Roman, Greek and Etruscan art spanning 4000 plus years right here in Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles with breathtaking views of the gorgeous Pacific? Free admission? No way!! After driving past the world renowned Getty Villa so many times on the 405 Freeway I finally made it to this absolutely stunning gem. I was joined by my three very curious and ready to travel and conquer the world granddaughters who had read up on this. No guide needed. This replica of a First Century Roman Country house that was buried under Mt Vesuvius also had a coincidental close call with the recent fires In the area and came back stronger. Behold the lovely Roman style gardens that feature plants and herbs from the Mediterranean; the mosaic floors and the classical fountains in this calm and serene environment. There are over 1400 spectacular pieces of art( pottery, jewelry, statues and sculptures) plus an outdoor theater for special events and plays. Please do set aside 2 and a 1/2 to 3 hours to truly enjoy the entire experience. You also have to just sit in the gardens and take in the fresh air and the views. Goose bumps and conversations for days. Online timed reservations that are gratis. Parking is $25 and drops $10 after 3 pm.( you have to wrap things up by 4:30 pm). Closed on Tuesdays. There is a nice cafe on the villa campus. There is something for every age group. This truly was a WOW experience. read more

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As an LA native, this remains at the top of my family's favorite museums in our entire city and we love bringing over friends and family here when they come to visit to impress them with its stunning beauty. Built to be a 1:1 replica of a destroyed villa from Mt. Vesuvius at Herculaneum, Mr. Getty really did his thing with this one!! I personally find the architecture of this museum to be its best part because it feels like you've been transported back into Ancient Rome before the eruption. The museum itself contains antiquities from Ancient Greece, Rome, and other societies both pre-dating the two civilizations from the same region as well as those that existed at the same time in different regions (Egypt) in an effort to put antiquity in context. Parking here is $25 and the gift shop always contains some fun gems. read more

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Awesome place to visit on a Sunday morning. I got the FREE tickets online to secure the time spot. You need to present the tickets at the first stop. You can bring your own lunch/snacks. They will inspect your bag and go through security style screening. The Villa is on multiple levels and it is handicap friendly. There are multiple lifts to take you to the various places in the Villa. The Villa has a middle garden with galleries all around it. Everyone working here is super friendly and attentive. The parking price is $25.00, and you can pay at the exit where you got screened to enter. There are also pay machines by the elevator. Make sure to download the app and bring headphones so you can listen to the information. You cannot use the app without the headphones. They have a cafe and restaurant at the museum. I will definitely return. read more

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This had been on my bucket list for years! So after the recent remodel, I had to check it out. Admission is free but you do need to book a timed-entry entrance via the website and parking is $25. My friend and I signed up for a tour which was well worth it. The grounds and exhibits are beautiful. Lots of opportunities for ig pics. Lots of books in the gift shop too. There's a cute family area where one can make their own hieroglyphics, even fun for an adult! Due to timing, we decided to check out the food at the café rather than drive out to a different location. My burger was decent albeit expensive. Would i eat here again, probably not but it's not a bad option dining al fresco. read more

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A beautiful and organized museum. FREE - reserve your tix online with lots of available time slots to choose from. Parking is $25..worth it! We took the architecture and garden tour and our guide Bonnie was so nice and knowledgeable! You listen through earpieces so you don't have to struggle to hear. Highly recommend. The museum architecture is based on a Pompeii villa and is filled with lots of artifacts from Pompeii. From storage vessels to jewelry, plaster paintings, and sculptures. With two levels of rooms to explore, You can get lost in the amazing details!! The gardens are beautifully maintained. You a get lost in all the marble details- spectacular! Great way to spend your day. read more

The Getty Villa - Map of the grounds - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pacific Palisades, California

Gorgeous museum space and lovely outdoor gardens. The museum is full of ancient sculptures and history. It's great for a free thing to do, we just paid to park after reserving our ticket online. read more

