The Getty

Whenever friends come to visit, they always want to "see the sights" in LA. Usually in a day or two. So I try to cram everything in from the Walk of Fame in HWood, to the Santa Monica Pier.  One place I always suggest, but no one ever takes me up on, is the Getty.

The piece of land the Getty sits on is incredible.  On a clear day you can see all the way to Long Beach, Downtown LA, and the ocean off Malibu. On a not-so-clear day you can see to the 405. Eh. What can you do?  But if you're an arty, artist, art-lover...whatever term you choose, the Getty is a must see.

Parking is $15, Outrageous!  But get this, the museum is FREE!  Yes free!  So pay to park and stay all day. It's worth it.  The museum does a great job of funneling the large crowds to the entrance on a monorail. Fun ride up the mountainside and you get a nice view along the way.  We went on a Sunday that was particularly cold in LA. I thought we would pretty much have the place to ourselves, but apparently so did the thousands of other people who were there. Eh. What can you do?

But the museum is so spread out, you really don't notice the crowds.  Each building has a separate theme for the art you'll find inside.  Most of it is the regular exhibit ranging from Renaissance art to classic French furniture.  All of which I love!  I could stare at a picture of some Duchess from the 17th century forever...and wonder about her life and how lovely it must be to be painted.  *sigh*  My favorite room is the Edgar Degas room. Go there and soak up the brilliance.

The rotating exhibit when we were there was Chinese photographs.  They were really insightful and poignant.  Look for the piece where the photography captured his parents in a single room over the last several years of their lives.  It shows them together, then just the dad with a picture of his wife, then eventually just a photo of the two of them after they passed away. Very moving stuff.

Once you've had your fill of culture, you'll probably be hungry or thirsty or both.  The cafeteria is very, very expensive for what you get.  I ordered a chicken salad sandwich, a cup of soup, chips and drink and it was nearly $17. And it wasn't very good on top of it. Eh. What can you do?  There's also a snack cart with less options, but much cheaper fare.

The best part of the Getty by far, is the garden terrace. This beautifully landscaped grounds allows you to cop a squat on the grass, walk next to a babbling brook, or simply admire the view of the floral pool. Bring a penny. Make a wish.  If it's to be surrounded by peaceful greenery and classic art, then your wish came true.

The Getty
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-7300

Hours for the Getty Center site and galleries:

	Tuesday–Friday		10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
	Saturday		10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
	Sunday		10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
	Monday		CLOSED

Happy Tradventuring!
Heather

(stay tuned for a guest blog on the Troubador!)