Visit the Getty Center in Los Angeles

Jean Paul Getty — a magnate and the first person in history to earn a billion dollars. He invested a lot of money in various enterprises, among which is the Getty Center and the villa in Malibu. It houses one of the most impressive collections of European art.

The J. Paul Getty Museum started with a private collection of the oil magnate and was housed for many years in a Roman-style villa in Malibu, which is now the Getty Villa. Today's Getty Museum occupies 750 acres of land in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Here are some interesting facts about the center:

• The Getty Center houses such a large collection of artworks that it takes five separate buildings organized in chronological order to display them.
• The ground floor of each building is dedicated to sculptures and decorative arts, while paintings are located upstairs.
• The Getty Museum in Los Angeles mainly exhibits pre-twentieth-century artworks by artists like Rembrandt and Van Gogh. It also has an impressive collection of antiquities displayed at the Getty Villa in Malibu.
• The most famous exhibit at the Getty Museum is Van Gogh's "Irises," which the museum acquired in 1990.
• Each gallery has computer-controlled shades on the ceiling that limit the amount of natural light entering the gallery. Combined with a system of cool and warm artificial lighting, the system makes it easier to view paintings in the same natural light they were painted in.

Why visit the Getty Villa

The J. Paul Getty Museum aims to inspire curiosity and provide the enjoyment of visual arts. It collects and preserves artworks of outstanding quality and historical importance. All these activities are supported by the unique architectural and garden surroundings provided by the museum's two famous sites: the Getty Villa and the Getty Center.

As a museum and educational center dedicated to the study of art and culture of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria, the Getty Villa serves a diverse audience through exhibitions. The villa houses about 44,000 works of art from an extensive collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities.

How the tour will proceed

• Transfer to the Museum
  The tour begins with your transfer from the hotel or another convenient location. We organize a comfortable car ride to the Getty Museum and Research Center, located in the picturesque area of Malibu. The drive takes about an hour, during which our guide will share interesting facts about California and its cultural heritage.
• Introduction to the Museum
  Upon arrival at the Getty Museum, our guide will meet you at the entrance and provide a brief introduction about John Paul Getty — the museum's founder, and the history of this remarkable institution. You will learn about the museum's collections and how it became one of California's leading cultural landmarks.
• Overview of Ancient Collections
  We will start our tour by visiting the halls of ancient art. You will see unique collections of Roman, Greek, and Etruscan artifacts. Our guide will provide detailed information about each exhibit, its historical significance, and cultural value. The halls feature sculptures, ceramics, mosaics, and other artifacts that give an insight into the life and culture of ancient civilizations.
• Getty Villa
  Next, we will explore the Getty Villa itself, built in the style of an ancient Roman villa. You will marvel at the architectural details, courtyards, and gardens restored with great care and attention to detail. The guide will explain the reconstruction process and how it was envisioned by John Paul Getty.
• Gardens and Open Spaces
  After touring the villa, we will stroll through the museum's beautiful gardens. The Getty Gardens are not only a place for relaxation but also a part of the cultural heritage. You will see fountains, sculptures, and rare plants, and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. The guide will share information about each garden, its significance, and features.
• Research Center
  The tour continues at the Getty Research Center, where you will learn about the scientific research conducted here. We will visit laboratories and archives where artworks are stored and studied. The guide will explain modern methods of restoration and preservation of cultural heritage.
• Transfer Back
  The tour concludes at the museum cafe, where you can enjoy a light lunch or a cup of coffee, discuss what you've seen, and ask the guide any questions. After this, you will be transported back to your hotel or another convenient location.

Terms and Conditions

Main provisions:

• The minimum cost is calculated for a group of up to 3 people. You can find out the exact cost by contacting us so that we can calculate it based on your details.
• Travel time includes possible delays due to road conditions, but the duration will not be less than the specified time.
• The cost of the tour may vary depending on the season.

Prepayment and Booking:

• 100% prepayment when booking 1-7 days before the trip.
• 50% prepayment when booking 8 days or more in advance.
• Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, American Express (Amex), PayPal, WIRE Transfers.

Additionally:

• Entrance tickets to museums and the cost of accommodation for the guide are paid separately.
• For comfort, no more than 5 people are recommended in the car.
• Tips for the guide are not obligatory and can be left at your discretion.