logo
ic_menu

The Getty Center, Los Angeles

1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California

Description

The Getty Center houses collections covering pre-20th century European paintings, drawings, sculptures and decorative arts as well as an extensive collection of photographs dating back from the 1830s. The campus is also home to various Getty related foundations, trusts and institutes. It was designed by architect Richard Meier and is known for its architecture, gardens and views overlooking Los Angeles. The collections are owned by the J. Paul Getty Museum (created by the oil magnate) which has another campus in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood (northwest of Santa Monica) called the Getty Villa that is focused on the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria.

Access & Transport

The museum is in the Brentwood neighbourhood, in north-west LA. From downtown LA, take the I-405N (exit 57b). Metro bus line 761 stops by the entrance, coming from 'Expo / Sepulveda' light rail station (Line E) For information on accessibility: https://www.getty.edu/visit/center/accessibility/

Instructions & Recommendations

Admission is free and currently requires a timed-entry reservation (for anybody aged 2 and above)

Meta review

One of the most famous museums on the US West Coast and a must do for travel guides and bloggers. Online reviews are equally excellent and praise both the quality and diversity of the collections and the architecture of the campus - a work of art itself. Other comments include the excellent maintenance of the grounds, the useful audio app that can be downloaded on mobile and the tram ride is qualified of 'cool'. The only negative seems to be the cost of parking.

Environmental & Social

Minor environmental footprint (electricity mostly). The museum and foundation have a strong educational vocation and support several projects. See some details here: https://www.getty.edu/our-work/

Conclusion

The museum combines high-quality artwork with an exceptional environment (views, architectures, grounds) at a low cost (assuming parking fee is amortized across 2+ persons). A definite must-see cultural attraction when in LA.

Key positive

Varied collections with quality items

Striking architecture and views

Key negative

Odd pricing (parking Vs entrance fee)

Suitability

Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility Suitable for all ages but best enjoyed by those > 12yrs old

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 01 Jan, 04 July, Thanksgiving and 25 Dec.

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday -

Tuesday10:00 - 17:30

Wednesday10:00 - 17:30

Thursday10:00 - 17:30

Friday10:00 - 17:30

Saturday10:00 - 20:00

Sunday10:00 - 17:30

Pricing
Admission is free but parking is $20 per car or motorcycle; $15 after 3pm

Max number of travellers:

Min. Child age:3

Max. child age:11

Traveller #
Adult
Child
1
US$20
US$20
2+
US$0
US$0

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.