The Getty Center Reviews

The quiet Villa and the views from it where worth the price of admission. The statues and exhibits were wonderful.

A wonderful place. Beautiful architecture, spectacular views of LA. Wonderful collection beautifully displayed. A visit is a must if you are visiting LA. We spent 4 hours and enjoyed lunch in the cafe. Staff is engaging and knowledgeable.

The outdoor museum staff (parking / ride share) has anger issues.

Beautiful building, garden and views. The art wasn’t to my taste but nice to have in Los Angeles.

A place that honors classical art 🥰

With the fashion in which ‘modern art’ has revolutionized the fine art industry — returning to classical art is a breath of fresh air. Classical works are our mere foundation of our modern creativity. They say while referring to design, “Nothing will be done that has not already been done”. To an extent, it’s true! Many museums however, focus solely on contemporary approaches (especially in LA), and while it is captivating and fresh, I greatly appreciate a gallery of variety.

Great selection of artists through the ages — 5 stars!!

Prejudice here... I'm an artist and particularly love the Impressionist. This knocked me out!!! I walked around every room, looking closely at each painting. Then I stood in the middle and could have cried!!! You can get so close to the painting it's dangerous!! One whack job can ruin a $40 million piece. Please, put them under glass!!! The website did not let me know the A-list paintings I could expect. I was on a cruise ship, paid for an uber to and from the museum, and wish I had more time.

I very much enjoyed my visit to the Getty in August. The visit is begun with a line for a Tram/Trolley of sorts which brings visitors up a hill to the Getty Center overlooking Los Angeles. Visitors can also take a walking path uphill. From there, we were welcomed by a visitor center and gift shop where helpful staff provided us with useful details regarding the museum's ongoings and layout.

The buildings are connected and arranged in chronological order (primarily on the second floor) with art beginning in the Proto-Renaissance Period and ending with Post-Impressionist paintings + the beginning of modern works. This arrangement was very helpful in observing the progression of artistic style and heritage in Europe. The second floor also contains an observatory deck where visitors can take photos with LA as a backdrop.

The one issue I have with the museum is the density of visitors present in every gallery at once. This creates quite a hectic atmosphere, and many paintings by the most famous artists are often covered by cell phones and people eager to capture a glimpse of the museum's highlights.

If you’re looking for a peaceful setting to picnic and work remote, the Getty center is perfect.

Parking isn’t free, but admission is free. I have been very productive visiting here because I can take an art break, a lunch break or a bathroom break in incredibly beautiful surroundings.

Must visit for a digital nomad.

The Getty Center is a fantastic spot for everyone! With its mix of art, cool buildings, and beautiful gardens, it's a total cultural adventure. Whether you're into art or just want a chill place with awesome views, The Getty Center has got you covered. It's a must-visit – you won't be disappointed!

Beautiful modern museum with lots of exhibition halls, gardens and views. I went in the afternoon and managed to stay there for 3.5 hrs and only to visit half of it. Would recommend starting early

Amazing collection and beautiful gardens. Very large place. Many buildings spread out over a large space. My legs gave out before I'd seen everything. Interesting shop.

Very disappointed to drive up and discover that reservations were required. Our research apparently was not thorough enough. Patrol was unsympathetic and unmoving on allowing us entrance.

I could tell that I was in a world destination by how many languages I overheard throughout the day. I definitely got in all my steps exploring this crown jewel overlooking West Los Angeles. Of course we loved gazing at Van Gogh’s “Irises” and Monet’s “Spring” but also found personal favorites that we never knew existed. The gardens were serene, and the weather was glorious. This place will never be overrated and that’s saying a lot considering it’s #1 of all the things to see in LA. It really does qualify as a bucket list item.

Beautiful place but unfortunately my trip was cut short (I left immediately after the interaction) and ruined by an extremely rude member of staff that I spoke to at the front desk.

I’m doing a small project at the moment for an international programme in which I need to ask a member of staff some questions about their unique experiences at the Getty (more specifically, only two questions are actually required). None of the questions are about the Getty itself (like the building, or exhibits) but it’s more of a light-hearted talk about their experiences and why THEY love it. It’s their opinion, I’m not asking them to give me facts.

Anyway, the man I spoke to shut me down very abruptly and sharply, I barely felt like I could finish my sentences. He told me they’re strictly not allowed to do that and gave me a whole spiel about “in case we give out the wrong information” - for a start if you’re working at the information desk I’d hope you’d know the information ready for guests to ask you, but also this is a SCHOOL PROJECT. This isn’t going public, it’s to be submitted as coursework and nothing else.

I started saying “that’s strange to me becau-“ and he cuts me off with this under-his-breath laugh “actually it’s not strange because there’s very strict rules on it”. This made me angry because the way he was now speaking to me and acting like I was beneath him and I felt so embarrassed even asking. I am not a child asking for a silly thing, I am a 29 year old grown woman trying to finish a university project in order to meet my VISA requirements. I told him “I was going to say it’s strange to me because my friends just did this same thing less than two weeks ago”, he snapped back with some comment about that staff member will be in a lot of trouble.

Just to add salt to the wound on this, though I had reached out previously about doing this and receiving no response, TWO of my friends on the same course told me that they had BOTH been to Getty, gone up to the front desk and got a small interview recorded with someone there, they said they were really friendly and super helpful.

The Getty is a beautiful place and I absolutely loved my first trip there. But yesterday’s experience completely ruined my personal experience, image and memory of the Getty.

This place really is something. So grateful to have seen the Cy Twombly exhibit. The centre is so big it will need multiple visits to feel like we have touched the surface. We visited the Impressionists too, for Van Gough. To visit is free, you just pay for parking. What an amazing view of LA.

I went to see the Camille Claudel exhibit (which closes this week). I have not seen her work since I was in Paris- so it was a unique exhibition. But there is an amazing permanent collection and several gardens to explore. The views from the balconies and overlooks are spectacular.

The food choices are delicious too, if you want to have lunch. Parking is pricey ($25), but the museum is always free. I highly recommend it! I’ve been multiple times since it opened.

This is an amazing location to visit in LA. From the time you arrive at The Getty Center, to catching the free tram up the hill to The Getty Center everything is so lovely, clean and tranquil. The architecture, gardens and landscaping, and exhibits are fabulous. I was so surprised to find out that this was all free to attend. There are so very few locations and occasions in the world where something of this quality is free and we really appreciated it. We caught an Uber to and from The Getty Center and it did appear that people were paying for parking, so know that parking needs to be paid but even so it is totally worth a visit. The Getty Center is an outstanding attraction and it really was a lovely way to spend time during our LA stay!

We had a wonderful experience. Beautiful museum with well kept gardens and buildings. Many paintings, sculptures and decorative objects.

The tour seemed light despite the extensiveness of the museum.

Free admission was a pleasant surprise but not the only one.

I suggest separating half a day or the full day.
Worth it

Must reserve a time on line before going. Tickets are free but parking in the covered garage is $20. Beautiful grounds including unique statues and unique architectural features. Art collection includes a few famous paintings from world renowned artists such as Renoit, Manet, Monet, Pisarro; however, most of the paintings have a religious theme which is not my interest.

Although "required", few visitors wore face masks. Buildings are well air conditioned so you can minimize time in the hot sun. If the temperature was lower than 90 F degrees, we would have spent more time walking around the grounds admiring the trees, shrubs and plants.

Nice, clean, professional environment to educate my teen. I liked the outside flower garden the best. Good price to pay (just parking for $20)

I have been to many of the world's best museums: Louvre and D'Orsay in Paris, Rome and Florence, NYC and Prado in Madrid - and this is right up there with the best!

The stars of the show are the gardens, buildings, setting overlooking LA. The exhibits were very good, and we had a guided art tour that was outstanding.

It is free with a charge to park. Make sure you go online in get the free tickets for admission.

Everything about this place was first class and organized

We loved the day spent here. So beautiful, relaxing enjoying the setting, the fine collection of Greek & Roman Sculpture, Goldsmiths work, jewelry, pottery . the Villa, loved the central courtyard with the colonnade and pool. A heavenly place to spend the day including a delicious lunch.

I have never seen such an overwhelming display of wealth before. The construction is incredible. The art is amazing. And the surroundings are absolutely beautiful. We didn’t spend much time in the gallery but enjoyed the view and park primarily.

This is a wonderful museum to visit. You can easily spend 4 hours in the museum and then another 2 just relaxing in the surrounding gardens and taking pictures. It is free but a reservation through their website is highly recommended as it can get quite busy. The parking fee is 20 dollars.

We spent a lovely, sunny afternoon at the Getty Center, enjoying the excellent art collection, the beautiful gardens, and the gorgeous vistas. It should be a required stop on any person's LA itinerary.

Perfect place to spend a day and everything is extremely well organized. Both the museum and outdoor gardens are fun. Amazing viewsof the city too

There was no entrance fee and we only to pay the parking. I can't believe they don't charge anything. The exhibition was amazing. You can spend a whole day there. The only drawback is the parking. Maybe we went there during the holiday and we waited for about an hour to enter to the parking lot ...

It was a phenomenal experience and I definitely will be back from our exhibit and to go explore the beautiful gardens.

We have lived in Southern California, our entire life and watched this complex being built and this was our first visit.
I have probably literally driven by this exit hundreds of times.
If you are a resident of Southern California or if you’re a tourist coming to visit, I would highly recommend visiting The Getty.

Just the architecture alone is quite amazing how they built the building complex into and on top of the hill. It’s amazing to just wander around outside and look at the buildings and the structures. It’s also amazing to see the gardens in all the little nooks and crannies of the property.

Of course the Getty is an art museum but there is so much more to see. We saw paintings by Monet and Rembrandt that we didn’t even know we’re there. We really had no idea what to expect when we went.
Definitely plan a full day ; we were there for a little over four hours and could’ve spent more time but we needed to get somewhere for dinner.

A strong suggestion would be to get the earliest ticket possible and to get there as early as possible. You take a ticket and pay for parking on your way out. There is no admission fee. There’s a kiosk before you get on the tram to come back to your car to pay the $25 parking fee.

The garage is all underground so it’s a little bit chaotic. I cannot imagine trying to find parking if I did not get there early in the day because then you have swarm of people coming in and swarm of people leaving at the same time.

My first time at the new Getty although I visited the old site several times when I lived in SoCal. It is just awesome. Even on a rainy misty day with zero view it is gorgeous.

Admission free (register online before you go). $20 for parking.

Can't wait to go again.

Admission to the grounds and museum is free, but you'll need a reservation for parking (and it will cost $25). The underground parking garage has at least 7 levels. From the parking area, take the tram to the top of the mountain (or you can walk if you want). We appreciated being able to just relax on the lawn overlooking the fantastic garden maze area - very low key - while some members of our group enjoyed touring some of the museum areas. The view is spectacular, high above the city, and you can see the ocean too. A great place to see the sunset!

The most recommended art centers and museums in Los Angeles require reservations in advance, but tickets are free.
Awesome art center and museum
Admission is free, only parking fee is required
After 3 o'clock it's 15 yuan
The hinterland is so vast that you need to take electricity to get to the museum on the top of the mountain.
Worth spending half a day
Highly recommended as a must-visit museum in Los Angeles.

#arts #art

The J. Paul Getty Museum is an art museum located in Los Angeles, California, with two locations: the Getty Center and the Getty Villa. The former collects Western art from the Middle Ages onwards. With an estimated 1.3 million visitors per year, it is one of the most visited museums in the United States; the latter exhibits art from ancient Greece and Rome. The two museums received approximately 2 million visitors in 2016. Wikipedia

Completed: 1997

Date of establishment: December 16, 1997

Public transportation: Los Angeles bus line 761

Number of visitors: 1,356,381 (2013) 1,439,084 (2019)

Founded by: Paul Getty

I saw the The Getty and was drawn to the white clean travertine exterior. We didn’t have it on are agenda but decided to tour the place. I instantly fell in love the minute you enter the grounds. It is stunning and being from Phoenix we have nothing like this. I would take another trip to LA just to spend more time viewing the grounds. It is huge and can be a bit confusing to find certain things but it was wonderful!

I was thrilled to see famous paintings and sculptures in one place. I found myself walking a lot after about four hours (less than five hours with meals), so I was glad I went in comfortable shoes. I was able to take the bus home smoothly. It was comfortable inside and outside the building.

A unique museum that certainly creates a "wow factor" by combining architecture, gardens and vistas. It has a collection that is focused on one man's art interests. An excellent collection that also represents what was considered art at a specific time. The collection demonstrates that Paul Getty certainly had taste and money, but clearly that is not everything.

Wonderful place to visit, and free if your first time, great painting and gardens, staffing all around to help you with your visit

I didn't like how you had to park far away and line up to get on a tram just to enter the museum. I go to museums because I like them better than the long queue you see at Disney. But I guess this is LA. I went on a docent tour, which I highly recommend. It was my favorite part of the visit. It was too hot to visit the outdoor exhibits. The view of LA was obscured by smog.

This gorgeous, airy museum is a wonderful way to spend a day in Los Angeles (and a day doesn't feel like enough time). The building itself is architecturally pleasing, and the artwork and gardens are equally beautiful. We particularly enjoyed the photography exhibits (the Photographers of the Kamoinge Workshop and In Focus: Sound), as well as the The Fantasy of the Middle Ages exhibit. Make sure to visit the gardens as well! Entrance to the museum is free, although you still need to make a timed-entry reservation.

Museum with paintings from all eras. There is furniture from Louis XIV of France. It has guides who interpret in several languages. Much to explore. If you value art, you have to go once in your life. The exterior was very nice.