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Getty Villa is a wonderful experience and great activity if you are looking for something to do. Tickets are free, but you must make a reservation online in advance. However upon arrival, nobody ever scanned or asked for the tickets. Parking is in a very large structure, you will take a series of elevators to reach the entrance. This part was a bit confusing, as there is no staff directing visitors are giving out maps. We initially felt unsure of where to go and just started exploring on our own. Thankfully, we came across a very nice staff member who provided guidance and offered a private tour! Learning about the statue of Hercules and learning about its history was especially beautiful and interesting. The property itself is large and hard to see in one visit . The gardens are definitely the standout feature! It includes fountains, plenty of flowers and amazing sent through. There are also great photo spots, including areas on higher floors that offer great views. Overall, this was a great enjoyable experience ! I would highly recommend the Getty Villa if you're looking for something memorable and cost-effective. read more

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Fun experience. Take the tours to get the real deal information on what you're actually seeing. It's definitely a learning experience and I have taken back with me more knowledge than what I had going into this museum. staff are friendly. parking is $25. Admission is free'ish read more

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If you are a tourist coming to LA or you just want to go on a cute date with your partner or a family outing, come here. It's a very pretty place to go on a stroll and learn about different ancient artifacts and statues. It's super pretty and interesting to come here. The gardens are my favorite. Very very pretty!! The room with statues is my favorite room! If you have kids, they have a kids play area where you can decorate a piece of paper with stencils. It is a free place just have to pay for parking. read more

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The Getty Villa has been a destination for art appreciation since 1952, more than 3 quarters of a century ago. Smaller than her big sister, The Getty Center, but still hitting hard with its carefully curated pieces from across Rome, Greece, and Etruria. The intimate atmosphere is a true highlight of the Villa, with its feelings of visiting a Mediterranean estate in the rolling hills of the countryside, overlooking the ocean with breath stealing vistas and photo opportunities. Please do not visit the Villa with the idea to rush through; that is not the point of smaller installations like this. I find that allowing extra time for your visit will bring about more deep and thoughtful rumination's later on as you reflect upon what you witnessed during your tour. That hand-painted terracota vase with funerary scenes that caught your eye? It was crafted in Athens more than 700 years before Christ was born. Or how about the Roman statue of Venus Gentrix? Lovingly created just shy of a millennium ago, her shape has been recreated again & again over the many centuries. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Admission Price: Free! Café: Perfect for refreshments & lite bites. I really enjoyed their Kristy marshmallow square that was big enough for 3 people to share. Parking: $25 (standard), $15 (after 3pm), $10 (after 6pm). A "Pay Once, Park Twice" deal allows same-day parking at both the Villa & Getty Center for one fee.  Tickets: Book online at getty.edu to register for your reserved admission. This is required, just as it is for the Center , to keep foot traffic light and allow for better guest enjoyment. Volunteer Docents: These ulvolunteers undergo extensive training to provide educational, interactive experiences, helping to engage the public in art, science, and history. Feel free to pick their brains to ask any question you may have about the Villa! I wish that I had the chance to visit this location more often! I suffer from mobility issues due to a broken back and chronic pain. This location is very friendly to those like me that need ramps, lifts, and extra places to take a small rest around the estate. There is also plentiful spaces for handicapped parking immediately next to the entrance elevators. read more

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My husband knows how much I love museums, so he planned our Valentine's Day date at the Getty Villa and it could not have been more perfect. It felt thoughtful, intimate, and a little cinematic from the start. From the beautifully curated entrance to the textured cement walls and stunning open air design, I was completely blown away. Every step felt intentional. The history, the architecture, the symmetry, the attention to detail. It's one of those places where you can feel the artistry before you even read a single plaque. We used the Getty app for the guided tour, which was incredibly simple to follow. Each exhibit has a small number next to a play button, so you just match your location in the app and press play. It made the experience immersive without feeling overwhelming. I loved being able to listen to the stories behind the artifacts while standing right in front of them. We took the most beautiful photos and spent time sitting by the fountain, just taking it all in. The view overlooking the Pacific Ocean truly elevates the entire experience. It feels sophisticated but relaxed. And yes, it is absolutely high heel friendly. You can wear your finest linens and feel perfectly at home. We stayed just under two hours and covered almost every inch without feeling rushed. It was the sweetest Valentine's date and such a refined way to spend the afternoon. We will definitely be returning. read more

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This place has so much to offer whether it's classical art, architecture, food, or wine. It really has everything. The views are breathtaking and feels like a nice getaway from the world. They also have a great gift shop with very friendly workers inside. read more

