The Getty Center turns 20 this year, and it’s just as vibrant a space today as it was more than 10 years ago when I last visited.
It’s a Los Angeles staple – many LA locals could tell tales of visiting the Getty on school field trips. I have vivid childhood memories of riding the tram up the hill with the 405 storming through the pass below, then wandering the art-filled halls and gardens that dangle off the mountain. When I finally returned this past week, these memories came rushing back as I introduced Sohrab and two of our best friends, Wes and Jen, to “that white building in the 405 pass.”
The four of us ventured to the Getty Center this past weekend to celebrate the Massolls’ 1-year anniversary of being Los Angeles residents. It only felt right to explore a place that is too often overlooked by those who live here, tucked aside for the day that out-of-town friends or family ask for a tour of the city.
We’ve all fallen into this trap. Haven’t you? I hadn’t been to the Getty since high school, which had only happened then because I went on field trips or with my family – and I had the privilege of growing up in Los Angeles. In such a unique town, filled to the brim with transplants, many of us merely drive the streets and freeways, commuting past the treasures our city has to offer. We realize too late that it’s been ages since we’ve visited, if we’ve ever been there at all. We get stuck in our habits, chained to our commute, afraid or unwilling to break out of our comfort zone.
But, guys, there’s SO MANY amazing places to discover. Things your city might be known for – or could be. When was the last time you went to a “cool place” in your town?
The Getty Center is one of those places for those of us who live in Los Angeles. With free admission and $15, or $10 after 3 pm, parking (pro tip: carpool!), the Getty Center offers an affordable afternoon to anyone willing to brave the 405. It does have its own exit (Getty Center Drive!), but you’ll wind down Sepulveda for a minute before turning onto the museum’s road. I could explain it, and it’s not too complicated, but it’s even easier to just punch this address into your phone:
1200 Getty Center Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Once you’ve found parking and headed up the elevators, you can either walk up the hill on a paved path to the museum (15-20 minutes) or take the tram. Either way, it’s accessible to everyone and gives the place a sense of grandeur – and either way, you’ll have to get into the security line (sorry!).
We went on a Sunday, and the place was BUSY – after waiting for drivers to find the absolute best parking spot rather than submit to the idea that there’s plenty of parking on lower levels (ahem, does this only happen in LA?), we dodged crowds in every exhibit. As frustrating as that could have been, it was a great feeling that an art museum should be such a popular destination. Travel tip: go on a weekday, if you can – it won’t be quite as busy as the weekend, though you might find yourself dodging a few more field trips than family groups.
At its core, the Getty Center is an art museum. But the fact is that it’s so much more – from its sweeping views of DTLA and Santa Monica, to its cactus gardens, its coffee cart and restaurants to its winding river, there are lots of opportunities for a nice afternoon in the Palisades.
So, even if you’re not too into art, there’s plenty of things to do! The Getty Center is the perfect place to bring your camera and shoot some incredible photos. The city is an ideal backdrop for the gardens, and there’s so much to explore. Or, if you prefer to kick back and relax, the lawns are sunny and lush with great views – much of the crowd we encountered was enjoying the California breeze with their iPads and coffee. Locals visiting the museum are in good company here, no matter their hobby.
Speaking of great views, the Getty would be the perfect place to catch the sunset! But, since it’s only open 10am-5:30pm every day except Saturday (10am-9pm), if you want to catch it from high above the city, it’s best to head there then. You could even take advantage of $10 parking after 3 pm! It’s a win-win.
Don’t wait until your cousin comes in from out of town to explore your city. Don’t catch yourself saying “Oh yeah, I’ve heard it’s amazing but I’ve never been there… I drive past it all the time!” again. The Getty Center is just one of the many treasures that Los Angeles has to offer, and I can only imagine the wonderful places in your town. Where would you take someone who’s never been to your neighborhood before (psst… tell me in the comments!)? Don’t wait for them. Go.