It was a perfect sunny and clear day at the Getty Villas off of PCH. I love visiting every time and the gardens are so beautiful and lovely

The Getty Center MUST be on your itinerary when in the area! This free-admission museum includes extensive collections of impressionist paintings, ceramics, porcelain, furniture, textiles, silver pieces, manuscripts and much more! It is massive, being housed in multiple buildings and simply can't be covered in a single visit, so plan what some of your interests are and focus on those. Parking on the ground level is limited and there is ALWAYS a traffic jam getting in (tickets for parking MUST be purchased in advance; consider using Uber), and there is a tram to take you up a mountain to the actual Getty Center. Beautiful architecture and gorgeous fountains and sitting areas greet you once you reach the top. Highly recommend you go to the full-service restaurant (NOT the cafe or food carts) which offers delicious selections at reasonable prices. Everyone at the museum is very friendly and helpful (make sure you use their map, either paper or their app or you'll easily get lost). This is a MUST SEE museum!!! You'll barely scratch the surface of the Getty Center's collections in a single visit, so plan a full day. If I could I'd give this museum 10 stars!

The Getty Center is perched on a bluff overlooking a wide vista stretching from the sea to city (if the fog and smog don't block the views). The collection is broad, yet highly manageable. The well laid out museum allows visitors to flow from exhibit to exhibit with ease while allowing times to pause and view the incredible views, gardens and landscapes. The photos do not do this museum justice - it is that great!

Imagine every art gallery you have ever been to. Imagine them all housed together in stunning modern architecture surrounded by beautiful outdoor spaces and gardens. That’s the Getty Centre.
It’s so vast it’s hard to know where to begin but I would recommend using the guides on the App which take you round curated highlights of the collection. Don’t miss the the garden guide either - no ordinary garden but a living art installation, every stone, every plant placed deliberately to delight the senses.
There are riches here beyond comparison- and the tickets are free.

Very busy and popular! We parked on level 6 at the bottom of the car park arriving mid morning. If you don't use elevators it is a long walk by stairs from the bottom of the car park. The tram is efficient to the top of the hill - you have to take this. Very helpful man on the information desk explained the layout - easy to walk around the whole of level 2 to get history of painting. Lovely gardens. Special exhibitions too. Nice cafe - not cheap but healthy options. Very nice man helping to clean up. Good selection of art in lovely surroundings, lovely architecture. Great that it is free apart from $25 parking fee. Lots of tours available each day and sun umbrellas provided for when it is hot. Excellent. Recommended

The Getty Museum is a beautiful place to spend a day. Everything about it is pleasing from the tram ride up the mountain from the parking lot, to the extensive mountain top campus, with its thoughtful layout of buildings, so that there are natural views in all directions enhanced with beautiful gardens and water fountains and glass entrances that smooth the transitions in and out of the museum spaces. Then there is the amazing collection of artwork laid out in an accessible and well marked format with seating sprinkled along the pathways through the galleries. Add free tours by knowledgeable docents, some simple but satisfying food options and plenty of open spaces. It is much more than a museum as it doubles as a large public park. Leave plenty of time for exploring the campus!

Amazing exhibition of artifacts from throughout the world. Art to appeal to anyone. The buildings were airy and open and ultra- modern. Free admission ( which is indeed rare) allowed people from all areas of society to enjoy the exhibitions.
The tram available to take art lovers to the museum was invaluable as it allowed those with limited mobility to enjoy the exhibitions.
The cafes provided tasty and reasonably priced food.
Overall, a fantastic experience.

Less Recommended. Only some of the exhibits in the Chinese tour in the software are available. It can be boring if the family doesn't understand English. Many of the exhibits are unexplained, items from civilian homes depicting a landowner, or a backlog of inventory. There are many, many more paintings depicting Jesus and fucking. It doesn't mean much to non-believers.
By contrast I've also been to the Metropolitan in New York, the Museum of Medieval Art, the Museum of Modern Art in Chicago and even the Museum of Hawaiian Art, all dumping him a few blocks. Although it's a private collection, free to visit, the facilities and staff are great, but as a museum the objects really don't interest me. The best art gallery in Los Angeles has a false name.
Look at the top of the hill overlooking Los Angeles. Look at the lawn.

We went to the Getty center on a busy Saturday. Although there were a lot of people there, we never felt that it was crowded. They have an excellent collection of art from various different eras. While they don’t have as many actual examples of each artist, they do have a representative collection of high-quality art. In addition, the facility itself is an artwork. The architecture is inspiring and the views are great from up there. We also had lunch in one of their cafés, and the food was very good though expensive. It was a great way to spend the better part of the day.

Had a wonderful time at this impressive art gallery. I first had a look around the gardens, not to be missed. Fabulous views. Then lunch and the art. What a strong collection. As a bonus they let me store my big suitcase as I was between accommodation.

This was our favorite place in LA, really beautiful facility. We were there for several hours and didn't get through all of it. The buildings are beautiful and the exhibits are very good and diverse. The art is lovely and there is one room with most the "big" paintings so you can focus on that is you are limited in time. We didn't get through the whole thing and wanted to go back and my husband constantly laments that we did not get to. Its just such a lovely place and not overly crowded though we went mid week. The staff were very helpful and they even had sun umbrellas available outside the buildings for people to take if needed. We will definitely be back.

It was a quick one hour visit, but we got a lot in.

We began by checking in with the visitors both, where we met AUGUST. She advised us on how to spend 2 HOURS at the GETTY CENTER.

Her advice: See a Special Collection and the Gardens!!!

We did just that, visiting the Camille CLAUDEL, a protégé of Rodin. THEN, the GARDENS.

It was just enough for this disabled, 60 YEARS OLD MAN!!!

We also broke for a coffee and a Diet Coke, and a SIT DOWN, overlooking DOWNTOWN LA. Sitting on the beautiful TRAVERTINE STONE!!!

Excellent, as good as Getty villa. Unbelievable collection in a great location. (Must be much better without the rain). Very large facility with collection covering most aspects of western civilization arts.
Very minor complaint in that the map/guide was confusing. The app might be nice but to be useful you need to download it and have your earbuds with you. So plan ahead if you want to try it.
You have to take a tram from the parking garage up to the actual museum.
Staff did an excellent job with a huge crowd in the rain.

This museum is a must visit. The tram transport to the museum, ease to maneuver a wheelchair and excellent exhibits all made our visit worthwhile.

Entrance is free

Free admission
Monorail trip up the side of the mountain good views.
A very worthwhile visit. Its large houses amazing works of art.
Gardens are beautiful. Picnic if choose.
facilities very good. Beautifully designed centre.
Worth a visit.
Book a time in advance.

We visit whenever we can, when visiting LA. It is amazing what unlimited money can do for a museum — most of the paintings are restored to the point where they seem fresh off the easel (the Rembrandts are particularly stunning) the lighting perfect, the crowds carefully limited, and the restaurant is at least a Michelin 2 star. For a visitor, the views are fabulous. A perfect day.

Came here for the Architecture but left inspired by the connection between buildings, landscape and site location overlooking the impressive LA cityscape.

A must when in LA.

A beautiful calm place to visit. We loved it from the beginning with the trip up the canyon on the tram, the stunning gardens and architecture. The art work was amazing such a fabulous collection from drawings, photographs, pairing and sculptures. We all loved it.

The Getty is an absolute legend when it comes to art museums.
Nestled within the rolling hills of Los Angeles,California, it is infamous for its incredible architecture and timeless collections.
The gardens are one of my favorite places on Earth. They are simply captivating.

Great trip with friends. Locals on Reddit recommended the Getty & it was a great call. FREE to enter and maybe even free EV charging (as far as I can tell, Tesla & non-Tesla). Took the cute little tram & had a latte shaded along a cute fountain. The umbrellas at every entrance & exit were a nice touch in the sun. All the employees we encountered were super friendly. Great place to bring visitors for a low cost day.

My destination at the conclusion of a business trip - it was all I expected and more. Since I only had a few hours I took a Highlights tour, which I recommend if your time is limited as you will see a lot along the way! Following the tour I revisited the areas I wanted to explore further. The food was good - a bit pricey, but somewhat expected since admission is FREE. Nice selection in the bookstore - so I took some goodies home. Scenic ride to and around the facility has breathtaking views. Definitely a must-see!

Suave. Impressive. From the time you park, catch the little tram up the hill and get off in the most amazing architectural plaza- you’ll be in awe. And, the only thing you pay is a $20 parking fee! Top notch impressionistic art selection and other interesting pieces. Tons of space. Friendly staff willing to answer some questions. Organized to perfection. The buildings are a piece of art in themselves. The whole place is very inspiring.

The Getty is impressive for both the museum's art collection as well as it's architectural accomplishment. Built with over 300,000 pieces of Italian marble atop a hill in the Santa Monica mountains, it is one photo op after another. It is also an adventure since you park you car at the bottom of the hill, and take a tram up to the museum.
There are three buildings. Don't be shy about taking a stair case or walking down a tree-lined path way to find yet another vantage point. You can see all of Los Angeles from up here.
Great place to visit. Allow at least four hours to immerse yourself in this place. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

This is an amazing place to visit. It is on top of a hill with beautiful views of Los Angeles area. The buildings that comprise the Center and the gardens around are certainly worth the visit. They also have great permanent and temporary art exhibitions. And you can also have lunch there, at a nice restaurant, and alternatively in a Cafe if you want something lighter.

Beautiful place, a landmark. This place was under my radar, but heard so many good reviews that I had to visit. Well, let me tell you: it's a must visit while in LA. Meticulous gardens, painting collection priceless, sculptures, and those views from LA!

Yeah, there's the art, but it's the lunch venue that will bring me back. Westwood caters to the college crowd, so if you prefer a more civilized luncheon experience, meet me here.

Must see art, grounds & architecture. First timers should take a tour. Views of LA are awesome. Art exhibit are amazing. Best value in town. Tram ride is comfortable. Excellent Food, Enjoy, I always do.

We went for a couple of hours. We aren’t into art but was still good to see. The gardens were great. One building was closed and the information booth helped us with what we might like to see. Some were good, there were some floors that we didn’t spend a lot of time. $20 to park, $15 if after 3.

This place is amazing. Wonderful location. Wonderful collections. Beautiful architecture. Definitely one of L.A's finer Museums. A must-see destination for everyone visiting L.A.

Starting with the tram ride up, my kids and I were enthralled! So many different exhibits, amazing views, and art that we all found things we loved!

Spectacular place with interesting pieces in.
Eash to book on line and it's free. . We went in a Tuesday
No crowds
Easy to get there in an uber
Well organised plenty of helpful staff
A really great day out

All I can say is: Oh, Wow!!! The Getty Center exceeded our expectations in every way. We spent between 3 and 4 hours there exploring the magnificent gardens, architecture and the incredible exhibits. This is most definitely a "Bucket List" item for any trip to LA.

Everything about The Getty has an amazing open and expansive feel. The architecture alone will blow you away, and I must say, the blend of art and architecture as you enter the facility is sublime. It has a definite west coast feel for me. The sheer size and vastness of the spaces are very artfully revealed only slowly, as there is only one route of entry. I don’t want to spoil it though, so eyes up when you enter!
The Garden is a living work of art. My feelings for just how cool that space is would fill far more than a Google review!

Plan for at least two days visit if you’re deeply into art. The collection is huge. 4 very large exhibition buildings.

Follow the guideline for free tickets. You need to make a reservation for parking, as it’s a limited space parking area. You park in a garage and ride a train to the top of the hill and the entrance to the facility. It seemed handicap friendly everywhere.
The spaces are all very roomy and open. It was quite busy but I never felt crowded.

The art, architecture, and gardens at the Getty Center exceeded expectations. I even researched online and did a couple of virtual tours before our visit. We went the last Wednesday in April. It was busy, but not over-crowded. I would recommend visiting on a weekday that's not during the summer if you can.

What I wish I knew BEFORE I visited:

• Parking Fees: Entrance is free (yay!). Parking is $20 (honestly not bad for downtown LA). If you go to the Getty Center and Getty Villa the same day, you only have to pay for parking once. Get parking validation for the other location at whichever location you visit first. And make sure you go on a day that they’re both open. But – if you like art, architecture, and history, one day is not enough!

• Spend as much time as you possibly can: After reading about the Getty Center online, I thought 3 or 4 hours would be sufficient. In that amount of time, we only saw about 1/10 of the museum. If you are able to, spend 2 or 3 days at the Getty Center and an entire day at the Getty Villa. My kids and I want to go back to LA for a week just to go back to the Getty Center and Villa. Both have so many interesting things to see – and they’re not close to each other.

• Don’t take a backpack inside the museum! Security will make you wear it on your chest instead of your back, so you don’t accidentally bump into the art. Understandable, but super annoying. Take a SMALL cross-body bag instead.

• Museum Tours: If you want to go on any of the tours, sign up at the front desk as soon as you enter the museum. Even on a not-so-busy day, the tours fill up fast. We thought we could just show up at the posted tour time and didn't get to go on the tour.

Even if you only have a couple of hours, the Getty Center is absolutely worth visiting!

The art exhibits were wonderful, and the grounds immaculate. It takes time to go through the museum, so make sure you leave enough time to explore. The entrance is free, but parking is expensive, so be forewarned. There are paintings and sculptures by many famous artists at the Getty museum, and it is not crowded during weekdays. You can take your own guided tour with assistance from your own curator box, or from a docent. Lunch at the cafe is extremely expensive- $16 for a chicken sandwich, so maybe eat before you go.

Great art collection, you won't get exhausted walking galleries full of art. However, the art they have is pretty good. The gardens are to die for!

Wide range of art to view. Beautiful gardens just a great place to spend a day. The art time span is from Medieval to contemporary.

The Getty Center is a huge complex with beautiful architecture, gardens and art. We arrived and were scolded by the attendant in the security line for not having a reservation but allowing us in as walk-ups. This place is huge so not sure why you have to have a reservation. Also for a free museum you have to pay $25 to park. The security lines were very long and took over 30 minutes and then you have to wait for a tram to take you to the top or opt to walk which we did. It's a straight up hill walk that takes about 20 minutes but we enjoyed it but be it good shape as it's pretty steep. The grounds are stunning and there's a lot to see. We picked a few galleries to peruse with the most famous ones being the European galleries with the Irises painting and Monets. A bottle of water was $6 which was ridiculous. Nice place to spend an afternoon.

