The Getty Center

The views at THE GETTY make the visitor experience unforgettable. As a guest, you feel as though you are on top of LOS ANGELES. Gardens, Fridays/Saturdays by the 405 events are full of dancing, music and alcohol. It's a great way to bring in crowds and introduce them to the world of art if they weren't already avid fans.

Shhh, we took our kids out of school one day to hang out at the Getty Center. We felt it would be a day of education and we were right. The exhibits were wonderful and we took our time. The views of Los Angeles are breathtaking, so if you have out of town guests, it's a must-see!

Beautiful views of LA and you can even see the Hollywood sign. Mostly go for the architecture, views, picnic on the grass. During the summer, I believe they have some "summer concerts" where they serve drinks and have live music

What a great day trip to head to the Getty! Enjoy the art and watch the sunset on the hill while having wine and a little meal. You can walk up the way or take the train. There will be plenty of people there and lots to do, but take it all in and have fun!

i love this place. i only pay 8 bucks for parking and from there i get to see so many different artifacts and a great view of the city! you need a whole day to check this place out, but its worth it!

I am no art afficiando, but I really enjoyed myself at the Getty. The architecture is just increible to look at, and the garden is a beautifu L.A. escape amidst the stunning views and enriching art exhibits. There is so much to look at and explore here- it will keep you busy for a least a couple of hours. I particutarly liked the range of art from paintings to scultpures, to ancient cups, bowls, plates, etc.- this truly is a Los Angeles treasure.

The Getty Center is a must visit for locals and tourists alike. Its an experience in itself from taking the tram up the hill to the breathtaking views from the modern landscape of the Getty's patios, lawns and multiple buildings. I've been there a handful of time and each I am excited to find a new featured exhibit in addition to many classics in their collection of art. It's a great place to go on a date because you can just pack a picnic and head to the grassy lawn that overlooks the city. The best part is the whole experience is free other then a small parking charge. If you've never been go and if it's been awhile go back! Who said LA was devoid of culture?!)

The art collection at the Getty Center is definitely impressive, but it's not what I like most about visiting there. For me, it's all about the architecture and how the Southland is viewed from and sometimes (literally) through the buildings. You can walk from one building to another and stumble across little (and sometimes not so little) "peepholes" that act as windows or frames for images of the city below or beyond. On a clear day, you can see great views of both the city and the ocean. If you're here in the middle of the day and get hungry, you have different options. There are snack carts, the casual "cafeteria-style" eatery and a gourmet restaurant. My one tip is to bring a sweater or a light-weight jacket. Despite the fact you're in the middle of Southern California...where the weather is usually beautiful...you are on top of a knoll and it does get windy. Make the Getty Center part of your day on the Westside...and then head to the beach for a great sunset dinner.

This is a must-see for any visit to the LA area. It is beautifully situated on a hilltop on the Westside, with a panoramic view of the city, the Valley, and the Pacific Ocean. The architecture is modernistic and lovely. The grounds are beautifully landscaped. The museum is spread out, with buildings for different periods of art. It doesn't have the most comprehensive collection, but there are notable pieces here. The changing exhibitions and shows are usually worth seeing. The grounds alone make it a place worth spending a day.

I love the Getty! The photo exhibits, which frequently change are most interesting to me. Some of the furniture is really neat too. The outdoor garden area with a big fountain and benches are the best! It's so beautiful in the summer! And the cafe is really nice as well. The views overlooking the city are really great and you feel far away from the buzz of city life!

A great place for a date or to go by yourself. Beautiful views in all directions and stunning art work from every major time period. Monet, Rembrandt, anciet pottery- it's all here.

I think I could go here every day and not get bored. Besides all the great art collections and galleries, the Getty is an architectural marvel. Everything gleams in the sun as if in some futuristic world and the view of Southern California is breathtaking. Go, if for not for anything else, because you have nothing to lose. Admission is free and parking is cheap.

I go here about 2 or 3 times a year. The collection is huge and they have a ton of variety to the exhibits. Roman and greek statues, illuminated manuscripts, photography, antique furniture, paintings, garden...you can get a taste of almost everything here. They also had free audio tours the last time I went. New exhibits come in all the time and it's always an enjoyable few hours there. The grounds are beautiful and on top of a tall hill so you can see the entire Los Angeles skyline (from Santa Monica to Downtown). Museum admission is free (which is incredible) and parking is about $7 per vehicle. An awesome experience that I highly recommend!

