The Getty Center
The Getty Center
5
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
The Getty Center in Los Angeles is an astounding place to spend a day marveling at world-class art and relaxing in beautifully manicured gardens. Take the tram up to this lavish postmodern complex, which houses a sprawling museum featuring masterpieces by the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne. You can also enjoy superb views of the city from the Cactus Garden, and savor a delicious contemporary menu at the center's restaurant. You can visit the complex for free, though there is a parking fee. To skip the lines, book a museum tour to delve deeper into the art with the help of a knowledgeable guide. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Neighborhood: Brentwood
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See what travelers are saying
- Kerri GSalt Lake City, Utah36 contributionsOne of our favorite places.My family and I have visited the Getty many times over the years and have always had a great experience. We traveled to LA for my 16 year old’s birthday and visiting the Getty was the #1 requested activity. Our visit didn’t disappoint. The art, architecture, and landscaping always bring us joy.Visited April 2023Written April 23, 2023
- warrenbruinTehachapi, California117 contributionsAlways Awesome!I could tell that I was in a world destination by how many languages I overheard throughout the day. I definitely got in all my steps exploring this crown jewel overlooking West Los Angeles. Of course we loved gazing at Van Gogh’s “Irises” and Monet’s “Spring” but also found personal favorites that we never knew existed. The gardens were serene, and the weather was glorious. This place will never be overrated and that’s saying a lot considering it’s #1 of all the things to see in LA. It really does qualify as a bucket list item.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 29, 2023
- chantale613Winnipeg, Canada11 contributionsNice placeWe didn't have specific plans so made our way over to the Getty. It was nice. The price is right. We aren't huge art fans so it was nice to see some art and then enjoyed the gardens. It was hard to access with public transport so you'll need to uber or drive there. It was worth it if you're looking for a quiet activity to do. I wouldn't bring my family here.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten May 1, 2023
- gaha1New York City, New York24 contributionsGetty CenterThe Getty Center was wonderful. It is free although there is a charge for parking. The staff(especially one ) was incredibly helpful in directing us to the exact rooms of the masterpieces we wanted to see. Lunch in the Cafe overlooking the garden was delightful. The gardens were lovely.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 2, 2023
- MasterBonecoPorto Alegre, RS114 contributionsVery impressed.Beautiful place, a landmark. This place was under my radar, but heard so many good reviews that I had to visit. Well, let me tell you: it's a must visit while in LA. Meticulous gardens, painting collection priceless, sculptures, and those views from LA!Visited May 2023Traveled soloWritten May 10, 2023
- WikumjBromley, United Kingdom327 contributionsLovely place to spend half a dayThis is a spectacular attraction, as much for the jaw dropping architecture, views and gardens as the art collection itself. One thing I appreciated is how there is a clear ‘pathway’ through the exhibits which are well ordered and structured across multiple buildings and floors. Make sure you leave enough time to wander round the enchanting garden area. The cafe also has a good range of lunch options that are not expensive by LA standards.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 13, 2023
- AlexLincoln, United Kingdom5 contributionsMust-see attractionThe Getty centre is a full day out in the most beautiful surroundings with stunning collections of neo classical furniture, paintings including a stunning collection of Impressionism. The gardens are a joy to walk in and so imaginatively presented. It is a must-see centre & any visit to LA is hollow without spending time there. It’s a full day out for the parking fee of $20. However, be warned that refreshments are extremely expensive with a child’s sandwich meal at $20 and a chicken wrap at $27. Museum shop is equally expensive. Take a lunch and have a great day out.Visited September 2022Traveled with familyWritten May 20, 2023
- Dutch BrotherBoston, Massachusetts574 contributionsmust see art museumThis was my first visit (hadn't been in Los Angeles since it was built) and everyone told me I had to go. They were right. You have to go. It has an excellent collection in a modern set of buildings (they call them pavilions) that are art themselves. All atop a hilltop setting with great views if not fogged in (which it was the day we went). The collection covers from Medieval to modern and everything in between. Mainly well known masters. The average quality of the art and sculpture (lots of it) is excellent. Because the collection is spread among five buildings, it doesn't seem overwhelming, but it adds up to a good-sized collection. It took up almost two hours to see it all, and we were moving along. Admission is free but parking is $20. You take a tram from the parking area to the museum. If you can get someone to drop you off at the parking lot, then it is free. There were lots of school groups getting dropped off by bus. I can see why. What an experience. There is a cafe although we didn't visit it. Just a great experience.Visited May 2023Written May 27, 2023
- MamjensenModesto, California593 contributionsFantastic Museum!We went to the Getty center on a busy Saturday. Although there were a lot of people there, we never felt that it was crowded. They have an excellent collection of art from various different eras. While they don’t have as many actual examples of each artist, they do have a representative collection of high-quality art. In addition, the facility itself is an artwork. The architecture is inspiring and the views are great from up there. We also had lunch in one of their cafés, and the food was very good though expensive. It was a great way to spend the better part of the day.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 4, 2023
- Momhas4boyzCupertino, California26 contributionsFablous Venue, Highly Recommend Docent ToursWe underestimated how much time we would spend here. This place is big and there is ALOT to see. We took a highlights tour which gave us a brief overview of what this place offers. I highly recommend. We also took an Architecture tour. The docent who gave this tour, Clarence Timberlake was exceptional! So well informed with lots of facts, very engaging with a sense of humor. Just A+. We spent 4 hours here just touching the surface of what this center has to offer. Overall, we had a great time with fabulous docent tours, killer views of the LA area and a nice lunch. Can't beat the admission price - FREE! Highly recommend.Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 17, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
14,748 reviews
Excellent
12,049
Very good
2,205
Average
375
Poor
74
Terrible
46
TweedleDee
Huntsville, AL412 contributions
Feb 2020
This place really is super nice. Beautifully built, lots of marble, beautiful gardens, lots of great art, etc. The only downsides were that one they advertise it is "free" yet it cost $20 to park but even at $20 it is still a worthy visit. The place really is huge with multiple buildings and display so it does take several hours to see it all. Which of course means you will probably get something to eat which once again means be prepared as it won't be cheap.