This museum is like a small scale version of the Louvre. It has a little bit of everything and is not so big that you get overwhelmed. They also have changing exhibits. They have great staff and the outside seating was great for lunch! Would recommend to anyone looking for a museum experience in a trip to Los Angeles!

Los Angeles not to be outdone by any city in the world has this WORLD class museum to call its own. The Getty ...

Admission is free but they do charge $20 for parking ... the whole entrance is really unique .. one must ride a funicular up to the museum itself ... and once at the museum it has spectacular views of LA.

Now unfortunately in July of 2022 - half of the museum is under renovation and closed for special events, regardless it still has amazing art, and artifacts spanning 1000 years of history.

This is a MUST do while in the LA area. Well worth the effort.

Tickets must be reserved online and weeks ahead of time. Spent about 2 hours here and saw everything without being rushed.

We really enjoyed our time at the Getty Museum. The Gardens are probably the best part. So beautiful overall. Additionally, the holograms exhibit was a bit mind blowing. So glad we came here!

Loved the Getty! Very cute shuttle bus going from the parking up the hill. Amazing view of LA and nearby cities. Loved the VA collection!

Must do: the Getty museum is a haven of peace perched on the heights of LA; the gardens are pleasant and the collections very rich. The exhibition of the moment on the lights is both exciting and very original; and worth a visit.

We went to the Getty Center on Saturday. It stays open later. It's a huge place. I went 10 years ago and told my husband that we would have to sit down, rest and get something to drink. We had to take breaks. The gardens are nice. I took a garden tour on my first trip but it was over 1oo degrees so didn't this time. We started in the West building where the impressionists are located. It's my favorite and I expect to give out before we finish. There were also a couple of special exhibits in that building. I don't remember the artist's name and went to the website to try and find it and didn't. There's an exhibit about a woman who created a mural for the first female marathoners in the Olympics. I really enjoyed the story and the final painting. It's about giving people an opportunity and not holding them back because of gender or perceived limitations. It's brightly colored and that woman is cut. There's also a portraits in pastels exhibit (~20 paintings) that was impressive. I think my favorite thing on this trip was the decorated rooms. I think it's the South building. There are rooms from Louis XIV. He built Versailles. We were also looking at two dining rooms across from each other and told my husband to look at the chandeliers. We just laughed. One is not so fancy and the other was ornate. We gave out after two buildings. So if you want to see everything. Plan to go every morning and go to one building. Or pick your favorite art to visit first.

Fabulous complex with a vast and interesting range of art. I’ve rarely admired modern architecture so much as the Getty Centre

This was my first visit (hadn't been in Los Angeles since it was built) and everyone told me I had to go. They were right. You have to go. It has an excellent collection in a modern set of buildings (they call them pavilions) that are art themselves. All atop a hilltop setting with great views if not fogged in (which it was the day we went). The collection covers from Medieval to modern and everything in between. Mainly well known masters. The average quality of the art and sculpture (lots of it) is excellent. Because the collection is spread among five buildings, it doesn't seem overwhelming, but it adds up to a good-sized collection. It took up almost two hours to see it all, and we were moving along. Admission is free but parking is $20. You take a tram from the parking area to the museum. If you can get someone to drop you off at the parking lot, then it is free. There were lots of school groups getting dropped off by bus. I can see why. What an experience. There is a cafe although we didn't visit it. Just a great experience.

The Getty Center is a great complement to the Getty Villa. The Getty Center is more museum-oriented with an emphasis on beautiful artwork. There are many exhibits encompassing 4-5 buildings and 2 floors. The museum itself is free and parking in the garage is $20. You can reserve tickets ahead of time online. After parking in the garage, there is a short 2-3-minute tram that takes passengers to the top of the hill where the museum is located. The entire process is a well-oiled machine. The museum opens at 10am, which is when we arrived. This late in the school year, there were many field trips from elementary school to high school. There is a cafeteria with a diverse range of food options (American, Mexican, Vietnamese, etc) as well as a restaurant on premise. The gardens are beautiful and peaceful. The facilities are clean and well-laid out. We spent 4.5 hours here and easily could have spent more time with all of the exhibits!

The Getty is a very nice museum to visit, there is no admission charge however reservations are required. There is a parking fee of $25.00 per car. The art changes from time to time and there is a nice variety of art to enjoy, Plan on spending 2-3 hours in the galleries and gardens, umbrellas are provided for when you are outdoors but are not permitted in the galleries. If you have a backpack, you will be asked to put it in front of you or off to the side so that you do not accidentally bump into any of the art.
Rating for the museum 5 Stars

They also have a higher end restaurant on site which on our visit was a complete miss, Brunch for 2 $110+Tip, staff was inattentive, and the food was overcooked.
Rating for the restaurant 3 Stars

Thank goodness a U.K. friend suggested the Getty Museums as an escape from trashy Hollywood, our reluctant stopover en route to and from French Polynesia. The art is incredible, our tour guide was super friendly and the gardens and architecture spectacular. Jaw dropping views of the terrifying sprawl of LA with ocean and mountain a
Surroundings. And it’s free!!’n

The Getty Center is renowned for its permanent collections, exhibitions, outdoor gardens and sculptures, and stunning views from the terraces. The architecture of the building is remarkable, and I love the meticulously maintained gardens filled with cacti and unique plants that you won’t find in everyday settings. Visiting The Getty is a breeze; all you need to do is reserve your spot online, and it’s completely free. The short gondola ride from the ground to the top of the hill offers a breathtaking perspective of the surroundings. During my last visit, special exhibitions like “Gustave Caillebotte: Painting Men “ showcased the impressive works of this French Impressionist, who focused intently on men in various contexts—from fellow bachelors to soldiers. I highly recommend The Getty to anyone passionate about art while in Los Angeles.

This is a spectacular attraction, as much for the jaw dropping architecture, views and gardens as the art collection itself. One thing I appreciated is how there is a clear ‘pathway’ through the exhibits which are well ordered and structured across multiple buildings and floors. Make sure you leave enough time to wander round the enchanting garden area. The cafe also has a good range of lunch options that are not expensive by LA standards.

As others have said, security at the entrance/ tram was very rude. It makes me wonder if the complaints are about the same employee.

Navigating the entrance is a bit confusing, but it certainly doesn’t warrant condescension and yelling.

Getty Center: Invest in better signage. Rope off areas if they aren’t open to public before check-in.

Doors were unlocked but we also got scolded for opening the door at 9:59 am. People were coming in and out. I seriously felt like I was being punked.

By the third time I was scolded (a docent told me to put my umbrella away…which, by the way, security told me to hang from my bag. I had read online that umbrellas needed to be checked, but I just listened to them because they were kind of mean), I was ready to leave. There is a coat-check, which is free, by the way.

Someone needs to rethink entrance management. Supervisors need to fire the authoritarian jerk in security and give more support to the other docents who are trying their best.

Definitely a must-see on any Los Angeles vacation. It is free to the public and there is so much to see; and kids and adult of all ages can enjoy together.

It is a spectacular museum, an amazing garden, all with a great view of the city. It is important to make a Reservation online, which although free of charge is essential to organize the entrance.

This is a must see! The Getty Center is beautiful and was one of my favorite things we did in Los Angeles. Plan to spend a few hours here so you can take in the scenery and see all of the galleries.

such a great place to visit. Its perfect even if you do not come here for the art. You can just relax in the gardens, and if the weather is nice, the views are stellar

A must-do in Los Angeles ! The collections are so rich , I spent only half a day and visited the rooms from Middle-ages to Renaissance . Was super happy to find so much in the European collections (paintings and sculptures) and loved the French furniture with the entire room reconstitutions of drawing rooms and studies . A real throw-back in time ! The grounds are also very beautiful but be aware that to really enjoy your visit you must accept you cannot see all of it in one visit. There is simply way too much, so be selective based on your interests, and come back another day for more . Indoor pictures are OK , but only without the flash . Can't believe the Getty is free , I mean how many things are free in Los Angeles ? ! The cloak room is also free of charge , so it's super convenient . The staff is super kind and will do anything they can to help and advice you . Also, download the app, listen to the audio guide it's really a plus, as you will leave the place a smarter person :D ! Finally, enjoy a stop at the cafe for a small snack , it's worth it and you'll need a break after so much culture and history.

The Getty Center is a great place to walk and relax. Very beautiful museum, many interesting paintings and sculptures. The buildings and garden are also made with soul, all clean, well maintained and modern. I particularly liked the view of Los Angeles, you can stand for a long time and just watch. Admission is free, only parking fees must be paid. There's a cafe where you can eat. The staff are friendly.

Yes, it's a dazzling place. The art is somewhat second to the architecture and views you get from this stunning location. Want to visit completely for free (well, metro costs about $3 roundtrip, even less if you have a 7-day pass)? Use google maps and it will get you there by public transport. (I went from downtown LA on the purple line to N. Hollywood, then orange line (express bus with dedicated lanes), then another bus (761, which stops just outside the gate going both north and south). Transfer times were minimal. Once there, you walk a couple of minutes to the parking structure and catch the free tram up to the museum itself. It takes nearly 2 hours of travel time. If this is your only outing for the day, it's perfect.

I went just to see Van Gogh's Irises painting. There is other art there. You park in the garage, take the train up and back. There wasn't a long que, so great, although we went early. It's a bit of a process but worth the visit.

From a European point of view the museum is quite small but the buildings and gardens are absolutely fabulous and definitely worth the trip. There are also terrific views across the city.

This place is amazing. I spent a whole day there in early August 2024. Getting there by public transportation was not extremely easy, but it was absolutely worth it.
The structure is architecturally stunning and imposing, modern, shiny, well organised, full of all kinds of facilities, including a tram that takes you right to the entrance of the center. It offers lots and lots of art: top-notch paintings, photographs, furniture, sculpture. Its terraces, gardens, surrounding nature and views are truly spectacular, so much so that even if you do not go there to admire the (fantastic) art collection on display, you can still spend a relaxing, fun day there. I noticed that even the people who work at the Center seemed to be particularly approachable.
While I was there, I remember thinking, especially because visiting such a great place was free, that the very least I could do was posting my personal, honest, enthusiastic review of it on the Internet, so here goes.
It's amazing to think that such a place comes from one person's ambition, devotion and mere love of art and beauty. In actual fact,
the next time I'm in LA, I'll make sure I get to visit the Getty Villa as well.

The dirty little secret of the Getty is that their "world class" art collection is really not all that great. Getty was a notorious cheapskate and his collection shows it, mostly consisting of third-rate bargain-basement work from first- or second-rate artists. The Goya looks like Goya must have painted it when he was sick. The Met and the National Gallery blow it out of the water, as do the Frick, the MFA in Boston, the Philly Art Museum, the Walters in Baltimore, and the Yale museums. Of course, throw Chicago in there too. Come for the architecture if you like but the art is pretty drab stuff.

Magical Hill above the Pacific Ocean provides you with unparalleled visual satisfaction both in architecture/ landscapes and its exhibits

Visiting The Getty Center was fantastic. The stunning architecture, captivating art, and beautiful gardens made for an unforgettable experience. We enjoyed a delicious meal with panoramic views. Highly recommended for couples seeking a romantic day out in Los Angeles.

The Getty is THE top ranked attraction out of about 1000 attractions in the LA area, and that ranking is well deserved. The Getty delivers amazing treats to your artistic senses from the time you arrive. Even the ticketing/shuttle boarding area is adorned in wonderful, one of a kind outdoor art. The shuttle trip from the arrival area to the elevated main museum area is a treat in itself, offering sweeping views of the surrounding beautiful countryside. Be aware that The Getty is a huge complex, offering multiple floors of various art genres and eras in several different buildings. It is virtually impossible to see all there is to offer in less than a couple of days, so plan ahead depending on your interests and your available time to visit. They have an excellent cafe and restaurant. Our lunch in the restaurant was incredible! NOTE: Time stamped tickets are required, available on their website. Take advantage of the several free tours offered by The Getty staff.

The museum itself is just ok, but the logistics and line were so bad that it was a bad experience. In terms of the art, you see a Van Gogh (after waiting in line to crowd around it), typical medieval and French revolutionary arts. The gardens were nice but not stunning. The logistic were horrific. It took one hour between getting in the first car line and actually arriving in the museum. Line to turn into parking lot. Line to park. Line to security. Line to tram. Child hated every minute, and the adults too.

Super location - an absolute must have seen!!!!
Great views, great facility, just waiting for bag control was a bit annoying. Walk up u back is easy to do!

Car parking is relatively expensive (I was driving solo) but the entry is free so that more than makes up for it. Large secure underground car parking. Easy to miss the turn off on the freeway so pay attention and be near the lane to turn off (and not the fast lane). Cafe was also really good. I was slightly disappoint in the art, but look, that’s just personal taste.

best museum we have been to ; art, docents have much knowledge , 5 bldgs
lunch - all natural and farm fresh - ,many venues ; we took 4 hrs and needed more

Our daughter brought us here for the views and experience of the beautiful gardens. The museum, dedicated to art, was also interesting. We were unaware that you need to make a reservation, and this makes parking and negotiating the crowds easier. Admission is free, but parking is $25. There is a tram that takes you to the center, where the views are excellent. We ended up spending two hours there, and probably didn’t see half of the exhibits.

The Getty centre is a full day out in the most beautiful surroundings with stunning collections of neo classical furniture, paintings including a stunning collection of Impressionism. The gardens are a joy to walk in and so imaginatively presented. It is a must-see centre & any visit to LA is hollow without spending time there. It’s a full day out for the parking fee of $20. However, be warned that refreshments are extremely expensive with a child’s sandwich meal at $20 and a chicken wrap at $27. Museum shop is equally expensive. Take a lunch and have a great day out.

The art, the gardens, the sculptures, the setting. What an incredible place. We made the mistake of booking here on the day when our flight left at 5:30 so had to rush through towards the end sadly but I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area. Completely stunning.