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What a beautiful place. Come early and start with a cup of coffee from the coffee cart and maybe a croissant. The cafe has a wide variety of dishes perfect for a quick lunch. It's so peaceful and the gardens are breathtaking. Highly recommend it. read more

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As there are thousands of activities in LA to choose from, the Getty Villa may get overlooked a bit but it's definitely worth the trip. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and the museum has a lot of interesting artifacts and information. As a whole, everything was done very well. There are a few things you should know before you go: 1. The museum is free however parking is $25 (card only). This should not come as a surprise as almost nothing is free these days. 2. While there are plenty of stairs to climb, there are elevators and ramps everywhere so it's accessible for wheelchairs or walkers. 3. As per Mr. Getty, the museum & villa is a replica and display his collection of ancient artifacts. Keep in mind Mr. Getty had a vision, please try to appreciate that. 4. There is a cafe on site. It is on the pricey side. If you don't want to pay a higher amount for a meal or snack, then don't eat there, just plan accordingly. 5. This museum is not kid friendly. There is too much reading, nothing interactive or hands on. Anyone under the age of 12 especially will be bored out of their mind. I would highly recommend not bringing your children. 6. My only negative is the staff aren't the friendliest of folk. Mostly they just ignore you but it's best to set your expectations low. read more

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Incredible tourist destination right off the PCH. The history of the Getty family is fascinating, add into that the Roman history recreated at the Villa and you get magic. We came on a dreary, overcast day in LA. Locals told us both Getty excursions are worth it. You can see the ocean from up at the top. We did the garden and architecture guided tour, which led us through the Villa itself (a replication of a villa in Herculaneum, buried by a volcano around 79 BCE) and the surrounding gardens. I was particularly wowed by a pomegranate tree. Not sure I'd ever seen one before. Beautiful, twisted trunk. The bay laurel trees are stunning, too. The surrounding buildings and architecture are very well done. Modern, but complimentary to the villa. Entry is free, but parking is $25. Carpool and do it. I totally recommend doing the guided tours. You can just walk yourself around but learning the historical significance of everything makes the feat of this place all the more impressive. read more

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Set on PCH close to the beach, this place is gorgeous inside and out! I thoroughly enjoyed my day and visit here. So much art and history and a beautiful grounds area! I really enjoyed the beautiful plants, waterfalls, outdoor areas like the coliseum replica, and the overall beauty of the place. NICE to step outside in between my day learning or grab a bit to eat and sit outside. I enjoyed my visit here much more than the Getty Museum, but I think that's just because the grounds were so nature-y and breath taking all around :) Lot's of beautiful artifacts here. I recommend coming when they open so you have plenty of time to enjoy it and are not rushed. I came on a weekday and did online reservation tickets for timed entry, even though it was free. Parking is about $25. The address in google maps takes you to the old gate, and then you have to go all the way around as they wont let you u turn or come in that way so FYI. Do register for tickets online as they can fill up and turn people away. read more

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What a unique experience -- definitely worth checking out at least once! Admission is free, though parking is a bit pricey at $25 per car. I spent about an hour exploring the entire Villa; it's not very large, but you'll get to see plenty of interesting exhibits and learn about its history. Make sure to snap a photo by the iconic large fountain! Not sure I'd come back since I feel like I've seen everything, but I'd totally recommend it to anyone looking for a free (well, sort of) or more affordable activity in LA. read more

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The last time I was out here was about 10 years ago. At that time I was taken to the Getty Villa and it has stuck with me ever since. So, when my wife and I came out this year I told her this was one place we had to absolutely see. Everything about this villa is beautiful. The gardens are immaculate, the art is stunning, and the staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Plus, it's free. Of course you have to pay to park but it's not that expensive. If you were in the area this is definitely someplace you should check out. I would not recommend it for kids because it would probably be boring, but for those who can appreciate the art and gardens, it will not disappoint read more

The Getty Villa - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pacific Palisades, California

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It's free except parking but hey it's still worth it if in Malibu Really great villa which who doesn't have an open amphitheater in their house? This place does! Connected to the other Getty since it's the same person who has this villa turned into a museum along with the money he had to continue its growth It's a fun side trek when in the area read more