There's something for everyone in the art collections. As you walk through the pavilions, you're taking a trip through time - from ancient Greek/Roman sculptures, to Medieval illustrated manuscripts, to furniture & tapestries & paintings. There are also three spaces for temporary exhibits, most of which I've enjoyed. I could spend a happy afternoon at the Getty without ever looking at the art - the exteriors of the buildings, the views, and the gardens (a cactus garden, a stream and reflecting pool that are works of art in their own right, a nice selection of flowering plants, and open grassy areas) are all gorgeous. If you build up an appetite after wandering around, there are several dining options - a cafe in the courtyard, a casual cafeteria (with appealing selections), and a formal restaurant. I've never had to make a reservation to park.

The Scene Perched high atop the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the 405 freeway, the Getty Center is a sprawling, stone-and-glass complex dedicated to the display and preservation of the J. Paul Getty Trust's collection of mostly European art. Designed by architect Richard Meier, the 24-acre site offers a sweeping east-to-west panorama of everything from Hollywood to the Pacific Ocean--views worth a visit all by themselves. Best of all, admission is free. The Collection Housed primarily in four modestly sized pavilions, the collection includes the works of influential painters (including Renoir, Monet and Van Gogh), classic Greek and Roman sculpture, beautifully illustrated religious manuscripts and delicate room furnishings from 18th-century France and Germany. The permanent collection is supplemented by temporary exhibits that change about every 10 weeks. Don't miss Robert Irwin's Central Garden, a mazelike creation of water and landscaping that changes seasonally.

The balcony overlooking the gardens and out to the city alone is worth the trip here. On a clear day, which may be rare in LA, you can see where the skyline meets the skyscrapers. The buildings are a sight to see as well. Architecture buffs would go nuts here. Paintings, photos, sculptures and other exhibits are World Class, and I've been to the Louvre. The grounds and gardens are always clean and beautiful and make for a great picnic. This is a great date spot. Plus it's FREE!

The Getty Center is absolutely beautiful!! Never mind the fantastic (and FREE) exhibits, paintings, sculptures, etc. The views and the grounds are simply breathtaking. This is a worth while visit even if you are not an art buff. Parking is only $5.00 at the Center, but if you park in the overflow lot on Constitution, there is no charge for parking and there is a free shuttle that takes you up to the museum. So, there really is no reason not to take a few hours out of your day to visit. It is truly worth it!

Criticism that it doesn't compete with the Louvre is misplaced. Great art, no matter how much you're willing to pay for it, is hard to come by today. Countries simply will not let their best across their borders. But. The Getty is a sensational place to indoctrinate those new to art. The rooms are set up to take you from era to era. It's a marvelous accomplishment. Pity those who don't get it.

I highly recommend this to tourists and residents alike - it's a real escape from the city and everything normal to LA. Beautiful stone buildings, reflection pools, stunning collections - it definitely can take more than one day to get to everything - and when you need a break, have some wine out in the courtyard. This place really leaves you feeling as though you've taken a trip.

What a place to see and then, there is the art! All the guides are first rate and at every turn a breathtaking site. The view from the terraces into the mountains and overlooking Los Angeles stuning. Now the art, perfectly planned and placed exhibits. The Getty has hands on area for the child or the child in you to experience.Lastly the food at the museum is excellant also so, save time for a lunch or ?. Be prepared for a GREAT TIME!!!

Free admission, though youll have to pay $5. Go to the Getty@night. I love the view. Go during the sunset. Great place to take a date. *sigh* BTW they need to do another Deep Fried Live again or something like that. For students excellent place to relax, especially when youre in the middle of finals.

The Getty is great but the editorial review doesn;t seem to say that if you want to park you must pre-book. You can do that on the web or by phone - the web confirmation is reliable and takes about 24 hours. You print out the confirmation and hand it in at the lot booth when you arrive.

The only reason to go to the Getty is for the architecture and the gardens. The permanent collection is horrible. 99% of the artwork there is un-influential and boring. Getty was never known for having an eye on interesting or thought provoking work, this is just stuff he picked up and had hanging around his house. It's a mish-mash of unimportant works, some of which by important artists.

Relaxing place to visit. Soothing atmosphere. Take in a great view of Los Angeles on a clear day. Fantastic restraunt.

The Getty Museum is full of culture and vibrance, I remeber the first time I went I fell in love. Now I can't get enough of their magnificent exhibits. I went to the Van Gough exhibit and I can't wait untill they bring it back. Its great to bring family, friends, or even a date!

You should go here just to see the grounds. If you happen to see some work that you like, awesome. This is great place to have a picnic or just hang out for the day. No, really: the grounds are just amazing.

Have gone there twice and am still surprised that it's for free!