Really impressed with the size and quality of things offered here for both nature and art lovers. The service is also great. When we arrived there, the monorail was down temporarily so they offered shuttle bus service, but a few hours later the monorail was back in service so we got to try both types of transportation. Also watched a beautiful sunset, which pushed the rating to the top.

My friends and I had an unforgettable experience at the Getty! Exploring the diverse art pieces and learning about various painting styles made the visit truly captivating. Whether you're strolling through pavilions or admiring the gardens, the experience offers something for everyone. The duration of the visit can vary, ranging from a leisurely hour to an immersive three-hour journey, depending on your pace. Don't miss out on the scenic views perfect for photo opportunities! The convenient train ride from the parking area to the hilltop where the Getty is situated adds to the charm. While parking fees start at $25, arriving later in the afternoon can save you money, with rates dropping as low as $10. Remember to book your tickets in advance through the main website for a hassle-free and enriching experience!

The Getty Center is a world-class museum with an amazing collection. The only reason I can't give it 5 stars is because of the parking. Count on at least 30 minutes to park, get through security, wait for a tram and riding the tram up to the Center.

I had downloaded the Getty app which had a 1:15 minute Highlight Tour that took us through the complex to see the top 25 or so pieces. This was very helpful! It was a bit confusing to navigate all the buildings at first, but we soon got the hang of it. My favorites were the Rembrandts, Monets, the El Greco and the Van Gogh.

We toured the garden after we finished the museum. The garden and the surrounding buildings are all art in themselves. We spent about 2 hours enjoying the Getty. When it was time to go, the line for the tram was 30 minutes long! So we just walked 15 minutes down to the parking garage. Then spent another 10 minutes to get out.

We spent more than 3 hours physically there. Of those 3 hours, more than an hour was waiting, parking, security, walking back to the garage. So just be prepared to be there before your timed ticket.

A wonder hidden in the hills. A surprise in every corner of the sumptuous garden. Amazing that Paul Getty could be the originator of such a marvel.

As is usually the case, when you live in a area, you seldom take advantage of what is around you. This was the case with us. We had driven by the Getty Center countless times in 21 years. It was only after we moved out of state and returned to visit family that we took the opportunity to visit this wonderful place. It must be see to enjoy the beauty it offers.

Stunning. Absolutely stunning. The art is mostly from the 15th and 16th Century - not my thing, but impressive. The grounds presented in stark white, overlooking the city. The highlight were the gardens. If you don's do anything else in LA on a visit, DO THIS.

I first visited the Getty Center soon after it opened in 1997 and it is just as impressive nearly three decades later. The buildings alone are worthy of a visit and the incredible art and welcoming staff make it even more special. We grabbed a quick snack in the cafe and were impressed with the selections, freshness, and generous portions. It’s a must-see if you’re visiting Southern California.

We toured the Getty Center during our recent trip to LA.

We hadn't planned on visiting the Center but the server at the restaurant where we ate at recommended we visit it and we are glad we did. The exhibits are interesting plus the Center provides a panoramic view of the city. The Center is truly a "must see" while you are in LA.

This was a remarkable museum filled with art, scuplture, and manuscripts. While the tickets are free, it costs $20 to park. That wouldn't be bad for a party of 4 but I was traveling solo. It was still worth the price. Each building has 2 floors and galleries are a little confusing. I would do each building, one at a time starting on the first floor and then going to the second. The galleries are numbered on the entry so just go in order. The grounds are beautiful, as well.

Perched perfectly on a hillside overlooking LA, the Getty Center feels like stepping back into Ancient Greece or Rome. Open and airy, the views from all sides are beautiful. Collections are smaller than Europe’s notable museums but very worthwhile of a day’s visit. Highlighting the tranquility are the beautiful water installations and sunken garden.

I was in awe the whole time. I probably spent more time outside than inside the galleries. I took 3 tours ... architecture, gallery (in depth on a few pieces of art), and the Medieval Manuscripts. All fascinating with knowledgeable volunteer docents. The Getty Center is free ... but there's a charge to park. I spent about 4 hours there. Barely scratched the surface. I brought my lunch and there were lots of places to picnic. There's tram from the check in to the galleries ... you can walk but it's probably more fun to take the tram.

Impressive in every way. From the parking garage to the team, and from the exhibits to the staff and docents The Getty is a fantastic center for art, education and appreciation.

Easy to navigate, beautiful setting, so much to see! The gardens are beautiful, don’t skip the garden walk. The works of art are well curated, additional info via audio is available for many of the works. I plan to return on another trip.

We are not really an art museum family but this place is incredible. From the architecture to the gardens to the art. Some pieces by very well known artists and rotating exhibits.

Great, free afternoon activity. We aren't big art fans but enjoyed seeing recognizable pieces and exploring the special exhibit (Flesh & Bones).

The Getty Museum is located just north of Hollywood and the views are spectacular. The museum is exceptional with art, sculpture, and photography exhibits. There is ample room to roam so visitors do not feel cramped. The eateries are well laid out and one can grab a quick bite or lounge at the Getty Restaurant. The garden area is my favorite. A wonderful place to roam when kids need a bit of outdoor time. The Getty scores high for a family outing. I would recommend visitors place it on your “ must visit” list when in Los Angeles. The Getty also is very accessible for those who use a wheelchair.

My family and I have visited the Getty many times over the years and have always had a great experience. We traveled to LA for my 16 year old’s birthday and visiting the Getty was the #1 requested activity. Our visit didn’t disappoint. The art, architecture, and landscaping always bring us joy.

In combination with the Getty Villa, this was the highlight of our LA visit. (Take the time to visit both IF Greek and Roman art are of interest -- and be sure to get your ticket stamped so you only have to pay once to park!) Amazing architecture and grounds -- if you're like us, you'll spend as much time outside as in. Copious thanks to the Getty for providing solar umbrellas! We didn't make it to everything we wanted to see, but the visit was well worth it. We ate at the grab-and-go cafe on the terrace as the cafe on the lower level (finer dining option) had a wait.

I was in LA for a long layover, and didn't want to spend too much money on any activities, so based on some travel blogs, decided to visit the Getty Center. I arrived via rideshare, and quickly realized that from the drop-off point, that you need to take a tram to get to the main entrance. I'm glad one of the staff told me this, otherwise it would've been an unexpected 20 min walk to get there.

Once I got off the tram, and approached the main building, I was immediately entranced by the place. Personally, I'm not much of an art lover, but I appreciate it, and walking through the Getty Center, there's a few pieces that I was really drawn too, which surprised even me. I've been to some of the largest museums in Europe, and after walking around for 4 hours, I start to get tired. But the collection here is just the right size to enjoy in a 2 hour visit.

On top of seeing the art, simply walking around the courtyard and various gardens is really peaceful. A great way to spend a sunny day with colleagues, friends and family. And on top of that, it was all free! Can't be beat. I would definitely come back.

What a beautiful museum up on a hill surrounded by hundreds of acres of trees and a beautiful landscaped garden! We enjoyed walking the grounds for over an hour before we even went into the free museum! We took an architectural tour to learn about the design and construction. The museum consists of many buildings with fountains and water features, outdoor sculptures and sitting areas, cafes etc…. I could spend many days here. As it was we had made a lunch reservation at their fine dining restaurant which was excellent in every regard, and we only saw one building and the one special event exhibit. We were there 5 hours and couldn’t see much! It’s a lot! Next time I’d like to tour their gardens and see more exhibits.

Such a pretty museum. The grounds and buildings are stunning and inside the collections are amazing. We spent about 5-6 hours here. Stunning works of art and antiques. The views are also out if this world. The cafe in the grounds does very nice sandwiches and brownies, and it’s relaxing to sit by the fountains and eat. Definitely recommend and can see why it’s the top-rated attraction in LA.

The site is very impressive and the views are lovely. However, the art collection is a bit underwhelming (other than the room with the Van Gogh), the garden is small compared to the overall size of the site, and some of the staff appear to have anger management issues. I politely asked a traffic guard a question about where to wait for an Uber and he responded aggressively, chastising me. I politely asked the woman who staffs the museum store adjacent to the William Blake exhibit a question and she glowered at me as I approached her and was quite nasty. These encounters surprised me and my husband… we have had nothing but lovely interactions with locals during our week in LA until visiting the Getty.

If you go to L.A., you have to visit the Getty Center! Everything is well organized, wonderful modern architecture, beautiful view of L.A. and great art! So much to see that you could stay a whole day!
The only downside: the employees are very friendly, but maybe they should be taught and trained so that they know a little bit. It's not just the art and architecture that are important, the employees are important too!

Sure to visit
Very interesting architecture
Gardens superb
Take d walking tour as done by d museum
Galleries r interesting

Reminded us of a smaller but more opulent version of the Met near NYC central park. Collection more diverse than the Barnes collection in Philadelphia

I've lived in LA for a little over 6 years now and my parents visit me a couple times a year. I've been running out of things to do with them so I decided to book tickets here on their most recent trip, even though I had never been myself.

The venue is just gorgeous and the exhibits are so diverse. My parents haven't been to many art museums in general so they were very excited that they got to see pieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and Rembrandt for the first time.

Also, the furniture and art collections from Versailles were amazing. My parents were so thrilled to be in the same room as pieces that held the same space as historical figures such as Louis XIV, Marie Antionette, and Louis XVI.

We got to see way more than any of us expected and spent the whole day here. They couldn't get over the fact it was FREE!

Wonderful gardens, reasonably priced cafes, great selection of art pieces to see in a lovely environment. The shuttle up from the car park is also very frequent and has nice music for the journey,

However, I could not give 5 stars because the current exhibition is ridiculous. It looks like a 2 year old has randomly scribbled letters on a piece of paper. We were quite shocked. Also, the parking was quite cramped.

Beautiful gardens. Fantastic location and views. Place is impeccably clean and organized. Too much to ever see in one day. Going in the morning is best as the lineup to get through security was short. I do wonder about the Van Gogh being the original as the area was not roped off and a kid almost touched the painting had an adult not told him not to.

Things to do in LA. Haven of tranquility and art this museum offers a beautiful Los Angeles. Collections are well presented and the gardens are beautiful! The self-service cafeteria is of high quality.

Outstanding location and exhibition, fantastic views over LA. Given the space and many buildings you don't feel the crowd even on a busy day. Access and exit from Parking a bit slow.

After 25 years as an Angelino, I finally visited The Getty Center. We had perfect weather, which made the visit that much better, however it can get warm in the sun, so we wisely visited the gardens first.

There is a downloadable app that is especially helpful for the gardens and many of the art pieces, both painting and sculptures. While we spent less than three hours, one could easily stay all day. I will be back as I didn't see two of the buildings where the art and artifacts were from a time period that was of lesser interest to me. I went with my adult son who was visiting from out-of-town.

The Getty has many areas that provide wonderful views of our city, so make the most of them! There is a range of food options, but they should have more locations that sell just water. I tried to buy water in the cafe but didn't want to wait in line so went to the courtyard where one person was deciding what they wanted to buy. When I asked for a water I was told to "wait until after the people ahead" had decided. That really turned me off and I went to a fountain...which, along with the bathrooms, are clean and pristine.

Parking was easy but I was a bit surprised that it cost $20! Since the tickets did not cost, I knew the price was fair, but it should be mentioned in multiple places when you order your tickets, perhaps in all caps.

This review is not of the very beautiful buildings and grounds of the Getty, but rather of the terrible organization the museum has in terms of greeting visitors - a fact that becomes more obvious with the huge crowds the museum gets in the summer.

Several aspects are atrociously organized, especially the parking garage (the reader that tells you how many spaces are available is unreliable) and, most especially, the long line at the security screening.

We apparently missed a tiny, unreadable sign indicating where to turn for the security line and were SCREAMED at by an employee with apparent anger management issues, slamming the sign up and down. It completely ruined our experience. (I really should have turned around and immediately left, but my companion did not want to go.)

If someone makes a mistake, you can rectify it in two ways - you can say hey, you need to come over this way instead, in a neutral and informative way. OR you can become an angry ball of rage, as this dude was.

Everyone was unhelpful and unpleasant, from the tram staff to the docents. Every single person gave off porcupine vibes of Don't Bother Me the whole time. I get that it's summer and the place is incredibly busy, but man, it was PAINFUL to deal with as a visitor.

Museum management: you or your security vendor need to print up MUCH larger signs to guide people through the long maze at security. I will never ever return, but maybe others can find that information more helpful than the mass of chaos that you're delivering now.

Much of our trip to LA was taking friends to places I had been before and loved. However, there was place I missed last time and made sure to schedule for this trip, the Getty Center. In making plans to visit, be sure to obtain passes for a time before you come. The passes are free but without them you visit is not assured.

As for the visit, it is an impressive art museum, but its buildings and location may be the most impressive thing about it. It has everything from Renaissance to Modern, but what is more impressive is the way it is presented. There are 5 separate buildings with both 1st and 2nd floor galleries. However, you can go between buildings on the second floor with great balcony views of Los Angeles from the mountains, downtown and all the way to the beach. With that said, there is great art from nearly every age. While a lot of it is paintings, they also have sculptures and furniture.

There are some great pieces but some of the leading artist in any age, Van Gogh, Monet and Manet, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens and Turner. However, on just art quantity and quality, there are better museums in Europe definitely and even the US. What those museums don't have is the incredible buildings and setting that the Getty has. I think Griffith Park has the best views of Los Angeles; however, the Getty almost matches those.

Finally, you have to mention the monorail that takes you from the parking deck to the museum. It is an attraction of its own and is an amazing way to provide for parking and still keep the incredible views of the facility. It is all uphill going to the museum so you can walk back if crowded on the return.

When you combine the art, innovation and setting, it is a truly amazing attraction for LA and something you can't miss when you go to LA.

The most amazing part is that is free, just Make reservations. An amazing collection in a cool building. Do not forget to visit the garden area

Unbelievable Collections and an incredible wealth, a site of crazy beauty, great views, and all for free.

One of my favorite museums in the world 🌎! Van Gogh, Rubens, Rembrandt, Goya, Monet, Manet, Gauguin, Cezanne, Bronzino, all of these famous painters in such a well structured arrangement and the entrance is free. Parking costs 20$.

