The J. Paul Getty Villa
The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades CA is a museum and research center founded by oil tycoon J. Paul Getty to house his collection of art, antiquities, and photographs. The Villa re-opened in 2006 after a lauded restoration and expansion by architects Machado & Silvetti.
The Villa displays Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art within Roman-inspired architecture, surrounded by gardens that are inspired by the Romans’ garden designs. The villa is divided into different galleries based on themes, including Gods and Goddesses, Dionysos and the Theater, Stories of the Trojan War, and more.
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Replicas of bronze statues are placed in positions that correspond to those in the original. These include famous philosophers, deities, athletes, and animals.
Four gardens, each modeled after the Roman style of garden design, offer fresh air and tranquil spaces. The largest, the outer peristyle garden, is 308 by 105 feet (94 m x 32 m) with a 220 feet (67 m) long pool at its center.
The inner peristyle, also an exact replica of the one at Herculaneum, features an octagonal fountain and a circular pond. The gardens, which are dotted with shrubs and herbs that were likely used for food and medicinal purposes in ancient Roman times, also offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.
Families with kids should definitely check out the Family Forum, where children can paint vases and cast shadows on a screen that resembles a Greek urn. In addition, the museum has a children’s guide to many of the exhibitions.
For a more immersive experience, take advantage of the audio guides that describe various artifacts in the museum. They’re free and highly recommended, and can be found in the lobby.
While most of the collection is at the Getty Center in Brentwood, the Villa still houses some of the most iconic works of ancient Greek and Roman art. It’s one of the best places in California to see a great number of pieces from the Mediterranean region.
Another excellent reason to visit the Getty Villa is to enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean from its rooftop restaurant. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and you can have your meal while enjoying the views of Malibu and its neighboring beach communities.
The museum has several educational programs, including the UCLA/Getty Master’s Program in Archaeological and Ethnographic Conservation. It’s also home to the Getty Conservation Institute, which conducts research and training in preservation techniques.
The Getty Villa is located in Pacific Palisades, near Thousand Oaks. It is easily accessible via public transportation, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. If you’re looking to get to the Getty Villa quickly and efficiently, check out Moovit, the all-in-one app that helps you find the best bus and train routes to your location. With Moovit, you can plan your trip, get live departure times and prices for buses and trains to Getty Villa, and track your current location with our interactive maps.