The artwork and most of the exhibits were excellent, we were there while the Michael Angelo exhibit was going and it was mostly his small sketches that he did preparing to do a painting or sculpture, what I found most interesting is learning how he approached his work and his history.
There was also a photography exhibit that was a joke. How someone tagged many of these photos as being worthy of an art museum is beyond me. There was a picture of a giraffe that has been taken by school kids every day about 1000 times. There were multiple pictures, from expired canisters of film, that were literally nothing more than a white spot or black spot. There was a picture of a woman sitting in front of a TV, one of a plastic dog in a Chinese restaurant and one that was a photographer's self-portrait that was out of focus and red! They were ridiculous and a waste of time. I have seen better photography on Facebook!
But overall, excellent place and worthy of a visit.
The artwork and most of the exhibits were excellent, we were there while the Michael Angelo exhibit was going and it was mostly his small sketches that he did preparing to do a painting or sculpture, what I found most interesting is learning how he approached his work and his history.
There was also a photography exhibit that was a joke. How someone tagged many of these photos as being worthy of an art museum is beyond me. There was a picture of a giraffe that has been taken by school kids every day about 1000 times. There were multiple pictures, from expired canisters of film, that were literally nothing more than a white spot or black spot. There was a picture of a woman sitting in front of a TV, one of a plastic dog in a Chinese restaurant and one that was a photographer's self-portrait that was out of focus and red! They were ridiculous and a waste of time. I have seen better photography on Facebook!
But overall, excellent place and worthy of a visit.
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce M
Athens, Georgia, United States33 contributions
Dec 2019
The Getty is wonderful Museum/Gallery. Go on the website to see what they offer. We saw the Manet exhibit. The entry is free, so if you get dropped off just enter the garage and take the elevator to the tram. If you drive: park your car in the Garage, pay $20 at one of the parking kiosks (You can pay before you take the tram up or after you come back,) then take the tram up to the best Art Museum you will ever see, and I have visited quite a few. Reminder: Check out the website before you go, and take several hours to enjoy. They have some refreshments for sale in the courtyard. Some folks took picnic lunches to enjoy on the expansive lawns.
Written December 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia M
United States23 contributions
Aug 2019
If the views out to the ocean, the stunning architecture and the gorgeous flowers and plant life are not enough to feed your soul, don't worry. There is an art exhibit for everyone! No matter what type of art or art history that you appreciate, you are likely to find one instillation at speaks to you. Don't miss. Just be certain to make a reservation because only a certain # of visitors are allowed per day.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohammad Qutishat
Amman, Jordan2,211 contributions
Jan 2020
It is one of a kind, amazing museums containing beautiful art exhibits from different parts of the world, and the buildings have a really nice design which makes them an art piece on their own.
The mesmerizing garden is truly overwhelming, and when you hear the story about how it was designed you will be even more amazed, so make sure to catch the tour.
The Getty sits on a high hill, and it has a breathtaking view over Los Angeles.
You can enjoy all of that for free and reasonable parking fees.
It is an experience unlike any other, truly a hidden gem, very highly recommend it, don’t miss it and make sure you have enough time to see all of the museums, wander around in the garden and enjoy the view.
The mesmerizing garden is truly overwhelming, and when you hear the story about how it was designed you will be even more amazed, so make sure to catch the tour.
The Getty sits on a high hill, and it has a breathtaking view over Los Angeles.
You can enjoy all of that for free and reasonable parking fees.
