The Getty Center
Published On: Oct 26, 2006J. Paul Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
When you are visiting Southern California, planning a trip to the Getty Center in Los Angeles to view the art collections of J. Paul Getty is essential. Sponsored by the J. Paul Getty trust - dedicated to making art more accessible to everyone - the Getty Center displays a large collection of art.
Though guided tours are not available, it is possible, for a small fee, to rent a Gettyguide - an interactive audio player that points out key pieces of the collection.
Pieces that are on display are from various periods of art and history - from the Middle Ages to the present day. Not only will you find paintings and photographs, but also you will have the opportunity to view illuminated manuscripts, classical Greek and Roman pieces and sculpture. The Getty Collection, with its broad scope, offers visitors a near guarantee that they will find a piece that will inspire them - regardless of their own artistic preferences.
If paintings capture your imagination, be sure to visit the one of the three pavilions - each of which features a collection from a different period of time. The East Pavilion houses European art, mostly from the 17th century Baroque period. With works attributed to Rubens, Brueghel, Rembrandt and more, this collection contains portraits, religious art, landscapes and the exploration of myth.
And while it would be easy to get caught up looking through these pieces, you will want to tear yourself away and make the time to visit the South Pavilion where you will take in the museum's decorative arts. These European pieces will give you insight into the past, showing both functional dining ware and decorative vases and more.
In addition to the standard collections, the museum at the Getty Center features a series of exhibitions. Some of these present pieces that have been borrowed from other museums. Others are from the Getty's own collection - pieces that are too delicate to be constantly on view, that would not stand up to the heat of ongoing showcase lights.
But, despite all that there is to see inside the museum at the Getty Center, there is a great deal to see on the outdoors as well. Not only is "The Profile," a sculpture by Martin Puryear that was commissioned by the Getty Institute something to behold, but also there is Robert Irwin's large "live" work.
This 134,000 square foot garden features over 500 varieties of plants that have been selected to capture the sunlight, reflections and natural colors within it. And, because it has been created with plant life, this piece will not be the same from one visit to the next.
Another reason to make multiple visits to the Getty Center? Admission is free. There aren't too many places where you can spend the entire day taking in amazing landscapes and art free of charge.
Because you're likely to spend a great deal of time taking in all the the Getty has to offer, you'll want to take advantage of one of their three dining options. There is a self-service cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, as well as the Garden Terrace Cafe where coffees, lunch and snack are available. Alternately, you can choose to lunch at the Center's full service restaurant - though to do so, reservations are requested.
With all of these experiences to be had, you'll be sure to want to visit the Museum Store. There you'll be able to purchase cards, posters and prints of your favorite works. You'll also be able to buy books, videos and dvds that will let you further explore art and architecture from the comfort of your home.
And that's what the Getty Foundation hopes for: everyone to have the opportunity to have their lives enriched by art.
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The Getty Center - (Oct 26, 2006)
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