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The Getty Center, Los Angeles, CA
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The Getty Center

1200 Getty Center Dr · Los Angeles, CA

Why you should go…

Richard Meier's travertine-clad campus houses the Getty's collection of European paintings, decorative arts, and photography, along with Robert Irwin's sculptural Central Garden. A tram carries visitors up from the parking structure, and admission to the galleries and grounds is always free.

  • #art museum
  • #gardens
  • #architecture
  • #free
  • #views

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to The Getty Center, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Stay
    Iconic

    The Beverly Hills Hotel

    $50+

    Check in at the pink hotel on Sunset Boulevard, open since 1912, dine at the Polo Lounge and swim in the palm-lined pool.

    3.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Shopping
    Iconic

    Rodeo Drive

    Free

    Stroll three palm-lined blocks of luxury fashion houses, galleries and the cobblestone lane of Two Rodeo Drive.

    4.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Family Favorite

    Santa Monica

    Free

    Official visitor info for Santa Monica, from the pier and beach to Third Street Promenade shopping.

    4.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Getty Villa

    Free

    See Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities in a re-created Roman country house with gardens above the Pacific.

    5.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Quirky Fun

    Petersen Automotive Museum

    Under $25

    A car-lover's museum in a striking stainless-steel-ribboned building on Museum Row.

    6.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Rainy-Day Pick

    Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

    $25–$50

    Explore galleries of film history, costumes and props, then step onto the glass-domed terrace of the Sphere.

    6.6 mi awayMore like this