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Not sure if this is unpopular/controversial opinion, but definitely my favorite of the two Gettys! May be a bit further of a drive, especially with me coming from Long Beach, but I'll use any excuse to take a cruise up PCH. The only price you have to pay is $25 flat for all day parking, otherwise grab free tickets online from their official website, reservations are open for entrance by 30 minute time slots. Open every day except Tuesdays, we came on Christmas Eve which was still fully staffed albeit with holiday hours. The Getty Villa is Jay Getty's loving homage to the opulent Roman architecture of old, making the house and its gorgeous courtyards as much of the attraction of the museum as the ancient artifacts they store. There's a rotating featured exhibit on the second floor, which is currently displaying burial items from a newly uncovered Mycenaean tomb for the first time in the United States. My personal favorites were the Hall of Colored Marbles and the Outer Peristyle - we came on a rainy day, but when the sky finally opened up, seeing all that garden symmetry with the ocean in the background was just too beautiful for words. read more

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This is my to go place to relax and clear my mind but recently people come here to make trouble and it's not as quiet as it used to be so I'm sad! The management doesn't care either. read more

Came here before the fires on a work outing. Parking is a trek/ mission Idk price as I didn't pay Every exhibit / display etc was so freakin boring I took Greek Hx in undergrad & still didn't jive while I weirdly awkwardly stared at plaster heads Plus there was no cell phone service at all for my Sprint T-Mobile Clean bathrooms Views are beautiful Tbh I'm not an art museum type Despite that I went to an arts HS , but I just don't connect & vibe w/ art museum stuff The food/ drink areas were vast & comfy My chicken salad was yummers , big full fluffy & slathered w/ yogurt type dressing My iced coffee tasty My coworkers food: Charcuterie box Hummus Tiramisu They liked it Idk prices as I didn't pay I'll never return even if you paid me lol I'll recommend only for the views read more

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We got a reservation online which was free but parking was $25. I don't think there is an alternate to paying this as the villa is on a hill with no street parking. The villa was so beautiful and had way more artifacts than I thought there would be! The water was stunning as well and I learned a lot of history from the museum too. It wasn't too crowded either. Overall was a wonderful way to spend a calm Saturday! read more

The Getty Villa - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pacific Palisades, California

I forgot to write my experience at the Getty Villa. We went there in July on a beautiful day. There are two Getty locations, one is called the Getty Center (in the hills), and one is the Getty Villa (near the ocean). The one we went to is near the ocean. The Getty Villa Museum is an educational center and an art museum located at the eastern end of the Malibu coast in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, north of Santa Monica, and displays ancient Greek and Roman art in a recreated Roman house. We have been to the Getty Villa a few times, but our last time was back in 2019. The admission is free, but you need to reserve tickets at your preferred entry time. Parking fee is $25 per car or motorcycle; $15 after 3 pm. For evening events, parking is $10 after 6 pm. Our reservation time was 3 p.m. We got there around 3:30 p.m. after we went to Santa Monica. We explored the 4,000 years of ancient art, from the Stone Age to the final days of the Roman Empire. The second floor has temporary exhibitions featuring works of art from museums around the world and the Getty's own collections. We also enjoyed the Villa's largest garden. We liked the reflecting pool and the colonnaded walkways, with views of the Pacific Ocean. We spent about 1.5 hours there. Highly recommended to go there no matter you love arts like me or you run out of activity ideas on the weekend. It's also one of the beautiful attractions in LA. read more

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The Getty Villa is absolutely stunning and feels like stepping into another world. From the moment you walk in, the architecture, gardens, and water features transport you straight to ancient Greece and Rome. Every detail--from the columns and courtyards to the fountains and statues--is beautifully curated and incredibly peaceful. The outdoor spaces alone are worth the visit. The reflecting pools, sculptures, and manicured gardens create such a calm, almost cinematic atmosphere. It's one of those places where you can take your time, walk slowly, and really soak everything in. The views paired with the sound of water make it feel like a retreat rather than a museum. Inside, the exhibits are thoughtfully laid out and easy to enjoy, even if you're not an art or history expert. Everything feels intentional, educational, and immersive without being overwhelming. Admission being free (with reservation) is amazing considering how world-class the experience is. Whether you're visiting solo, with friends, or hosting out-of-town guests, this is one of those LA spots that never disappoints. I'd absolutely come back again. read more

The Getty Villa - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pacific Palisades, California

