Unpack a picnic at the Getty Center
For many years, the great art collection of the J. Paul Getty Trust was housed in what is now known as the Getty Villa. However, the Getty Center debuted in 1997. The finished result is a magnificent complex of white metal and travertine-clad pavilions that displays identifiable Impressionist artwork, opulent French furnishings, and changing exhibitions. Free entrance and expansive views that go from the hills and the beach in the west all the way around to Downtown in the east more than make up for its relative accessibility.
One thing becomes clear after parking at the base and riding the electric tram up the hill: It's a vast location, with artwork on show in four permanent pavilions, an exhibition space, and the nearby Getty Research Institute. The Impressionist artwork in the West Pavilion, especially Van Gogh's Irises, never fails to draw large crowds. Only the East Pavilion's recreations of baroque rooms can compare to the South Pavilion's French decorative arts across the street. A number of Rembrandt masterpieces may be seen on the upper floor of that structure, so make sure to get there. The only artwork in the North Pavilion, which dates exclusively from before 1700, is a collection of illuminated manuscripts on the ground floor.
Without ever entering a gallery, you may leisurely meander through the Getty's numerous courtyards, overlooks, and fountains and still feel content. The main attraction is Robert Irwin's Central Garden, which features a cascading stream and a lush maze of hedges and walkways. Just past it is a garden with contemporary sculptures. The cactus garden in the southeast corner provides a postcard-perfect vista of the city with a cluster of cacti in the foreground. Post up on any of the west-facing terraces of the pavilion for the best sunset views (if you can see the Central Garden and the mountains along the coastline, you're gazing in the right direction).
Most tourists should be able to get by with the lively cafe by the entry and another one next to the Central Garden, while the Restaurant (reservations advised) offers sit-down service for a more leisurely, opulent lunch. We would choose the most laid-back alternative; if you prefer the most laid-back choice, bring a picnic and set out a blanket on the museum's sloping, south-facing lawn.
