An Artistic Disposition - The Getty Center L.A.

In 1957 Fortune magazine called
him the richest living American,
while the 1966 Guinness Book of
Records appointed him the world's
richest citizen: It takes a man like
J. Paul Getty – an avid collector
of art and antiquities and a tycoon
of Getty Oil Company to establish
a phenomenal cultural empire,
entailing monumental works of
architecture, grandiose horticulture
and a sensational art collection to
spark the interest and inspiration
of an L.A.-centric bourgeoisie.

This chapter in the history of art
starts at a Roman-style villa in
Malibu in 1954: The oil-
millionaire J. Paul Getty exhibited
his private art collection in a
gallery adjacent to his home in
Pacific Palisades. When running

out of space he opened a second
museum in Brentwood in 1974:
The Getty Museum. Nowadays
the J. Paul Getty legacy (the J.
Paul Getty Trust including the
Getty Foundation and the Getty
Research Institute) embraces two
art imbued locations: The Getty
Villa and the Getty Center.

Designed by architect Richard
Meier, the Getty Center spans
over 750 acres land nestled
strategically in the Santa Monica
Mountains on an elevated hill.
Four exhibit pavilions
accommodate an impressive art
collection that runs the gamut
from European to American art,
from the middle ages to the
present, featuring also abstract
and contemporary art. Rubens,
Van Gogh, Monet and Rembrandt
to name but a few, embellish the
formidable walls of massive
museum halls. Nine buildings
showcasing amazing architecture
feature balconies and outdoor
patios where visitors can soak
up stunning panoramic views
illuminated by California's
glorious sunshine: A great spot
to survey the view over La La
Land is the East and South patio,
where the 405 Freeway, Santa
Monica, Downtown Los Angeles
and Catalina Island (on clear days)
stretch out ahead of the beholder.
While sauntering beautifully
designed in- and outdoor spaces
and gawking at hundreds of years
old artworks, architecture fans, art
devotees, and inspiration seekers
will find peace, alluring beauty and
divine afflatus, right here – among
an open, harmonious and inviting
environment.

Come here for idyllic alfresco
dining. A special picnic area is
provided at the lower tram
station. Bring your family and
beloved ones. The Getty Museum
offers additionally occasional films,
events (live concerts for kids begin
in August), architecture tours (occur
several times daily) and live music
outdoors (Saturdays off the 405).
Dine at the full-service dining room
(resy recommended!), visit the
cafeteria-style dining establishment,
or grab a snack from one of the
outdoor cafes/carts scattered
throughout the museum's premises.
Visit the Getty Museum during the
week. On weekends this place get's
packed quick. It's recommended to
arrive early in the morning when the
museum opens its doors. For your
orientation pick up a map at the
entrance before starting your tour.
Museum attendants, wearing a blue
vest are knowledgeable and polite
and will help you if questions arise.