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This a bit of an overdue review, however, if you're anywhere near the Malibu/Pacific Palisades area, do not miss The Getty Villa! It's not just a museum--it's an experience. The architecture alone is worth the visit; it feels like stepping into an ancient Roman villa, complete with gorgeous gardens, marble columns, and coastal views that are truly breathtaking. We spent a few hours here when we visited, but honestly, you could make a full day of it if you take your time. The collection focuses on Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities, and even if you're not a huge history buff, it's hard not to be fascinated by the incredible statues, mosaics, and ancient jewelry on display. Everything is curated beautifully and thoughtfully. read more

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So sad to see this is Closed currently, but can't wait to revisit. This museum is a really special gem of Los Angeles. Tucked into the hillside along the Pacific Coast Highway this museum offers a rich history of artwork ranging from sculptures, furniture, to the finest of paintings. Not as large as the main Getty', the Getty villa is a much more intimate museum. That said it features a huge garden with a massive pool/fountain, and is surrounded by a Roman feeling outdoor villa. The artwork inside is precious, I could speak of it all day, but I will spare you with that and let you see for yourself. Maybe not the best place to take kids, but a rally great spot to go with adult family and friends read more

The Getty Villa - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pacific Palisades, California

We visited Pacific Pass this past weekend and had a really pleasant experience overall. The atmosphere was calm and well-organized, which made it easy to walk around and actually enjoy everything without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It wasn't overcrowded at all, which we really appreciated. The people there were genuinely nice and welcoming, which made a big difference. It's always refreshing to go somewhere where the staff and vendors are friendly and approachable. There were a variety of things to look at, and while it's not as extensive as larger places like the Getty Center in West Los Angeles, it still offers a solid and enjoyable selection. Parking was $15, which felt reasonable for the convenience. Everything ran smoothly, and we didn't have any issues getting in or out. Overall, it was a very pleasurable experience. It's a great spot if you're looking for something relaxed, enjoyable, and not too crowded. Would definitely consider going back. read more

The Getty Villa - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pacific Palisades, California

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The Getty Villa was such a pleasant surprise! The grounds and villa are well done, offers a very nice cafe, gift shop, and free guided tours by learned docents. We took the architecture and garden tour and our guide was wonderful! We learned about the villa, ancient Roman culture, Greek mythology and the Getty legacy. Entrance is free, but parking was $25. Worth every penny and more. If you're visiting LA, add Getty Villa to your list. It's closed on Tuesday, but open on Monday, when the Getty Museum is closed. read more

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A visit to the Getty Villa feels like stepping into another world. The museum itself is free to enter (you just reserve a timed ticket), which makes it one of the best cultural experiences in Los Angeles for the price. Parking costs $25, but once you're inside, it feels completely worth it. The grounds are the real highlight. The gardens are beautifully designed with fountains, flowers, and quiet pathways that feel almost Roman in style. Everywhere you turn there are elegant marble statues, ancient artifacts, and perfectly framed courtyards. The architecture alone is stunning, modeled after an ancient Roman villa. What really makes the place special are the views and atmosphere. Looking out toward the surrounding hills while wandering through peaceful gardens makes it feel calm and timeless. It's an easy place to spend a few hours just walking, exploring, and taking it all in. read more

Here's a few more pictures I took on my camera that I forgot to add. Beautiful place to visit! read more

The Getty Villa - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pacific Palisades, California

Absolutely stunning inside and out. The attention to detail and the pure scale of the property was incredible- a real feat of engineering and craftsmanship! The artifacts were awe inspiring and the real mummy was very interesting. For the small price of parking we enjoyed a beautiful, educational visit. read more

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This museum is absolutely amazing. The architecture, landscape and location are all stunning. You feel like you are transported to another country after stepping onto the property. The overall theme perfectly matches and the amount of iconic artwork and statues blew my mind. I'd honestly say I prefer over the regular Getty. Would highly recommend. read more