The Getty Museum is an absolute must do when in L.A.
Free entry to see the world’s largest private collection of art.
Something for everyone here, plan on spending a good 4 hours viewing the art and magnificent gardens.

Fantastic! Amazing collection of art, beautiful gardens and grounds, interesting buildings throughout the complex. Oh! And free admission! Add this to your L.A. list. We loved our visit.

With the rain, this is a great place to be inside until you realize that everyone thought that. It was really crowded. The art is extensive but we didn't see anything that was the thing to see. My favorite was the Louis XIV painting that everyone sees on the internet. Great collection.

Spacious art galleries and peaceful surrounds. Definitely one of my favourite LA spots visited. It is a quite a ride away but worth it.

If only John Getty did not have that reputation.
A perfect fit between the architecture, choice of the art collection and the position in the city.
Can't think of any age category wouldn't enjoy the place.

John probably hoped he wouldn't go to hell if he builds such a heaven.

The Getty Center,a crown jewel of world class  art museums located in Los Angeles California and a popular destination for millions of annual visitors ,offers a world class art collection and center for art research study and education.
Along with its renowned art collections housed and curated at The Getty Center, it also features a myriad of beautiful gardens and architecture that is  stunning as well!
Over the years it has been,for this photographer and millions of others,a wonderful place to visit and explore.The Getty is a photographers delite and on a recent visit I went old school with my Leica camera and photographed The Center with a very unique type of film- Agfa Scala,which is a monochrome tranparency film that produces a rich spectrum of black,white and silvery gray tones-think of the legendary Kodachrome 25 slide film but in black and white!
If the opportunity arises for you The Getty Center is a must see and experience !They have a super cool tram that takes you from the parking center along a scenic hillside overlooking Los Angeles and it is free to visit for the public 7 days a week-great places to snack and eat too! Spend a full day and evening
and don't forget your camera-digital or film!
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#thegettycenter #agfa #agfascala #blackandwhite #scala #seetheusa #art #museums #losangeles #photography #mustsee #ilovethegetty #slidefilm #kodachrome #californiadreaming #jpaulgetty #ilovephotography #architecture #artcollections
#leicaphotography #canonphotography #nikonphotography #oldschool #filmcamera

After many LA trips, I finally visited the Getty Center today. It's a lovely spot with beautiful views, amazing art, and gorgeous gardens. We went without a reservation and still got in. Parking (including the tram) was $25, but the museum and grounds are free.

Fantastic, sublime place. I've been for evening concerts and daylong fun with friends, and it can't be beat for serenity, awe, and magic. The whole experience is like walking through a work of art itself.

Incredible - don’t miss. The architecture and landscaping design is top notch, with multiple gardens and buildings. Inside , a variety of art and free audio guides , free frequent tram to the parking area below, gorgeous views over LA.

Its a nice visit but the museum is architecturally made so difficult that its not the easiest to navigate. Art and items are very different and the museum does not have a story telling outlay. Free visit for museum parking is paid $25 for entry and tip for future visitors, after 3pm parking is only $15. View over LA is very nice, although we where there on a cloudy day.

Gorgeous. Fun. Excellent experience. Very crowded. $25 to park but museum is free. You have to take a little tram to the museum from the parking lot. But that was fine and fun. We chose to walk down on the way back which was nice.

My wife had to visit this place for school, so we decided to go as a family. While the area and the building itself are undeniably beautiful, I would not recommend it for families with young children. The level of security is intense, with guards stationed in every room. If you get too close to any exhibit, they immediately ask you to step back.

For instance, when our baby needed water, we were told to leave the area to handle it and dispose of the drink. It felt like every room brought a new warning for my family. Eventually, I gave up and waited in the car so my wife could finish her project without the added stress of dealing with our kids in such a strict environment.

I noticed other families with small children struggling too. One woman tried to take a photo of her mom and daughter but was told to move along because her stroller was "blocking the area."

While the place is stunning and worth visiting for adults, it's not child-friendly at all. Families with little ones should think twice before going.

Wow--The Getty Center is one of my favorite tourist destinations. We live in the Midwest, and we do not frequent art museums. So, our plan was to visit, enjoy the gardens, eat lunch and call it a day. Beginning with stepping out of the Uber to stepping back in nearly 5 hours later, we felt pampered. We borrowed their wheelchair for my mobility-impaired spouse; they expedited security; and they showed us to the tram. Inside, we asked a question of the first badged person we saw, and she directed us to the gardens. Magnificent: water, formal maze-planted shrubbery and, of course, gorgeous flowers. Back into the museum, we soon found the Cafe (cafeteria style), which featured several (Vietnamese, Grille, Mexican, American, Pizza, Burger) stations with add-ons from coolers on the perimeter. Everything was clearly labeled--important to me as a vegan. From our lovely lunch spot by the window, we could see a view rising behind the bougainvillea that ringed the cafe. Then, we wandered into and out of the galleries, sometimes finding ourselves on beautiful decks (more scenic LA views). We were "lost" a number of times, and every employee we asked for directions from was courteous and respectful; on one occasion, an employee approached us and offered assistance. The art was astounding--Rembrandt, Monet, Manet, Pissarro, etc.--and included sculpture and antique furniture. We found our way back to the tram and the Uber lot, and an employee advised us that we could leave the wheelchair there, "But, order your Uber here; it's sort of a dead zone at the bottom of the ramp." Excellent day. We will return.

The Getty Center is a treasure. Sitting on top of a mountain, the stunning placement of sandstone buildings graces the hilltop and affords stunning 360° views of greater LA.

Van Gogh's "Iris" was on display during our trip, as was an excellent collection of Imogene Cunningham's work.

Any trip to Los Angeles should include The Getty Center. Tickets are free, but the parking is $20 :)

Absolutely astounding setting and architecture.
The actual art collection is fine, sort of bourgeois classic art stuff.

Well, this is one of nicest places I have visited within LA. The range of classical paintings is great, the grounds are well maintained, the tours are organized, the store is like one of the best art book stores I have been too. The building and views are amazing. It's has one of the most pleasant gardens, I've walked around. Plus, admission is free

My only thing was parking (I ended up paying $20 for parking at Villa AND Center, when site says you pay for one. I wasn't able to use Military discount for parking either. The Getty site has tickets for both, but they are 2 different locations. The center/museum has parking, which leads to a bag check then tram to museum. So this can add significant time between parking and getting to museum. It's also not obvious the difference between villa and museum until you visit, but the site sort of makes it seem like one place.

Had a great time. Everything so well organized and efficient. Spent most of our time looking at paintings from the Dutch Masters which is my favorite. Sculptures on first floor also very impressive. We relaxed it their beautiful gardens afterwards. Perfectly air conditioned inside which was very hard to find in LA locations during the heat wave. Felt like the Hunger Games trying to get an indoor seating at most restaurants.

We happily spent the better part of the day working our way through the two special exhibits at The Getty today: first, an exhibit about travel in the Middle Ages, which featured loads of medieval objects and paintings that travelers would have encountered aa d/or might be described or illustrated in; second, and exhibits called "Queer Lens," which looked at homosexuals and sensuality as seen in photography in the 19th and 20th centuries. We loved the Middle Ages exhibits, but the curation and surprises in the Queer Lens made fore a FAR more satisfying time. Plus, we had a fine lunch at the main café and got to soak up the atmosphere walking around the plazas outdoors surrounded by the hills of Los Angeles. A GREAT day!

Booked tix for Sunday at 11AM and arrived around 10:30 in the garage. Took the tram over after waiting in a shaded "snake" line, they never even checked to see if we had reservations. Took an 11AM Architecture tour to familiarize ourselves with the facility, then a 12:15 tour of The Collection, where we learned much more about a few fascinating pieces.

Took us about 3.5 hours to see all the areas we were most interested in and to have a quick, albeit overpriced, lunch.

Parking is $25, the cafes aren't cheap, but it was a great day, other than the traffic on the 405 heading back south

This was a very nice experience. Great view, beautiful art!
Buildings and grounds were expectacular.

very nicely maintained and designed for leisure and knowledge. have lots of exhibition free fr yr enjoyment. I will definitely want to come back again.

Overwhelming experience - an incredible place with the art, architecture, gardens and plants.
It is well organised, when you arrive you take the tram which brings you to the main installations, including cafés. So much to see in a fancy atmosphere, bring enough time with you.

Already the sister museum Getty Villa, the Center is one of the cultural highlights of Los Angeles! This one is also free of charge! Only parking fees (approximately 20 USD ) are charged! The Getty Center is not within walking distance. You go up by train instead! The location is fantastic and offers great views of the monster city! The museum impresses with its architecture and the exhibits are also very worth seeing! Here you can linger and you should bring a little time! Very worth seeing!

As noted, I've been here before (3-4 times over the years). Perhaps having broadened my art experience, this time I felt the painting collection was a little thin in areas I care about. For a major collection anyway. You can find more major works in other collections (here there is essentially one room given to the - in my view - peak period of representational art, 1875-1925). Nothing contemporary at all - that's not the brief here. On the other hand the Getty excels at decorative arts and furniture. If you appreciate this, and I do, it compensates for whatever may be missing in fine art. They've scrapped the audio tour in favor of a QR code. Not a fan of using those, and there's so much here you'd probably get overwhelmed with it anyway. Too late, I noticed there are charging stations at the museum - I took the tram down the hill to go charge in my car (time waster - bring a cord). The special exhibit was annoyingly crowded / so much so I gave up and came back later in the day - better but still pretty dense. If you do stay late there will be a tram line - but not bad. Oh - apparently they would also like you to reserve a (free) ticket in advance. Did not know that, had not done it and admission was fine. Finally, the layout is still at times confusing for me - I always end up backtracking a bit.

The museum is beautiful with gorgeous views of Los Angeles so best to go on a clear day. The only reason this isn't a 5 star review is because of the terrible parking experience. The attendants are extremely rude and unprofessional and honestly spoilt what would otherwise have been a perfect afternoon.

There are museums in the world that are very pretty and architecturally nice and have good exhibits and a nice collection of art.

The Getty Center is in a league of its own.

There is no comparing. I’ve been to many museums around the world and not one gave me the feeling I felt when just being on the grounds and experiencing this buildings, garden and sheer tranquility that the Getty Center exudes.

Make sure you make a reservation for a time a lot. Don’t bother getting there before as you will be advised to come back. I opted for 10 am right when they opened and it was perfect. It’s free admission and $20 parking which I think is more than acceptable. Park and then take elevator to the tram that takes you to the center. Then be amazed.

I got to see my favorites, Monet, Cezanne and Van Gogh. For some reason I thought they had a Dali but oh well. Was not disappointed but the rest.

The garden is full of multifaceted horticulture and plants.

By far, in my opinion, the best way to spend a couple of hours while in LA!

I am not a huge fan of art of museums but this place was worth it even just for the views of LA and the rose gardens. A crazy amount of artwork and antiques to browse. Free entry just need to pay for parking which iis 20 or 15 after 3 pm. So for a group this is a cheap outing.

We were in LA and decided to visit the Getty Center. The Getty Center was a surprising and wonderful experience. It is more than just a museum. They have activities for the whole family. They had art activities for children and a dance troupe for everyone to enjoy. They offer free guided tours which are not to be missed. The Center has a lot of free space and spectacular views of LA.

An atypical and gigantic museum. Lots of visitors, you could almost get lost there. It is worth the detour, just to stroll through the gardens.

What a museum!
The jewel of Los Angeles!
Admission is free, but it is advisable to reserve online in advance. You only pay for parking and you access it with a very cool little electric train.
To fully enjoy it you have to plan to have all day, bring a blanket and have a picnic.
Due to its location, the views are incredible.
Its architecture is impressive, modern, with simple and beautiful lines.
The gardens are to highlight. The fountains, the pond, the flowers, the plants, the cactus. They are incredible, pleasant.
The union of architecture with the environment is, in itself, a work of art.
The permanent and temporary exhibitions are unique. The rooms are divided by era and each work on display is on par with major museums in Europe. Paintings, sculptures, objects.
The coffee is delicious and economically accessible.
I loved the stores.
Very friendly staff.
If I had to choose just one place in Los Angeles it would be the Getty!

Nice place with friendly staff. The views are amazing and my kids liked the train ride up. It is huge give your self lots of time to see exerting.

Disappointed not to see the Villa. The center is stunning architecturally. And the setting and views are lovely.

Try to take all three docent tours: collection; garden; architecture. We did only one. It was helpful.

The tram up runs regularly.

The staff seems geared up for Disney size crowds.

Even with the map, the layout was confusing.

The collection is interesting, but not up to NY museums.

We ate lunch from a kiosk outdoors. It was somewhat pricy unless you got the pbj which was $3.25. Sandwiches are huge so perhaps you can split one.

Beautiful outdoor seating areas.

Very pleasant outdoor seating.

This is a fantastic museum. There's lots to see both inside and out. We spent 4 hours here and it's the most relaxed I've been in LA. Definitely worth a visit!

Parking is $20 but can get it validated to use at the Getty Villa, they don’t make it easy to get it validated, you have to go to the parking office. Free entry. Nice restaurants in a magnificent setting. The variety of art and the way it all is displayed is really stunning. $20 but can get it validated to use at the Getty Villa, they don’t make it easy to get it validated, you have to go to the parking office. Free entry. Nice restaurants in a magnificent setting. The variety of art and the way it all is displayed is really stunning.

Simply spectacular. A must see. One of my favourite museums, ever!
The architecture of the place is magnificent - sculptures pepper the walkways and corners, the gardens are tranquil and so well kept.
You get to the centre via a tram, there is a cafe and restaurant, and just so much to see. The collection is ecclectic - from modern art, to rooms that look like French chateaus, truly remarkable.

Very nice place to check out ... The grounds are beautiful and the exhibits are breath taking and being able to get pretty up and close added to the wow factor. A must see if you are able !