The Getty Center is beyond beautiful.. The best part is...Its free! When you step foot onto this lovely museum ground you will have a tough decision before you. What to view first? Theres so many buildings to this museum that it would take either all day or 4-5 visits to cover it all. The first time I went I didnt see much. The 2nd time I came I got the decadent pleasure of witnessing a beautiful garden. Oh so romantic if you have that special someone in your life. I checked out the Pre-1600 Building and to my joy was bestowed and presented with nothing more than intricant pieces of art and ever so detailed sculptures! I love this place! Its a must see!

It's a secret to most Chicagoans I know, even those interested in art. Not the collectors of course, but many Midwesterners have never been to the Getty. I went there years ago on a suggestion of a friend who had never been. All I can say is that it's worth a triop to SM just to see the Getty. Spend a 1/2 day relishing the the lush gardens and water sculpture. Have a bite, see the art, shop. Worth paying a high price for, but surprise, it's free! Mr. Getty was a bad boy at one time and made a deal with the government... this is the beautious part of the deal.

Most spacious museum. Relaxing gardens a lot to see in one day

I have lived in LA for 3 years now and I always take visitors to the Getty because of the amazing architecture and view of the city. The gardens and the art always amaze me. It's a shame that more people do not take advantage of this local treasure!

This is by far the best museum in LAX area. Highly recommended whether or not you are a fan of the fine arts. Visit it once & you will be.

This is one of my two must sees when I am in LA visiting my daughter in college. I know a lot of people think it's a waste of Getty's money, but for a $5 parking fee you get a lot. No, it will never rival the Louvre or the Met in NY, but it's more than an art museum. If you want a cheap place to relax, enjoy a great view and see some art, this is the place.

If you like site seeing or you want to spend half day with your bf/gf, you should go there. It is a very relaxing outdoor and indoor place to visit.

The Getty is a complete experience for a cheap day out. There is something for everyone. The ride up, the architecture, the gardens, the water features with the different sounds. And all that without even seeing some of the world's finest art.

Great place to spend an afternoon! Fabulous art. Beautiful gardens and great views of Los Angeles (especially on a clear day!). Great place for a date or a family outing. Best of all its free!!! Go, look and enjoy the sights!

A must for every local and vistor to LA. Excellent art. Beautiful gardens. Supurb LA views on the occational clear, smogless day. Grand architectual design.

A wonderful experience, a beautiful location, beautiful art, not to crowded and its also FREE.

A visual delight within and without. A unique vista overlooking the city and captivating architecture houses a great collection iat this hillside heaven.

Incredible Whether It's a Family Outing Or A Great First Date....

It is a piece of heaven on earth. During the day, you get a spectacular view of all of LA. At night, the city lights make for a wonderful picture. And dont' even get me started talking abou the sunsets. The garden out in the beck is just fantastic. Oh, by the way, the art collection is to die for!

My son was sorely disappointed when there was no display on "violence in the medievil world". The girl at the information booth was sure I was interested in "Violins in the Medievil World", which she couldn't find either...oh well. A fun day was had by all anyway, even without a display of knights in shining armor, swords, and catapults....

The Getty Center sits high enough that on a clear day you can see all the way to the beach. It is a lot of art, but it is definitely worth it. The architecture alone is something to take the time to admire. Great romantic stroll when it is open at night too!

This museum truly has it all. A grand view of Los Angeles and the coast line. The Gardens a beautiful, the art collection rivals most world renound museums. The restaurant leaves something to be desired. Overall The Getty Center is truly one of LA's best places to visit.

True, everyone in LA must go to the Getty to take in the wonderful 360 degree panorama of LA. It is breathtaking, but I'm sorry that they lopped off the top of a mountain to accomplish this. That was once a great ridgeline along the 405. Now it's just another development in So. Cal. -- and the museum is not that great, although the architecture is good.

It's worth the drive to just see Van Gogh Iris's. It's a great place to grab a bench a good book and spent your afternoon in the garden. The parking situation is better, motorcycles do not need reservations, if you have one I recomend riding it.

Situated high above LA creates a soothing atmosphere with a great view of LA. The feeling of escape and relaxation in the middle of the city is a great retreat. The architectual tour is a must, the travertine from which The Getty is built is from the same quarry as the Roman Coliseum and Trevi Fountain. Oh yeah, if you are on a tight-budget it's free!

A must go even if u don't like Arts. Chances are, you would come out developing a fascination for Arts. You might want to visit along with someone who understands Art. That would be useful

This museum suffers from being so new. They are trying to establish their reputation and their collection. A lot of their art is very similar. I was disappointed in the very small room of impressionist painters. The gardens and the views are spectacular.

This is someplace that everyone should go at least once. Sure, the art gallery are the best in the world but it has a great vibe! It is a fabulous way to get away from from the day to day hype in LA!!