites younger kids before you even reach the galleries, and the Family Room and open lawns give them room to roam. Keep visits flexible, since the hilltop campus is large and easy to tire little legs.
Where to Eat Nearby
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The Getty Center FAQ
Is the Getty Center free?
Yes, admission is free; the only required cost is the flat parking fee, which you can avoid by arriving via rideshare or transit.
How long should I spend at the Getty?
Most visitors spend three to four hours to see the main galleries, the architecture, and the gardens without rushing.
What's the difference between the Getty Center and the Getty Villa?
The Getty Center in Brentwood focuses on European and modern art, while the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades houses ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities.
Nearby Neighborhoods
WestsideBrentwood
Brentwood is an affluent, leafy Westside neighborhood known for hillside estates, upscale dining, and the hilltop Getty Center. It pairs quiet residential charm with a refined San Vicente Boulevard shopping strip. The Getty alone makes it a must-visit.
WestsideBel Air
Bel Air is one of LA's most exclusive residential enclaves, a hillside maze of gated estates above the Westside. While largely private, it offers a few public draws including a famed luxury hotel and stunning canyon views.
More Museums in LA
MuseumsThe Broad
The Broad is a contemporary art museum in Downtown LA known for its striking honeycomb facade and a powerhouse collection of postwar and contemporary works. General admission is free, and it's home to Yayoi Kusama's wildly popular Infinity Mirror Rooms.
MuseumsGetty Villa
The Getty Villa is a recreated ancient Roman country house overlooking the Pacific that houses the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities. Set among gardens, fountains, and a peristyle pool, it pairs world-class classical art with one of LA's most serene settings.
MuseumsLACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection spanning thousands of years and cultures. Its Miracle Mile campus is anchored by the famous Urban Light lamppost installation.
MuseumsAcademy Museum of Motion Pictures
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the nation's premier museum devoted to the art, science, and history of moviemaking. Run by the organization behind the Oscars, it sits on the Miracle Mile next to LACMA.
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