What an amazing museum and gardens. Enjoyed our time with our 2 year old granddaughter. It’s a great place to explore and never seems crowded. Highly recommend while visiting Los Angeles.

I think I was pretty lucky - the day I visited this castle in the sky was beautiful and the azaleas in the garden were full in bloom! Having said that, this is one place you cannot miss if you have one sunny day in Los Angles for yourself and also love art and culture. The architecture is extremely well thought and planned, the construction is remarkable, the garden is remarkable and the view is definitely splendid!

The garden is extremely inspiring and the words asst the end of slope garden section sounds to me like precious Zen wisdom. As it says, the garden is “ever present never twice the same. ever changing never less than whole” and I ended up coming back the slope several times!

The collection may not be the best one in the world, however, includes some quite interesting paints and sculptures. They offer architecture tour, garden tour and collection tours, which are quite informative. The website is very well designed and you may want to check it prior to your visits. On the way to get there, you must strictly follow the road sign, otherwise, you can potentially circle round the hill (I did). Apart from that, it is a great experience. Highly recommendable!

A wonderful experience, from the easy access, huge parking and tram ride up to the centre. The Museum is spread over several buildings and is very well laid out. Take your time and enjoy this amazing collection. Book your (free) tickets before you go. There is a café and restaurant as well as spectacular views. A very interesting experience

A must see in L.A. Even if you down want to see any of the exhibitions it is worth going for the views, the architecture of the Center and the feeling of tranquility.

The garden is nice, but not worth visiting just for the exhibit. The collection itself is very poor for an EU citizen. Now I understand why it’s free. It’s a beautiful place to visit on a weekend for a short walk, but nothing more.

Admission is free. Registration is required though. Lots of art to see from paintings to sculptures to photography. You can hike or use tram. Unfortunately did not see the garden because we went in evening.

Undoubtedly one of the most interesting cultural activities in LA (along with Griffith Observatory). Many works of art by many European artists with different pavilions hosting different themes. Admission is free if you exclude the $15 parking fee. Parking that is connected to the Getti Center by a train also free. Well worth a visit.

We came here on a Tuesday when they opened at 10:00 am because it was spring break time and indeed it got crowded as time passed. The admission is free (yippe!) but the parking garage costs $25 (boo!). We spent three hours here admiring the impressive art collection, amazing architecture, and gorgeous grounds.

One of the world's richest men left us with his incredible collection of paintings, furniture, sculptures, and more, and you can see it for free in this unbelievably scenic setting overlooking Greater Los Angeles. It's not that easy to get to (especially if you're not driving) but it's well worth the trip.

This is my first time visiting a museum in LA and I was amazed by its architecture. The Paul J Getty museum is open to the public, you can get further information on the website or on Google. There are many beautiful spots for taking pictures. At certain times you can watch performances presented in theatrical seating.

We had a very great and enjoyable time when visited here.Its so nice landcape and a lot of things to see

The Getty Center at 1200 Getty Center Drive in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles isn't just for art lovers. Sure, there is a collection of hundreds of European and American art from the Middle Ages to the present, pre-20th century European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculptures and decorative arts and 19th, 20th and 21st century American, European and Asian photographs. But it also draws 1.8 million visitors annually because of the backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens, music and theater performances, kid-friendly workshops, picnic lunch and breathtaking views from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean. And it's all for free. Open from 10 to 6:30 on Sunday and Tuesday through Friday and 10 to 9 on Saturday, Getty Center is one of two locations of the J. Paul Getty Museum. The other location is the Getty Villa at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles that focuses on ancient Greek and Roman art. Must see exhibits at Getty Center include Vincent van Gogh's 1889 masterpiece Irises, the 1628 self-portrait Rembrandt Laughing, Italian sculptor Giacomo Manzu's Cardinale Seduto, the 7,000-square-foot Center For Photographs, the 134,000-square-foot Central Garden with more than 500 varieties of plants, the Cactus Garden, the Family Room that features five activity coves and treasure-hunt walls for kids to enjoy, Public Programs featuring talks, family workshops and special film screenings, the free mobile app GettyGuide with audio tours that tell stories about the works of art on view and the Central Garden and Picnic on the Lawn, which offers several dining options for hungry visitors. If you are impressed by van Gogh's Irises, be sure to see two other iconic impressionist paintings in the same gallery, Renoir's La Promenade and Monet's The Portal of Rouen Cathedral in Morning Light.

0/10 would come back again here with friends and family. this was an awesome museum to go to in los angeles

I went to go see a documentary film and had invited a date to see it. We enjoyed the film and then went walking around the property. It was a lovely day. The line for the tram was horrendous so we decided to walk down and we had the most amazing chance to see a dear roaming along the hillside not far from us secluded in the woods.

Overall, 7.8 out of 10. We went for a mid afternoon activity. You have to buy tickets in advance. Then to get there is a bit of a effort. Lots of parking seven different floors in the parking garage. Then you have to take a tram up to the center. The views are really good once you get up there and the architecture is very cool. The exhibit themselves are a bit underwhelming.

It’s a great museum and a beautiful property. There is so much to see so plan a minimum of 3-4 hours. Currently there’s a special exhibit of illuminated manuscripts which are beautiful. There’s a large collection of paintings and decorative arts from France and Italy from the 1500-1900’s, including elaborately furnished paneled rooms. There’s a variety of sculptures inside and out, vintage and contemporary.
The grounds are lovely with views from the ocean to the mountains and nice structure. There isn’t too much in bloom at the moment but spring is around the corner.
Reservations are required although the museum is free, parking in their garage is $20.

Beautifully built center in an amazing setting with a nice collection where you take a monorail from street level up into the hills.

This museum stands out with its impressive combination of architecture, beautifully designed gardens, and stunning views. It was worth visiting here.

This was an incredible museum with wonderful gardens. We had lunch there too, which included a super vegan meal which was great as it wasn't too often places in LA offered vegan food. The only issue was that we had caught a Lyft taxi there and had great difficulty getting a Lyft back to Hollywood where we were staying, because the traffic on the highway was so busy, Lyft drivers kept accepting our request, only to cancel it when they obviously saw the traffic on the highway. We were stranded and the bus kept showing on the internet as delayed. It is a little bit out of town, so no chance of walking, and we were saved by a wonderful woman who was part of the team looking after the parking for The Getty, who kindly organised a yellow cab for us! Thank you to that woman! I do not know how we would have got back without her, and we managed to catch the Dodgers' game in the evening. Your kindness is greatly appreciated! So my advice if you do not have a car, is to ensure you have a yellow cab booked to take you back. The museum had so many wonderful exhibits and the gardens were an absolute delight with great views down to town. Highly recommended.

Really amazing place! An absolute must-visit destination for art lovers. Remember to allow plenty of time. Two hours was far too little. But we enjoyed the whole time! A real experience! Reservation in advance is mandatory. Parking for a fee, but you can also park at the Getty Villa for the same fee same day. Free guided tours available, worth taking advantage of. We went on a short tour and heard some interesting things.

We didn't have specific plans so made our way over to the Getty. It was nice. The price is right. We aren't huge art fans so it was nice to see some art and then enjoyed the gardens. It was hard to access with public transport so you'll need to uber or drive there. It was worth it if you're looking for a quiet activity to do. I wouldn't bring my family here.

The Getty Center is an amazing museum, starting with the native Californians who are your hosts...sweet and laid-back, caring and hospitable, as well as very well acquainted with the museum. Ask them what you want to know because they are as unobtrusive as they are knowledgeable! Give them a raise, they are not volunteers!
Ok, I wasn't foolish enough to know that I could take in this amazing place in one day, However, I was foolish enough to think I could provide myself with a LYFT or UBER ride in and out. The WiFi is practically non existent, as were LYFT rides from 3:30-5:00.
I'm not sure if they were available after 5:00, because this 68 year old gramma was on a bus ride (lovely, buy the way) back to an airport hotel. The 30 minute drive took TWO hours. Lordy, I got back at 7:00. So YES the museum! NO to relying on Lyfts or Ubers. Hopefully this warning inspires you to rent a car for the day you go to Getty Center, and the Getty Villa even! Enjoy!

If you are in LA, The Getty Center is a must do landmark site to see. My only advise if you don't like crowds is to make weekday opening 10:00 a.m. free reservation online. Just note: the only way to get up to the center is by tram and the parking is $20.

I had made 10:00 a.m. reservations on a Saturday. The crowds hadn't started swarming in yet, so it was peaceful, but by the time we left is was packed. There is a lot to see and experience. The tram ride was nice, beautiful views. Once inside the center, get a map and start exploring. My friend and I went through every building with rooms and we toured the outside grounds. It took us about 3 hours.

It is definitely worth seeing!

When Los Angeles is miserably hot, the Getty is always so pleasant. The gardens are beautiful and having a coffee on the balconies is delightful. The exhibits are always top notch. Easy to fly in to for a day visit. Not really a gift shop person, but they really do a wonderful job of it, bringing in wonderful items that enhance the exhibits. Not really a place for rambunctious children.

An excellent rang of art on display. The museum is free to get into, but you do have to book a time slot to enter. Even then, be prepared for a wait to enter. Take your own food. The prices in the cafe were ridiculously high.

This small local restaurant gave me a pleasant dining experience overall. The interior was simple yet welcoming, with a warm and cozy vibe. The menu offered a wide range of dishes, including some local specialties that I was eager to try.
The food quality was good for the most part. I really enjoyed the grilled pork—it was flavorful and tender. The fresh vegetable dishes also stood out, seasoned lightly but perfectly balanced. Prices were reasonable, making it easy to order several dishes without worrying about overspending.
On the downside, the rice portion was smaller than expected, and the seafood dish we tried didn’t taste as fresh as it could have been. The service was polite but a little slow. It took nearly 25 minutes for our main courses to arrive, which felt longer than necessary given the number of customers.
Overall, I would say this restaurant is worth visiting, especially if you want an affordable and cozy place to enjoy a meal with friends. The food is tasty, and while there are minor flaws, the positives outweigh the negatives. I’d come back again, but I’d probably skip the seafood next time.

While visiting LA on vacation, went to the Getty in the morning for a visit to the museum. Made my reservation via the app and upon arrival parked in the garage and took the tram to the museum. You can also walk to the museum which is about 15 minute walk, best to do it on the return as it would be downhill. If you are military veteran, parking is free, you just need to get your parking ticket validated. I got mine validated at the front desk in the museum lobby. The museum campus is large and you have to navigate between the different building galleries to include the different floor levels. There are also several patios or decks that jettison out from the building for views of the canyon and surrounding areas like Westwood. Museum has a nice selection of art ranging from Italian renaissance, Dutch Masters and European Impressionist. There is a cafeteria, cafe and kiosks located on the grounds for lunch or a snack.

We picked the perfect time to visit: sunset. It was beautiful walking through the gardens as the sun was setting as well as watching the sunset from the deck off of room W204. The pieces were nicely spaced out, but we couldn't find Spring by Manet, which I was bummed about. We were surprised with how many Monet pieces were there.

Amazing museum in LA, BEAUTIFUL gardens, well taken care of.

It's also free (you only pay for parking). At the time of this writing, reservations are required (although you may get lucky if you walk in).

The whole family loved even though we're not crazy about arts. paintings, etc.

Recommended!!!!

We underestimated how much time we would spend here. This place is big and there is ALOT to see. We took a highlights tour which gave us a brief overview of what this place offers. I highly recommend. We also took an Architecture tour. The docent who gave this tour, Clarence Timberlake was exceptional! So well informed with lots of facts, very engaging with a sense of humor. Just A+. We spent 4 hours here just touching the surface of what this center has to offer. Overall, we had a great time with fabulous docent tours, killer views of the LA area and a nice lunch. Can't beat the admission price - FREE! Highly recommend.

Haven't visited here since it first opened. Several buildings now filled with sculpture and pictures. It's free, so pretty crowded. Need to reserve for a specific time frame. But parking was available and handled without much trouble.

Take your time when going here. The museum is very big with a lot of different exibits. Was very crowded when we were there. But this was not a problem walking arounx

The Getty Center has their routine down pat. I arrived just before 9:30am and the garage was not yet open. They had me pull off to the side with other cars that were early. At 9:30 on the nose they opened and we were directed in. I parked and got into a huge elevator with other people. You are directed to a roped line area for security checks and to wait for the tram. I was on the first tram up. We arrived about 10 minutes before the door opened, so this gave me time to go look at the central garden (really cool) and some of the outside artwork. When the doors opened, I headed to information to find out where the art I wanted to see was and was directed to the West building. I saw the impressionists I was interested in, to include Van Gogh’s Irises. I was also surprised to discover they had tow JMW Turner’s and a couple of unique Rodin’s. I then spent a little time going through two of the other building before taking the tram back down and heading over to the Villa. Be sure if you are going to both locations on the same day to stop by the parking office to get a voucher for free parking at the Villa, saves you $20 and makes visiting much more reasonable.

We had such a lovely day at the Getty Center filled with stunning gardens and remarkable art. The highlight of our visit was joining two exceptional tours.

Our first tour, led by Judy, brought the gardens to life with fascinating stories about Robert Irwin’s vision and execution. Judy’s passion made every detail captivating.

The second tour, guided by Pia, took us through the collection’s highlights. Pia’s engaging questions sparked deep reflection and gave us a newfound appreciation for the artwork.

Both guides made our visit memorable & meaningful. The Getty Center is a must-visit, and we can’t recommend it highly enough!

If you like architecture and a great setting plan for 3 hours. If you like the art and displays then allow more time. A nice trip up the hill in the train. Great place to enjoy great views of the area, the outside art and gardens, and a cafe where you can eat inside or out. Richard Meier has captured and framed many views of the area beyond and the buildings.Some parts you'd think you're in Israel with the stone, others at the High Art Museum in Atlanta, others in this California setting. Comfortable to move from one building and place to another.

