The Getty Center

Perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center is a sprawling travertine-clad oasis that juxtaposes world-class European art against the frenetic pulse of Los Angeles.

What to expect

Your visit begins at the base of the hill, where you board a computer-operated tram that glides through a canyon landscape to the campus. The architectural experience is as vital as the art; you will navigate a series of interconnected white metal and stone pavilions designed by Richard Meier, which frame views of the Pacific Ocean and the sprawl of the 405 motorway.

The collection is housed in four "pavilions" surrounding a central courtyard. Expect to see pre-20th-century European paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and an exquisite array of French decorative arts, including 18th-century furniture. Do not skip the Central Garden, a living sculpture of azaleas and water features that follows a path down into a ravine. Wander the outdoor terraces to spot the "Getty View"—a visual axis that perfectly aligns the center with the sunset over the Pacific.

History & significance

Opened in 1997, the Getty Center was funded by the estate of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty. The campus cost over $1 billion to construct and houses the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Research Institute, and the Getty Conservation Institute. The use of 1.2 million square feet of Italian travertine—some of which still holds fossilized leaf imprints—made it an instant architectural icon. Beyond its beauty, the site functions as a global leader in art conservation and archival research.

Practical tips

• Tickets: Admission is free, but you must reserve a timed-entry reservation online in advance.
• Arrival: The campus opens at 10:00 a.m. (Tuesday through Sunday; closed Mondays). Arrive 30 minutes before your time slot to clear security.
• Best time: Aim for a weekday morning. Afternoon weekends can be crowded, making the tram queues lengthy.
• Gear: Wear comfortable shoes; the site is vast, and the plaza is exposed to intense, reflective sun. Bring a light jacket, as the hilltop temperatures are often perceptibly cooler than in the valley below.

Getting there

The Getty is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive in the Brentwood neighborhood. Drivers should exit the 405 at Getty Center Drive; parking costs $20 and requires a reservation. If using public transit, Metro Bus line 761 stops near the main entrance, connecting to the Metro E Line (Expo) via the Westwood/Rancho Park station.

Nearby

• The Getty Villa: Located about 20 minutes away in Pacific Palisades, this companion campus focuses on ancient Greek and Roman antiquities in a villa modeled after the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum.
• Brentwood Country Mart: A short drive south on San Vicente Boulevard, this rustic-chic shopping hub is ideal for an post-museum lunch; try the burgers at Farmshop or grab a coffee at Caffe Luxxe while browsing local boutiques.
• Skirball Cultural Center: Just down the hill, this space features rotating exhibitions on Jewish history and culture, often overlooked by the average tourist.