The Getty- Los Angeles

Designed by architect Richard Meier ‘The Getty Center’ was inaugurated in 1997. The façade of the building uses 1.2 million square feet and 16,000 tons of beige-colored travertine stone from Italy. The buildings house, in my opinion, the best art collection on the American West Coast and are just as impressive from the outside as the works they hold on the inside.

The Center sits atop the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. If you are visiting Los Angeles you should reserve a whole day to visit. The best thing about The Getty Center besides it being FREE is that it is monkey friendly. Picture this, you drive in and park in the underground lot (15 dollars per car pays entrance for all) and then take one of three computer operated tram rides that glide on air (think air hockey table/ride). On a clear day the view is stunning (at 881 ft above sea level). Once you enter the main entry I would suggest you go straight to the information desk where a friendly docent will give you a map, answer your questions and sign you up for numerous FREE lectures, tours, workshops.
The monkeys did a tour called Men and Monsters, a guided tour that encouraged participation and was essentially a scavenger hunt of various Greek and Roman sculptures. They loved it and the docent was extremely engaging. They also have a whole building that is the children’s center for art education and has fantastic displays. I did wish at times that this was a kid free visit but the court yard café, gardens and numerous balconies provided ample opportunity for Dr. J and I to take turns getting some alone exhibit viewing while the monkeys got fresh air and exercise.

Depending on the time of year it is recommended that you call ahead to make reservations. We didn’t because that is how we roll, but when my parents visited The Getty Villa they did and said it was necessary.



This is the main website: http://www.getty.edu/