It is an experience unlike any other, truly a hidden gem, very highly recommend it, don’t miss it and make sure you have enough time to see all of the museums, wander around in the garden and enjoy the view.
Written December 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phvi2617
Anaheim, CA562 contributions
Nov 2019
The Getty Center is a terrific showcase of great art and architecture. The collections mostly focus on European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts before 1900. They also have an impressive collection of manuscripts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Although the Getty is not an encyclopedic museum, there is certainly plenty of art to enjoy.
Equally impressive is the overall campus, which features contemporary architecture, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of Los Angeles and the coast. Entry is free, though parking is $20 ($10 after 6 PM). They have a very nice (though pricey) cafeteria, a full-service restaurant, and a couple coffee carts in the courtyard.
It's easy to spend several hours here if you're so inclined. Since it is very popular, it is best to get there early to get a decent parking spot and avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
Equally impressive is the overall campus, which features contemporary architecture, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of Los Angeles and the coast. Entry is free, though parking is $20 ($10 after 6 PM). They have a very nice (though pricey) cafeteria, a full-service restaurant, and a couple coffee carts in the courtyard.
It's easy to spend several hours here if you're so inclined. Since it is very popular, it is best to get there early to get a decent parking spot and avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alexisrachelletx
Nashville, TN1,719 contributions
Feb 2020
I'd never been to the Getty Center before I visited it this past weekend when visiting LA with my husband and my brother. While I enjoyed the visit, I don't recommend going on a weekend if you can help it. Here's the situation: the museum is free to visit, but you pay $20 to park (same as Getty Villa). This is fine, except even parking is a chore. It took us about 20 minutes to be able to pull into the parking garage in the afternoon on a Saturday. Then there's a tram that will take you up the hill to the Getty Center. The line for this was insane, so we decided to walk up ourselves. If you're able, I suggest this on busy days: it's a bit steep but pretty and not very long (maybe 10-15 minutes). Once we got up there, we realized that many people come more for the grounds than the museum! Many families had brought picnics with them and set up on the grass with the view of LA in front of them. Smart idea. The grounds and the buildings are beautiful. I wasn't terribly impressed by the collection though. If the museum has any art from 1875 on (except for that in a small temporary exhibition), I must have missed it. The collection wasn't terribly varied and just wasn't my cup of tea, really. The highlights of the museum for me were the temporary exhibitions: "Unseen: 35 Years of Collecting Photographs" and "Kathe Kollwitz: Prints, Process, and Politics"! But I didn't love the museum's permanent collection. It's very crowded and busy on weekends, which doesn't make it the most pleasant place to visit. I'd say the grounds and building are lovely though. If you're visiting LA and only have time for the Getty Villa or the Getty Center, I'm Team Getty Villa all the way.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tenisforus
Williamsburg, VA29 contributions
Feb 2020
We had an all too brief visit of the wonderful art. The architecture is outstanding. We went after 3pm and the parking is reduced to $15. It is $25 before. The museum is free with an audio iPod tour. If you go late you will see an incredible sunset. The views are out standing.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Badger Traveler
Madison, WI193 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
I've visited L.A. many times, seeing the Getty center from the 405 and always wanted to visit. This time, I made it happen and so glad I did. The grounds are gorgeous, the views are spectacular, and the art inspiring. The tram from parking up to the museum is a fun way to start the day. We did find the buildings a little confusing to navigate because we wanted to visit specific displays before the crowds arrived. Kudos for keeping this museum free (other than the big city price to park). You can also get the normal packaged sandwiches, salads, chips, cookies, etc. at the cafes. Choose to eat early or late to avoid long lines. The cafes are not set up for quick service, but rather in a single-threaded line no matter what you want. It didn't seem to be super busy yet it took 20 minutes to get through the line, select our items, and pay. TIP: If you go to the Getty Villa too, you can get a free parking coupon before you leave the Center. A recent study shows that museum, concert, and art center visits increases hour longevity!
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leigh732 Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA53 contributions
Nov 2019
Yes, the views are beautiful, but you can get the same views from many other easier to get to locations.
Yes, the collection is renowned....but the galleries are poorly designed, in my humble opinion. That's why I'm only rating The Getty Center as average...it's the poor gallery design does not complement the actual collection.
The Getty Villa in Malibu is better, featuring the antiquities collection, or of course visit the renowned LA County Museum of Art (LACMA), Broad Museum or Museum of Contemporary art (MOCA), all of which I'd rate higher the The Getty Center.
Yes, the collection is renowned....but the galleries are poorly designed, in my humble opinion. That's why I'm only rating The Getty Center as average...it's the poor gallery design does not complement the actual collection.
