The Getty Center- L.A.

Forget the stuffy, boring, and sometimes painful experience of spending an entire day at a typical art museum. If you are ever foolish enough to think that you can experience the likes of say, The L.A. County Museum of Art (LACMA) in one day, then you are headed straight for the land of over-stimulation. After five hours indoors looking at gallery after gallery, you will probably leave not knowing (or caring) about the difference between Dadaism and Cubism.

I am a lover of art and museums and don’t get me wrong- I love LACMA. But you just can’t do the whole place in one day. It’s best in moderation, like maybe an hour at a time. I use to live near LACMA and it was easy to do this. The Getty, however, was nowhere nearby. Thankfully, it’s a place where you can easily spend the entire day happily, and not over-stimulated.

The Getty is less of a cultural institution than it is a public place of urban tranquility. However, that is not to say that The Getty in anyway falls short on providing a killer art experience. It is an institution of holistic measure that offers a wide range of contemporary and classical art, special events, a beautiful, park-like setting and some of the most impressive views of the city of L.A.

1. Before You Go

Pack a picnic lunch to take with you. The Getty has gardens gorgeous enough to compete with the art works themselves. And with L.A.‘s mild weather it is a treat to eat outside. If you’re not much of a chef, you can pick up gourmet picnic lunches on the Plaza Level near the Restaurant. You can also pre-order them on the Getty website, above.

2. Upon Arriving

Pay $8 to park your car and take the elevator to the tram, which will take you from the parking garage, over the hills, and high up onto the ledge upon which The Getty is perched. Riding the tram is part of the fun, so make sure to secure a seat with a view and check out the scenery along the way. Beyond parking, there is no admission fee to the Getty. 

3. Settling In

When you arrive at the top of the hill, step out and immediately inhale the fresh, ocean air. On the Arrival Plaza is Martin Puryear’s site-specific sculpture “That Profile”, commissioned by the Getty. Then head for the Central Garden, which would be hard to miss. Look for the floating maze of azaleas in its giant pool. This would be an ideal spot to set up your picnic lunch.

4. Go See The Art

Now that you’ve properly fueled yourself for a day of experiencing art, decide which gallery you would like to start with. You can choose from the Classical Connections gallery in the North Pavilion, 17th century Baroque in the East Pavilion, and 18th century art in the South Pavilion. In the West Pavilion you will see sculpture and Italian decorative arts of the 1700s-1900, as well as 19th century paintings. The Exhibitions Pavilion is where you can see the Getty’s seasonal exhibitions. Please check their website for their current exhibitions. Keep moving in and out of the various pavilions throughout the day. One of the best parts of seeing art at The Getty is walking out of one pavilion and into another while experiencing fresh air, city views, and stunning post-modern architecture along the way. 

5. More Fresh Air (and Cacti Plants)

Be sure to make time to check out the cactus garden. You will find it on the south side of the campus, behind the South and West Pavilions. Descending its long stairway, you will be greeted by a series of strange yet lovely Dr. Seuss-like cacti that lead to a large balcony overlooking an even more amazing collection of the quirky, prickly plant. While you’re leaning over the balcony, don’t forget to look up and out, too. You’ll have a panoramic view of all of L.A.

6. Last Moments of Serenity

Once you feel that you’ve satisfied your art craving for the day, spend the rest of a sun-filled afternoon resting in one of the remaining gardens or hanging out in the courtyard. And for one last moment of serenity, don’t miss what I consider to be the world’s most stunning and entirely under-rated water fountain. For those of you out there who appreciate minimalism in design, this tucked-away fountain is waiting for you. In fact, it’s so tucked away that I missed it the first two times that I went to the Getty. And because I was so enthralled with it when I saw it, I forgot to write down its locale! However I do remember that it sat near one of the pavilions on the east side of the campus, so you should be able to find it somewhere near the North, East, or South Pavilions. It’s almost best if you happen upon it accidentally, like I did.

7. Time for Thai

So you’ve completed your refreshing day at the Getty- but wait! There’s still the exciting tram ride back down to the parking complex. Enjoy your last few minutes of spectacular L.A. views and start thinking about a nearby dinner spot. Oh yeah, nothing is really “nearby” when it comes to dining choices. You could go in many different directions or just head home but I find that a day at the Getty is best followed up by a trip into Santa Monica for Thai food at the delightfully funky Toi, on Wilshire Blvd. at 11th. Free parking is behind the restaurant. Rest your not-so-over-stimulated soul and reflect on that Rembrandt you saw over the best Thai Iced Tea you will ever sip.

Photos by Bethany Betzler