The Getty Museum in Los Angeles

Fresh from a three-day weekend with a double-feature out the gate. You’d almost think we’ve been getting some work done around here. Not our choice, actually. Today’s subject, the J. Paul Getty Museum, is a double-feature in itself. Sure, you’ve probably heard of “The Getty”, and you’re tangentially aware that it is some kind of museum, but not until you plan on visiting the darn thing do you realize that there is no “The Getty”. There are two Getty Museums, unique in substance but equal in dignity. So it goes, the first step to visiting the Getty Museum is deciding which one. Here’s a quick guide:

The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, California 90049
Phone: 310-440-7300

Despite being the second location in the museum’s 56-year history, and by far the youngest at only 13 years old, the Getty Center is most often what people think of when they think of the Getty Museum. That’s in part because it houses such a large and impressive selection of the Getty collection. The Center is dedicated to Western Art, European and American works dated pre-20^th century and forward. Medieval and Renaissance sculpture, manuscripts and Italian decorative arts also enjoy premium gallery space.

It seems almost unprofessional to upstage to the art, but often enough that’s just what happens. The breathtaking campus designed by Richard Meier rests beautifully into two natural overlooks in the Santa Monica Mountains. The great curving flourishes, understated water features and gorgeous cleft-cut stonework have made the Center one of L.A.’s architectural marvels since opening day.

Admission is FREE. Hours: Tue – Fri: 10 – 5:30; Sat: 10 – 9; Sun: 10 – 5:30. Web site.

The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Phone: 310-440-7300

On the site of J. Paul Getty’s Pacific Palisades home, the Getty Villa is the original Getty Museum, at least as we think of it (it’s actually Getty’s second). Despite the humongous collection of rather non-trivial works, the Villa is oft overshadowed by its younger brother, likely because it took a decade off. After moving Western galleries to the Center in 1997, the Villa closed for almost ten years for renovations. Finally, in 2006, the Getty Villa opened its grounds once again to the pleasure of arts and antiquities lovers the world over.

The Getty Villa is dedicated to the works ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria. The displayed gallery, a mere 1,200 pieces from a collection of over 44,000, includes everyday items like pots, vases, coins and tools as well as several show stopping sculptures for which the period is best known. Victorious Youth, a remarkable bronze sculpture from as far back as 300 B.C., is the crown of the collection and has its own climate controlled room.

While lacking the same contemporary atmosphere that so appeals to me about the Center, the architecture at the Villa is no less astonishing. The famous courtyard is opulence defined.

Admission is FREE, however reservations are required. Due to limited space at the Villa, you must arrive at your ticketed time to gain entrance. You can make your free reservation on the Web site. Hours: Wed – Mon: 10-5. Web site.

Have fun at either the Getty Center or Getty Villa in Los Angeles, California.

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