Visited the Getty on a tour that included the Rose Bowl Parade.
We had about 1 1/2 hrs to spend, which was not truly enough time. The Getty has lots to see. The gardens are beautiful. The sun was out the day we were there. Many people were enjoying spending the day outside.
I found the buildings rather confusing. I wanted to see one particular display about J Paul Getty, but one of the staff send me to see something else. I also noticed the staff in the gardens were a bit harsh about staying on the paths. I'll admit the paths were a little misleading as to where they went.
Good view of the area.
There is a tram from the entrance to the actual center. We were able to take the tram to the center- good as was an steep uphill walk. We did walk down the path as the wait for the tram was too long. The walk was about .9 mile.
There were many famous paintings sin the gallery.

Excellent service outside the galleries, but unfortunately disappointing service indoors on my visit (Sep 8th). I encountered two unprofessional staff members. At the holographic exhibition entrance, one staff member shouted unintelligibly at me when I approached a photo, despite maintaining a respectful distance. Maybe he can’t speak English at all. Oddly, they ignored another visitor who nearly touched the artwork.

Another staff member by the Lumen door exhibited inappropriate behavior. They seemed to stare uncomfortably at female visitors and were dismissive unless addressed very politely. This conduct felt out of place for museum staff.

Both two wired staffs are middle-aged male Asian. In stark contrast, all other staff members, both indoors and outdoors, were professional and fantastic!

This place is HUGE! You’ll get tired long before you’ve seen it all. Pick one or two areas to visit. The free tours are well worth the time.

This place is phenomenal! It's huge, more than one visit is necessary in order to see everything OR you can focus on just the kind of artwork you like. There's plenty of places to eat, the prices are kind of reasonable, and they have a wide variety of food and drink. There's also a succulent garden that's mostly in the shade, if you're there on a hot day. The views are great, I was there when it wasn't too hazy or smoggy, it was pretty clear. Just be sure to stay hydrated. :)

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Entry is free and no ticket or tour fee is required, but parking is charged if you drive by yourself.
It has a collection of many world-renowned paintings, such as Van de Gaulle's Flower of the Tail, Picasso's works, and many valuable classical art

Gorgeous complex in the West Hollywood Hills. The interiors are used as a museum of modern art from the Getty private collection, the exteriors are fantastic and there is a unique atmosphere of peace and relaxation with wonderful gardens and fountains.

One really needs a full half day just to scratch the surface here. The buildings and grounds are worth a visit themselves. The view is worth the price of admission (even if there was one) . And the art is enough to keep you occupied for hours. We didn't wind up with enough time and that is too bad. We saw a lot, but not enough

The museum is free. Parking costs $20 in 2022. This is a great museum, even if you are not into art museums. It is one of the best in the US. It is an impressive and varied collection. Download the phone app for a self-guided tour. I recommend the one-hour app tour that takes you to all the top exhibits. Bring headphones to make listening to the tour easier. Reserve at least two hours to see the entire museum and the garden at a fast pace. The museum has wifi. Getting here by public transport will take a long time, so it is better to visit if you have a car.

Exploring the Getty Center in Los Angeles was an enriching journey into art, culture, and stunning architecture. The center’s hilltop location provided breathtaking views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The art collections, including European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, offered a diverse range of masterpieces from various time periods. Walking through the galleries and outdoor gardens was a sensory delight, with each corner revealing new artistic wonders. The architecture of the Getty Center itself was a masterpiece, with its modern design and tranquil spaces. The guided tours and educational programs provided valuable insights into the art and history of the collections. The Getty Center is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone seeking a day of inspiration in Los Angeles.

Absolutely excellent free Architecture Tour - would highly recommend, lets you see the museum in a whole new light! The grounds themselves are absolutely stunning. Free entry although parking costs - if you visit the Getty Villa on the same day then make sure to request a voucher at the first one for free parking at the other one though :)

You have to go here even just for the views of LA. The art is gorgeous and fascinating. Hard to believe this place is free! A must see.

Very good service and professional work. I used this service. I like this and highly recommend them.

Not to be confused with the Getty Villa Museum, this is a modern art setting with multiple pavilions displaying a wide variety of art styles plus a world-class outside garden. And due to its endowment status, it is free to the public. Do not miss it!

The collection of the museum is quite vast and the space immense, so be prepared to spend several hours and walk a lot.
There are several pavilions and the collection is mainly paintings, sculptures and European decoration.
It was a collection of Millionaire Getty.
There you can have wonderful and panoramic views of LA.
It has coffee and restaurant but prices are high. A cold sandwich was $18.

The setting is AMAZING! The collection and displays are spectacular. The facilities wonderful. The docents, however, ruined the entire experience for our family. Our son was so excited to bring his elementary aged, very well behaved, children to tech them about the art and encourage their appreciation of it. But we were harassed by 5 separate docents. All of them were LatinX. We are African American, Caucasian, and Asian. The first docent told me (a senior citizen Caucasian woman), that I had to leave the first gallery we entered because I was carrying a closed bottle of water. I was not drinking it. Just carrying it, as were many others. I’m the only one who was told this. The second harassing docent told my African American husband that he was walking too close to one of the paintings. He was no closer than anyone else. The third harassing docent approached me as I was explaining a painting to one of our grandchildren and said I should not be pointing at the painting because I might touch it. My hand was a good 2 feet from the painting. The fourth harassing docent yelled at our 10 year old grandson when he was holding a door open for his siblings. The docent said we were not to touch the doors but only open them by pushing the handicap button outside the door. There are NO INSTRUCTIONS posted about this whatsoever. Later that same docent reprimanded our granddaughter for standing too close to a bronze sculpture that her father was explaining to her. She was more than 2 feet from it. All of this was harassment. There were plenty of people much closer to the displays and and children running through the galleries who were not reprimanded at all. These rude docents ruined our experience.

The Getty center was a long walk. It was a boring and tiring walk around because of all the stairs and paths. It was a cool muesum.

Most of the art displayed didn't really appeal to me. And, while the location is beautiful, the buildings have a lot of wasted space in them which limits how much art can be displayed. The best painting, by far, is the Van Gogh Iris painting.

I never miss a trip to The Getty museum whenever we visit LA. They have wonderful European art. Van Gogh, Manet, Monet , Renoir etc. They usually have interesting special exhibitions But the garden is a real Jewel. And please plan for at least an hour if you enjoy unusual flowers. There is onsite parking. And a wonderful cafe. Come and enjoy. This is not a museum that should be missed!

Stunning architecture, world-class art, and beautiful gardens with incredible views over LA. A great place to visit before driving to San Diego.

Tips: You must book tickets in advance. They are free, but you need to reserve your slot.

Don't arrive before 9.30 if your ticket is for 10am, they will turn you away. No cafe until you have entered.

Note: Parking is $25 per car or motorcycle; $15 after 3pm. For evening events and on Saturdays after 6pm, parking is $10.
Metro bus 761 stops at the Getty Center entrance and bus 134 stops at the Getty Villa entrance.

There is a free GettyGuide app before you visit to hear insightful audio about their collection and exhibitions. Bring headphones for a better listening experience.

Entrance fee to the Getty is FREE, but you pay for parking (example our bus parking was $160 for the 3 + hours in this space).
This is as much a “Must-see” attraction as Yosemite, and it is FREE (we would hope / think EVERYONE in LA must have visited this attraction!!!

There is a security person in each room of the three main two story buildings, but it would be so easy for some kid to do damage.

We were given 3 hours to tour the facility, but really based on your like of art (we do) you need a good 6 hours just to get a reasonable overview.
SUGGERSTION IF you visit = We went on a free 45-minute art walking tour (there are four different tours offered = Art / Furnishings / Sculpture / Architecture) with a VERY knowledgeable volunteer guide (only 6-7 people in any one group) and received a vast new appreciation of art paintings.
Our guide went into detail on about 6 different paintings, analyzing what each, POSSIBLY meant to the artist and viewer (we learned so much on how to self-analyze and interpret).
Bottom line is that paintings produced in the past were like “back then” us watching TV today, as they were in homes / palaces / etc. for personal interpretations which differed by opinion on what was depicted (war / pleasure / joy / sadness / happiness / etc.), all of which was in the day used to stimulate conversation and thought.
Those paintings sometime (like we do today with our photos) were for some to capture youth that they / we could look back as age came / comes on.
Some of the paintings have a vast history of how they were traded / stolen / found during WWII.

enjoyed the architecture of the building(S) that house all this art, as he studied each application of stone / garden / view.

This is a must see when visiting LA / Santa Monica. It's free to visit, but the carpark is $25 flat a day. The tram takes you up the hill to the centre and the views during this short journey are great. The art work itself is breath taking, but the surrounding gardens and views are a treat in their our right. Highly recommend

We decided to visit a museum as an indoor venue for a rainy day. It was a big mistake.
This beautiful architecture venue, was not designed for a rainy day visit. You get Soggy wet moving from one building to the other. The staff cant really cope wiith the needs for umbrellas, so find a sunny 🌞 day to visit.

Henry’s Take, Takes L.A.!
Part 5

“If you can actually count your money, then you aren’t a rich man.”
J. Paul Getty

I don’t pretend to know how much money Mr. Getty earned during his lifetime, but I’d imagine there are quite a few commas involved. I mean, how could that not be the case given his generous gift of The Getty Museum that still operates without an admission fee nearly a half century after his death (although there is a $20 parking fee).

I was actually torn between which I enjoyed more: the serene grounds or the world class artistic creations housed within its walls.

A wide spectrum of artistic prowess is on display here including the painstaking detail of the swollen veins in the arms, and the wrinkles above the heels, of the crucified Christ wood carving by Veit Stoss, the haunting expression etched upon the face of the marble sculpture by Jean-Baptiste Stouf, the personality imbued by Rembrandt in his oil portrayal of the Apostle Bartholomew, the whimsical nature of the self-portrait of Joseph Ducreux, and the intricacies of the traditional cope included in the marble sculpture of Pope Paul V by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Although reservations are not strictly required, they are recommended and easily obtained online.

If you’re planning a tour with someone who has mobility challenges please don’t permit that to discourage you from visiting as ample ramps, elevators, benches, and railings are placed throughout.

While there are a number of exhibits to enjoy, there aren’t so many as to feel overwhelming and a quality visit can be completed in approximately 3 hours.

It’s true there are many things to do during your visit to L.A. and the Getty deserves to make your list of “to do’s” the next time that you’re in town.

And that’s…Henry’s Take.

#lamuseums
#gettymuseum

The Getty Center is an absolute must-visit for anyone in LA. The stunning architecture and perfectly manicured gardens make for an incredibly serene and picturesque setting. The art collection is breathtaking, with works spanning centuries and continents, and the exhibits are thoughtfully curated with informative descriptions. The audio tour is highly recommended, as it provides fascinating insights into the works on display. The Getty Center also offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot to take in the beauty of LA.

The art is displayed in a series of galleries inside amazing buildings. The garden is a nice place to relax for few minutes. Restaurant is very good.

We spent an excellent day here. The special exhibition alone was worth it for the sculptures, but also the other painting and sculpture galleries are very impressive. The architecture is stunning and the gardens were in full bloom in June.
Entrance is free but you must book an entry time online. We went soon after it opened when the galleries and the cafe were still fairly quiet. By lunchtime everywhere was busy. We took an Uber from Santa Monica and got the shuttle train up to the Centre from the car park area.
We would definitely recommend this as a day out.

Ideal to occupy a rainy day.
The road/parking/shuttle approach is laborious but the museum is a marvel

If you’d like to spend a few hours among beautiful architecture, scenic views, prolific gardens and interesting art installations, the Getty Center is the place for you. We chose to attend during the 3:30 timeslot. One benefit to going that late in the day is that the parking garage rate is reduced. The 3:30 start allowed adequate time for our visit; we weren’t rushed. Throughout the Center, there is sufficient
staff to help welcome and guide visitors. We took the tram from the garage to the Getty Center and chose to walk back to our car. Upon our return home, we learned about Getty. He was not a nice man. We are thankful that the trust that has created this establishment for many to enjoy.

I went to find a place to relax, be left alone, and do some work. I found it. You can take a bag in; for me, it was my work bag with my laptop and notebooks. Found a table outside in the sun and connected to the free wifi. After a while, I grabbed a mocha from the coffee stand. Easy-going, relaxed crowd. Parking was $20, but we were there for several hours, so it seemed reasonable.

The staff is treats you like cattle, we went there at 5:25 pm thinking the grounds would be open and museum will be closed as per the hours of operation. We asked bear the gate whether the grounds were open with the guy just showing us to parking lot and there was no one behind to even think that he might be under pressure, we had no way out parked and as soon as we took the tram up every one of them like 50 guards standing there started telling us to get back on tram and go back. Didn’t even let us take a picture or two. Why cant they close the parking 30 minutes before if they want to even clear the grounds. Left a very bad taste for LA, very vwry rude staff they have no other answer than “theres the exit” like parrots

This is an amazing place to visit, you will learn a lot of new things when it comes to art.
It has several pairings, sculptures and ancient furniture that makes this place something different.
Besides that it offers you an amazing view of the whole city, beautiful gardens and you can get some aesthetic pictures with its architecture

Wonderful visit to this beautiful art museum. Even the setting of this museum is beautiful. We appreciated that the wings were set up in chronological order, it was a great way to see and process the different eras. Getting around was a bit confusing at times and I'm sure we probably missed a room or two but overall, a wonderful experience. We also appreciated the explanations printed at each exhibit; it was very helpful.

Comfortable shoes are highly recommended as there is a lot of walking here.

The Getty Center Museum is truly one of Los Angeles’ most iconic and inspiring destinations. Perched atop the hills, the journey itself—via the scenic tram ride—sets the tone for an unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.

The museum’s architecture is a masterpiece in its own right, blending modern design with natural elements. Inside, the Getty houses an exceptional collection of European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photography, and manuscripts. Each gallery is thoughtfully curated, making the experience both educational and visually captivating.

What sets the Getty Center apart is the seamless integration of art, architecture, and nature. The beautifully landscaped gardens, especially the Central Garden, provide a tranquil retreat and a perfect balance to the indoor galleries. The open spaces, natural light, and serene atmosphere make it easy to spend hours exploring without feeling rushed.

