It is a hidden gem in the hills of Pacific Palisades, north of Santa Monica. A faithful reproduction of a first-century Roman farmhouse was built by J. Paul Getty, a billionaire art dealer, to house his collection.
The Getty Villa is a companion museum to the much larger Getty Center located on Sepulveda Pass between the West and Valley areas . Los Angeles.
The Getty Villa houses only masterpieces of art from the ancient Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans, with later art being displayed. the main Getty Center. The collection is amazing, filled with priceless brass, statues, paintings, pottery, glass and even jewelry. To see necklaces made from the gold of the ancient Romans, as well as rings and other personal objects, was truly wonderful.
Getty bought the land in the 1940s and built a traditional village house. The village house still stands, behind the Villa, and serves as administrative offices. In the 1950s Getty filled the villas with some of his art treasures and began to open the house to the public.
In the late 1960s, Getty was moved to the ruins of the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, where he visited the 25-year-old Villa under excavation. He returned to Los Angeles and began working with an architect to replicate the building he had visited. What was then known as The Getty Museum opened in 1974, sadly Getty had already died before the door and never realized his vision. The entire Getty Village was closed in 1997, coinciding with the opening of the Getty Center, and underwent a 10-year renovation, with many modern features added all around, for the convenience of hospitality and comfort.
It was easy homework. I went to the Getty website and easily made reservations (which are necessary) for 1 PM the next day. Remember this is midweek, not a holiday. The website also features a great documentary film about Getty and the making of the Village. watching him treat her. The film can also be watched in the small theater next to the museum entrance, where it plays on a constant loop. It tells you the history and history of the museum and the collection and was helpful in putting things into perspective.
The museum building was created by the Getty to accurately replicate the village’s first century. He wanted visitors to feel, see and smell the same as the ancient Romans. All the plants are also carefully selected and it is wonderful herb running extra long. vestibule All herbs are herbs that originated in ancient Rome.
The museum is really great to spend a midday trip, and the sunny location, overlooking the ocean, adds to the magic. My favorite were the mummy paintings, the painted faces of Roman mummies who had died during the Roman occupation of Egypt. They were very realistic and represented to you the true feelings of the people. Ordinary Romans living 2000 years.
My other favorite was the very odd art of the Cycladic period. This pre-dates the Greeks and Romans. Although the other pieces in the museum are older, the pieces may have been more recent. Modern art sensibilities were seen in Picasso’s cubist figures.
The museum offers many group tours throughout the day. Our visit included a Garden Tour, an Architecture Tour, an Overview Tour and a reading on Funeral Jars. Wonderful moss patio and restaurant with great food and wine. The renovation added a Roman-style amphitheater and various musical and theatrical performances were held there. They also have some special exhibitions and programs for children.
Parking reservations are required, and parking is $15. by car The museum does not charge an admission fee. You may take public transport (bus), but make sure you have a valid ID to prove that you took it. bus, as there are very strict rules about parking.
The museum is on the show Pacific-coast-highway, about 10 minutes north of Santa Monica, a mile north of the confluence with Solis Blvd. You can only enter from the north side, coming from Santa Monica.
The Getty Village
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, CA
Open daily 10 AM – 5 PM, closed Tuesdays, reservations required.
(310) 440-7300
getty.edu
Museum timeline date and details from the “History of Getty Village” video at getty.edu
