The Getty Center: A Cultural Escape

The Getty Center is an enduring Los Angeles attraction that only gets better with time. Perched in the city's posh Brentwood neighborhood, it welcomes more than 1.8 visitors annually. As part of the J. Paul Getty Trust, the center belongs to one of the world's largest philanthropic institutions. Visitors will see why it plays such a big role in the preservation and conservation of the arts from the moment they walk through the door. Here's what to expect when you visit!

What's Inside the Center?

There's something for everyone here! You'll tour world-class exhibits covering everything from art dating back to the Middle Ages to ultra-modern architecture. Some of the permanent exhibits here include Renaissance sculpture and decorative arts, illuminated manuscripts, Italian sculptures from 1600 to 1800, French art from 1600 to 1800, and 19th-century paintings and drawings. You'll also be able to explore expansive manicured grounds that include the esteemed Central Garden. Tram service allows guests to explore the grounds with ease.

The Gardens

Getty visitors can enjoy four unique gardens as they tour the grounds. While one garden is located at street level, the others offer beautiful views from atop the property's hill. Here's what's waiting:

1. Central Garden: This stunning 134,000-square-foot green space, with more than 500 plant varieties, is updated to represent the current season. It is truly the crown of the center! Enjoy a variety of plants and trellises as you pass over a stream to discover a world in bloom around a gorgeous pool.
2. Cactus Garden: Features desert plants set against a backdrop of a panoramic view of the city.
3. Lower Terrace Sculpture Garden: Enjoy works by Elisabeth Frink and other iconic sculptors in a colorful garden.
4. The Fran and Ray Stark Sculpture Terrace: This eclectic space features works by Barbara Hepworth and other notable sculptors.
5. Fran and Ray Stark Sculpture Garden: This final sculpture garden features work by Joan Miró and more.
   

Something for Everyone

You don't need to be an art snob to appreciate the collections here. Highlights include recognizable works from Vincent Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet, and Rubens. For lovers of antiquity, collections that include Greek vases, marble figurines from Cyprus, Romano-Egyptian mummy portraits, and ancient jewels are real treats!

In addition to an in-house collection of priceless works, the center also hosts rotating exhibits from around the world. Current and recent guest exhibits hosted here include sculpted portraits from ancient Egypt, explorations of the art and science of light, and studies of pastels. An ongoing exhibit on the life and legacy of J. Paul Getty has been open since 2021.

Planning Your Visit

The Getty Center's admission is 100% free. However, visitors must make time-entry reservations to ensure that a slot is available. You will not be able to simply walk into the museum without a reservation. The only public entrance is located at North Sepulveda Boulevard and Getty Center Drive in Los Angeles.

Normal center hours are from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The center is closed on Monday. It also closes for select holidays throughout the year.

See the Best of Los Angeles

One of the only other attractions to be as synonymous with Los Angeles culture is The Grove LA. You'll definitely want to head from Brentwood toward Beverly Hills and Hollywood to spend time at this popular spot where all true Angelinos hang out. This 575,000-square-foot outdoor marketplace is home to countless high-end retailers and an in-demand dining experience.