Equally impressive is the visitor experience—admission is free, the facilities are well-organized, and the staff is courteous and knowledgeable. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history lover, or simply someone seeking inspiration and stunning views, the Getty Center offers something for everyone.

A visit to Los Angeles feels incomplete without experiencing the Getty Center Museum—an extraordinary blend of culture, creativity, and calm. The walk through their garden is an awesome experience amidst all flora and fauna and exotic plants.

Getty museum is beautiful. As we arrived at the Getty centre, we went through security smoothly with minimal queues. We had to take a tram up the to the Getty centre which has stunning scenery and was only a 5 minute tram drive. We arrived at the museum and were in complete shock because of the appearance of the museum. It was modern with polite staff.

Outstanding views when you go up the stairs and breath-taking scenery. The art-work was interesting, with a lot of original famous art-work.

The gardens are beautiful and the tram going up is pretty cool in my opinion. The galleries themselves are not the most spectacular I've seen, but for the price of nothing, it is quite nice. Also know that parking is $20 and they will not except any walk ins unless you came by Metro bus.

I visited this museum several years ago. On a clear day the views of Los Angeles are incredible. It's humongous, plan to spend a day there because there is lots of walking around. There are guided tours too. The museum boasts beautiful paintings, European French furnishings, and a variety of art. There is a garden on display and a restaurant coffee shop. You park your car in their parking lot and take the tram to the museum.

Great experience! Amazing architecture, beautiful grounds/flowers, free sun umbrellas to borrow, great views, good variety of art, free tours, free admission, but $25 to park. You could spend the whole day here.

We just spent the entire day at the Getty. Our only regret is they are closed tomorrow and we can’t go back for a second day. When you go look for the free tours. We did both the architectural tour and the garden tour. Both were a great addition to better appreciate this beautiful facility. We suggest arrive as soon as they open. Parking is all you pay for so there is no greater deal in LA!

Great experience, well worth the trip. Lots of parking, once we got there its free. There was a shuttel train which goes up taking you to the centre.

Amazing views, and lots of art to see, as well as the gardens.

2 hours excusion

The art is beautiful and thoughtfully displayed. You can get really close to it and also stand back adequately. The museum itself and the grounds are amazing art in themselves, in a remarkable setting. From terraces around the property you can take in views of the ocean, city, up and down the coast. We enjoyed coffee and lunch on a patio by the coffee stand during our visit on a lovely day. I am so glad we got to see this gem, and I would like to go back.

I was in town for a meeting and a colleague told me how incredible the Getty Center was to visit. I had a few hours free and decided to go. I wish I'd had more time but it was still an enjoyable time. Though it was late morning on a weekday when I went, the biggest hassles were traffic from downtown LA and parking at the site. Parking was straightforward but just required going down multiple levels in the garage. Boarding the tram required inspection of bags but that went quickly. The site itself is beautiful with many gardens, fountains, and outdoor sculpture. There are many levels outdoors and indoors and it might be challenging to find ways to get from one to the next, especially outside, if one has mobility issues. A map is available but it still wasn't entirely clear how to reach different areas. I didn't have time to view the whole site but Van Gogh's Irises and the other romantic era paintings were beautiful to see. There are cafes and snack carts with plenty of outdoor tables to enjoy a cool drink or sandwich. Overall, this was an incredible experience and well worth the price of parking. (Admission itself is free.)

Interesting architecture and nice views but the art collection is pretty boring - 95% European art from the 16th to 19th century.

deliziös food, attentive service good atmosphere, amazing location, nice decor. Can't wait to go again

We visited this stunning museum in December. We booked our tickets a week in advance. The access is free but the number of tickets per hour is limited so it remains important to book in advance. When we arrived, there was already an impressive queue to access the train that brings you to the museum. Nevertheless, everything was perfectly organized to quickly have the bag check and access the train. The museum itself is absolutely unique both from an architectural point of view and in terms of art collections. Even the stores and the staff are great. A place to absolutely see in Los Angeles.

Whether or not you are a fan of art - the Getty is worth a visit. The grounds and buildings are immaculate and beautiful.
You could stay an hour or a half of a day.
Views are amazing !

I enjoyed it very much.
the building and garden and master prices that are collected there all together are very unique.
A different museum in LA not in downtown but in a top of a hill.
Admission is free and you just pay for parking.
At least you need half a day to be satisfied.
There are free tours inside. You can get the time table and enjoy professional explanation of guides.
Spend a few minutes for garden .there are some cafe there. Sit and enjoy a cup of coffee in heart of the museum.
Biography and photos of Mr Getty were very attractive for me .
When we visited the museum, reservation via website was needed . Check it before going there.

This place is also definitely worth a visit. Exhibition of art objects of all kinds and spectacular gardens. Very well organized with transport and parking. Very crowded at certain times of the day

The Getty Center was well worth a visit! I was in LA for an event and had a few hours available on a Sunday afternoon. I scheduled a visit to the Getty (it's free, but you need a reservation) and wasn't disappointed. I didn't know what to expect, and it seemed almost like an amusement park when you first arrive after parking ($20 to park) because of how you need to go through lines to get onto the shuttle that takes you up to the center. But that's all part of the anticipation. Once you arrive, everything is sophisticated and efficient. The views of LA from the top of the hill, as well as the beautiful buildings and artwork are awe inspiring. The staff was very helpful in explaining to me how to get around and where to go. The gorgeous art was plentiful and beautiful to view in different buildings. Don't miss the garden area. I would definitely return.

Just one word: spectacular! The museum itself is an architectural wonder. The views from the balconies over LA are magnificent. The collection is stunning. Rembrandt van Gogh Rubens Goya Breughel Hals Steen Van Dijck Monet Manet Degas Renoir Sisley Potter Ruysdael Cezanne. And many more. Amazing. Absolutely recommended.

The Getty Center is always a great place to visit. It’s huge. It’s free (except for parking). It’s educational. And it offers great views of Los Angeles. Makes for a nice day trip if you’re visiting LA. There are, however, much more interesting places to visit if you like art and history, such as the Getty Villa and Huntington Library.

Wonderful art museum with knowledgeable staff and beautiful garden! If you need to sip in everything and relax after the tour, the restaurant is an excellent choice! The view of Los Angeles from Getty centre to me is the best. 360 degree panoramic view with beautiful gardens of variety of flowers, cacti and fruit tree with plenty of place to sit. Highly recommended!

Horrible experience, the garage parking staff were rude and inattentive, then you get up to the tram and the security guards are all the most ridiculously rude people I’ve ever met, talk about a power trip, then try to deal with a supervisor and they are just as arrogant, building looked cool, we didn’t even make it up because of some terrible staff interactions we turned around and left. Never going back

TripAdvisor suggests 2-3 hours for this museum. We spent 4 1/2 hours and only saw about half of the exhibits plus the garden. My son and I love to read the information with much of the art, so I suppose it would take less time if you just waltz through. The exhibits were great and the gardens were spectacular. I highly recommend visiting!

Well worth it. A little tricky to get to imo. Very nice once inside. Tickets in advance highly recommended. Not too busy during the week. Great 4-5 hours.

The Getty Center was wonderful. It is free although there is a charge for parking. The staff(especially one ) was incredibly helpful in directing us to the exact rooms of the masterpieces we wanted to see. Lunch in the Cafe overlooking the garden was delightful. The gardens were lovely.

Superb

Location provides the most magnificent views of LA, the mountains and the Pacific. Architecture is stunning and garden is wonderful. Took the garden tour and will never look at a garden the same way again. Museum contains lots of stunning art and provides for more excellent views as your tour

Not open Mondays. Entry free, parking $20 but can be validated if your tour the villa (closed on Tuesday).

We were so glad that we made time to visit the Getty Center. The gardens are beautiful. We appreciated the architecture and lay-out of the buildings. There is so much art to see.

We were particularly intrigued by 2 sets of Sevres porcelain vases owned by King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette of France during the late 1700s. These 8 pieces were separated during the French Revolution and reunited at the Getty now for the first time. They represent extraordinary artistry and craftsmanship.

Our first visit and we found the setting to be outstanding. The design and maintenance of the facility was stunning. Can be a bit confusing getting organized to visit the different pavilions and discerning differences in the content of the rooms. You often might find that you moved to a different pavilion without knowing it. Display rooms can be a bit small and crowded but all the art on display is outstanding and worth appreciating.

A huge, indeed somewhat overwhelming, campus of buildings in a stunning location, surrounded by gorgeous gardens and with sweeping views. The collection may lack the star power of the great art museums of New York, but it's nonetheless one of the best in North America.

Well, of course one of the must see places when in LA. Free entrance, reservation needed but in practice not checked at all. So many people there was a 1 hour waiting before we got in. They should maybe do something about that. Museum is fantastic of course. Do go and see the Ensor, it is magnificent.

The building is modern on the outside, but is classical in the interior. It has artwork dating to the renaissance era, and paintings all the way to the 2000s. It has beautiful sculptures, glamorous paintings, innovative photos from the 21st century, and awe-inspiring views.

Lovely art gallery (it's massive), and it's free! You can get there by bus if you want (i did), then there's a free tram thing that takes you up the hill to the centre. There are 5 or 6 buildings full of art, some of it fantastic. You could easily spend 5 or 6 hours here

I guess I’m an American Art kind of girl. The Getty has all European art. There’s nothing wrong with European Art, it’s just that I’ve seen Monet, Manet, Degas, Piccaso, all the Dutch masters, etc., etc. at every other art museum I’ve ever visited. The Getty is HUGE. We spent about an hour, just visiting the pieces we wanted to see. They have a nice collection, and if you haven’t been to many art museums, you could spend 2-3 hours here. The museum is large and spread out, which is good because it disperses the crowds. Getting to the museum is a bit of a pain. You park at the bottom of the hill ($20), get in a long Disneyland type line, have bags checked, take a tram (or you could walk a mile uphill) to the museum. They have a very nice museum store, a café (which we didn’t go to) and fantastic views of downtown Los Angeles.

Loved the setting, buildings, views. Quick visit, so I must return to see the grounds and the art I missed. What I did see was great. Sadly, cafe/restuarant closed at 3pm, so after seeing to works there was only a small booth with long queues for coffee. Must arrive earlier next time.

Nice place to visit and view some art work and a good amount of garden space designed to be engaging. Restaurant served up very good food as well.

It is hard to believe that one can spend days in this centre without paying admission. We took both the Garden Tour and the Architectural Tour which are 45 minutes and well worth the time. In addition it is amazing to see the Impressionists exhibit including Van Gogh's Irises. Finally, the staff at this center are amazing. The staff provide great directions and advice on how to best spend your time. We worth the visit.

Some of the best art in the most beautiful space with the most beautiful view. Truly a magical space.

What a great afternoon in LA! Great art! Great gardens! Great architecture! Plan on spending an afternoon here. The coffee is good!

My friend and I went here for a few hours. We did both the architecture tour and the garden tour. We had Steve as a guide for both tours and they were very informative. The gardens are so beautiful. We also had a nice meal at the restaurant. And the museum is free! Highly recommend

This proved to be a very entertaining visit for both of us, a couple whose interests do not always coincide. The science alongside the art struck the perfect balance for us. We enjoyed our time there immensely.

My wife and I made the Getty a destination on a recent trip to LA. It's a wonderful place--inside and out. The outside--especially the flora--is part of the "art" of the Getty. Inside, the exhibitions are varied and vast. More than can be seen in a day. We also ate at their top-tier restaurant, which was quite good. Admission is free, but there is a parking fee--$20 at the time of our visit.

Very nice museum with lots of great art pieces. Extra points for the beautiful landscape that you can take in as well. such a relaxing time.

The place is beutiful. Clean all around as we walk all the way from parking space which was fine to us. We enjoyed the museum well, being it free.

This was my 3rd attempt to visit the Getty and this time I succeeded! It was worth the effort. We started with the Garden tour which was very good. The garden area is intended to be a work of art and it is. It's beautiful and peaceful. I enjoyed the Impressionist and European masters paintings. The art is top notch and the views are too.

Entry is free but you have to pay for parking -$25 (parkade). You take a tram/train to the center. Workers at the center are really nice and helpful. Lots to see - furniture from Louis IV, Van Gough, Rembrandt, Monet. Amazing collection gathered by one person. Not too crowded as limited tickets issued per hour. You can take your time viewing and not having people in front of the art work.

Parking attendants not so helpful or nice when we had a problem getting our ticket validated by the machine. We went to the villa using the same parking ticket. Center is more worthwhile to see. In hindsight, we should have skipped the villa (nice but not as much to see) and spent more time at the center.

The Getty Center is amazing and different from the Villa. It's a beautiful, serene, restful place that makes you feel refreshed and relaxed.

My family (2 adults and 2 children) spent a week in LA for spring break. All four of us loved spending a morning at the Getty Center. There were so many art collections to admire and we downloaded the Getty app so we could listen to some of the narration. We signed up for a free 45-minute tour of the garden. And the views from the hilltop are breathtaking. Highly recommend this attraction.

A trip to the Getty center is well worth a visit. A tram gets you up to the landmark building offering a spectacular view of LA.
There's a carefully designed, lavish garden outside the building.
The exhibition displays famous, mostly European pieces of art.
The friendly staff is worth mentioning too. I got to learn a lot about native American culture in one of their exhibits as a lovely staff member took their time to explain me everything. Köszönöm :D

Spectacular Museum on Beautiful location. If you come from a European City most of these exhibits are available in local museums but this collections is still wonderful particularly old altarpieces and illuminated manuscripts. Fairly small collection won't take long to see..
The location is most fun with the tram ride up to the museum and the spectacular views to mountains and sea and the really beautiful gardens , particularly the cactus garden.
Good way to spend a morning

Not-to-miss spot in LA. Worth an entire afternoon to enjoy the collections, as well as the architecture and gardens. Best of all: it’s free!

Gigantic structure, beautiful in every way, starting from the museum construction itself and extending to the infinite art collection they have