The Getty Villa in Malibu is better, featuring the antiquities collection, or of course visit the renowned LA County Museum of Art (LACMA), Broad Museum or Museum of Contemporary art (MOCA), all of which I'd rate higher the The Getty Center.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph A
Warren, NJ126 contributions
Feb 2020
We came to a conference in LA, had a day to look around, never saw the Getty before so we went by Uber. What an amazing place! No entrance charges and a recorded audio tour was gratis (but we needed to leave a driver's license as security- but not a problem). The weather was perfect, the grounds are out of this world wonderful! The buildings , nestled into the hills are spectacular, pleasing to the eye and aesthetics, and integrated well indeed. Upon arrival in the drop off center we saw the first of the sculpture gardens. We then took the tram to the main building complex. The steps had a Maillol sculpture (outstanding), and heralded the further enjoyment. The various buildings housed various collections and everything produced and indoor-outdoor synthesis. We loved the European paintings especially the impressionists. The other Paintings were likewise enjoyable. We also enjoyed the pastels collections and Michelangelo drawings (in a different building. The gardens were spectacular and designed with extraordinary care. Many visitors were stretched out on the lawns enjoying the sun, the sights and picnics. The staff (many volunteers) were very friendly and helpful. A second sculpture garden also showed two Maillol pieces as well as from Moore. from the garden we found a spectacular view of LA from the the high hills vantage. We came early on Saturday, and spent over 5 hours, by which time the number of visitors increased. We could easily have spent the whole day, and we definitely plan to return again.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can I use mobility scooter in the museum for handicapped person
Dutch Brother
Boston, MA574 contributions
Sorry I didn't see your question sooner. Yes, it is all very accessible. There are elevators in every building to get you to every floor. Big rooms with very wide doorways. Very spacious. It's a fantastic museum and free except for parking. Definitely go.
Gustavo A
Guadalajara, Mexico6 contributions
How Long time does the visit to Getty CENTER Take?
brenda19640913
Los Angeles, CA29 contributions
Es tu desicion ya que es dependiendo de cuál es tu interés o de qué te parece interesante puede ser desde una hora hasta todo el día
TravelMom1714
Riverside, CT7 contributions
Do I need to reserve a ticket in advance to go to the museum
Yuhua
Los Angeles, CA22 contributions
No. It is free.
Valentina A
2 contributions
Здравствуйте!Я бы хотела понять как мне из LAX добраться до Центра Гетти.Зараннее благодарю.
Alnaz2004
Kyiv, Ukraine364 contributions
Добрый день! Я планировал поездку через Гугл, но мой друг подбросил меня на машине. От остановки автобуса немного пройти до нижней парковки, а от неё вверх идёт бесплатный фуникулер. Для планирования поездок на общественном транспорте в/по LA я рекомендую вам приложение Citymapper для Андроида оно точно есть.. Я много перемещался на общественном транспорте и оно мне очень помогало.
superbReviewer
Singapore, Singapore116 contributions
How much is the entrance ticket?
DesertFarmer
El Centro, CA128 contributions
Other travelers have already explained that there is no entrance fee- but parking was $20. This is an amazing place - don't miss it.
MKB1701
New York678 contributions
Are there any good restaurants nearby for lunch afterwards?
k e riley
Los Angeles, CA21 contributions
There are several food options within the Getty, ranging from snacks from a coffee cart to a formal restaurant. If you want to leave and eat elsewhere, restaurants are a drive away. Traffic at lunchtime should be lighter than during the afternoon build up (but beware of the early rush on Fridays). I often pack a picnic lunch and the Getty grounds are a very pleasant place to sit and enjoy it. Hope this helps!
krys_topher
Los Angeles, CA90 contributions
Is there a picnic area? Or can you bring a picnic basket and sit on the grass?
The_Getty_Team
Los Angeles
Yes, you can!
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Claim your listingThe Getty Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Getty Center
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience The Getty Center:
- Private Group Los Angeles City and Getty Museum Tour (From $299.00)
- California Coast and Canyons Helicopter Tour 35 Minutes (From $395.00)
- LA Helicopter Tour with Malibu Landing (From $875.00)
- Hollywood & Beaches Helicopter Tour 50 Minutes (From $495.00)
- Demystifying Art at The Getty ---Two Hours (From $250.00)
- Hotels near The Getty Center:
- (0.48 mi) Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel
- (0.45 mi) Hotel Angeleno
- (1.75 mi) UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center
- (1.75 mi) Hotel Bel-Air
- (1.35 mi) The Brentwood Inn
- Restaurants near The Getty Center:
- (0.06 mi) Getty Center Restaurant
- (0.07 mi) The Cafe
- (0.16 mi) Dining At The Getty
- (0.16 mi) Garden Terrace Cafe
- (0.47 mi) West Restaurant and Lounge
- Attractions near The Getty Center:
- (0.16 mi) Museum Hack LA
- (4.99 mi) Santa Monica Pier
- (0.45 mi) Luxe Hotels Sanctuary Spa
- (3.14 mi) La La Tours
- (3.45 mi) The Escape Game LA