You must have heard of the J. Paul Getty Center located in Los Angeles.
This place is a campus for cultural institutions opened in the late 90s and funded by oilman J. Paul Getty. The entire Center cost $1.3 billion. Yes, you read that right. One visit to this place can give you an idea on why the price tag was so high (everything looks amazing in there).
The Center shelters one of the two Getty Museums. The one in the Los Angeles location specializes in pre-20th century paintings, illuminated manuscripts, drawings, sculpture, decorative arts and photography. At this location, a research and conservation institute operates as well. The Center also presents very interesting temporal exhibitions (you can sign in for their electronic newsletter to receive information about events taking place at different times of the year).
I can imagine some of your faces right now. “I don’t really like museums or enclosed spaces”, you may say. Even though you can’t stand a couple of hours looking at paintings, you should give the Getty a try. The museum is only one of the attractions in the complex. You can also enjoy the following if you decide to visit:
- Amazing buildings designed by architect Richard Meier.
- An interesting garden with creative statues and a maze made of flowers
- A cool tram that takes you from the parking space to the actual Center.
- Free architecture, collections and garden tours.
- The complex is located at the top of a hill. Therefore, the views of Los Angeles are amazing from here.
- You can sit in the green areas and have a picnic or rest.
As you can see, the Getty is more than a museum (boring museum to some).
Now, let me tell you something really important. The entrance to the Getty Center is free of charge. Yes, it is free!!!! Don’t you love when these rich guys get crazy and start building places accessible to all citizens? Well, there is a catch. Parking is $15. But I mean, 5 to 9 of you can get into a car and visit for one price.
If you want to find out more information, visit the Getty Center official website: www.getty.edu
And now to give you that extra push to visit, I am presenting some of the best photographs taken during my most recent visit. Because I can write and write about how amazing and beautiful is this place but photos can give you a better idea of what I am talking about in here.
Enjoy!
The Tram
Small tram that takes you from the parking area to the actual buildings
Entrance, Getty Center, Los Angeles, California
Open area among the Center buildings
The Architecture
Reflecting building and fountain
One of the Center buildings flanked by trees
The Views
Downtown Los Angeles seen from the Center
Another view of Los Angeles
The Museum
Sculpture
Stained glass work
The Garden
Flower maze in the garden area
Iron trees, garden and architecture
Maze, trees and building
Closeup of iron trees
Garden PlantsPeople picnicking in the Center green areas
The Open Areas for Enjoyment
People picnicking in the Center green areas
Have you visited the Getty Center? What was your favorite area?
I love museums with free entrance! It seems pretty common here in London, and I’ve gotta say I’m visiting a lot more museums than I would otherwise. I just never know if I’ll like them or not, so it’s hard to pay a large admission fee.
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..A Canal Ride through Central London
I lover museums and this looks incredible
Eileen Ludwig recently posted..Shadows enhance walkway Town and Country Resort San Diego California
Sometimes museums aren’t the most interesting places to visit, but when it’s more than a museum and includes interactive activities and a garden to walk around – it really makes it more attractive! This looks like a great place to visit and comes at a great affordable price! Great photos too!
Mark Wiens recently posted..Egyptian Budget Travel Guide: Cost of Traveling to Egypt
Definitely one of the places I have to visit when I go to the USA. Heard so much about the place and thanks for sharing the lovely pics here.
David @ MalaysiaAsia recently posted..Malaysia Travel Bloggers List
Never been there, but I love the garden photos.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Gallery Nights in Buenos Aires