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I have been to the Getty Villa, and every time I have, I have known love for knowledge and space.On every past visit I have also allowed myself to imagine that one day I would see a show at their Pompei inspired amphitheater. Yesterday, the wish was fulfilled, not sure why I never blew a candle in the hopes of its birth. I saw Oedipus, King Mama in its open air theater. For that I am grateful for the opportunity (I felt like a Roman Emperor for a spill of time), I am grateful for the firefighters and other respondents who did not allow the flames of the recent fires to engulf the sacred space. And I am also grateful for the ghosts that I believe are attached to the antiquities of the joint because nights like the one I lived yesterday can only be explained by the magic of good hearted specters. My date for the show was my buddy Conrad. We made a point to be there at 6:00 p.m. It was Conrad's first time and i wanted him to have the opportunity to view the collection of the Villa, even if he only viewed part of the whole. Unfortunately, none of the galleries were open. So we were only able to see the external parts of the second floor but of course that was more than enough because the view from the Villa allowed us to partake in the blue waters of the Palisades and Malibu. And I do not need to tell you that the blue seascape of the Palisades is almost crystal clear in its shade and hue and so expansive that the edge reaches no end. In an attempt to be artistic and layered I took pictures of the eve when the sun was out, as it was setting (a la twilight) and post set when the Villa was covered by night time glow. Walking back to the car, when the gardens and the pools were ensconced by evening shadows made me feel like I was Jasmine or, more accurately, Persephone, on an evening stroll before I slept till morrow. It was a palacials stroll to absorb because I am not sure when I would get the chance a new to stroll the grounds on evening sight. During this time I took a picture of lights, and I am not sure if I moved my phone a lot or the ghosts of the joint felt playful, but the resulting picture was different wiggles of night. Moments like this are beautiful because they can never be replicated because they were never imagined in the first place. Seating in the open air seats was the primary reason why I went to the show. And sitting there, was in itself an experience to enjoy. I got to see different people walk to find their seats. I saw a fellow show goer trip in the dash to claim a seat. It happens. Conrad and I sat on the edge aisles of the theater. He wanted to sit in the middle but sitting in the side made me feel like I had a balcony seat. We were not allowed to take pictures during the show. But to confirm that I did see a show I took picture of the sound and music guys that make the music spell work behind the scenes. As, I sat and viewed the show, I looked up at sky that lacked stars. I saw only three of four stars in the sky. But looking up at the sky, from the seats of theater, and smelling the sea salt in the breeze, was being alive in a quiet way that still felt loud. It was like hearing a whistle whose melody was meant for you as the perfect splash of warm water hit your face. Meaning that the moment was an accumulation of all the small paths that led me to a moment where I knew peace through all my senses. And I also knew comfort because the red temporary seats pictured below were sturdy and comfortable. Like you could recline in the temporary seats and the chair did not feel like I was going to break. So the seats were sturdy and supported the whole vibe of the place, not just my big back. The food at the cafe was solid. We had braised beef tamales. We had a Mezze place to embrace the Greek theme of the eve. They were not splendid bites but better than typical. The cafe had complimentary water which is always a good deal. Overall, I went to view a version of a Greek Tragedy and what I experienced was a modern day fairy tale--- the Verbose Yelper and the Temple of Knowledge and Delight! read more

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The Getty Villa is a beautiful small museum of Greek and Roman art. The architecture of the museum and gardens is stunning. It is made to look like a Roman country house. I love the courtyard and pool at the entrance of the museum. I highly recommend visiting here, if you like art. Admission to the museum is free, but you need to reserve your timed-entry reservation. Parking is $15. There is a gift shop and café. There are plenty of bathrooms. read more

Went to tea at Getty Villa for my best friend's birthday. There were 4 of us. We had the most sensational food and service. The tearoom is intimate with an incredible view of the property and ocean. You would have thought we were the only ones there. Before we could ask for something, it was in front of us. The staff was extremely friendly, fun and accommodating. The food was outstanding and beautifully presented. We had some special dietary restrictions and no problem. Special sandwiches were made to meet those needs. One of my favorite things to do is have high tea. The Villa is now top on my list. Before and after our tea we went through the Villa's exhibits, tours and gardens. The day could not have been more perfect. read more

I had a wonderful time on a beautiful summer day at the Getty Villa. We brought an out of town guest to see the beautiful grounds and artifacts and sculptures this villa has to offer. She had never been to the Getty Villa and was amazed by all the beauty of this museum. I made reservations prior to coming to the Villa to ensure parking. The entrance to the museum was free and parking was minimum. This is a wonderful place for pictures and entertainment of the museum. The cafe was open as well as the gift shop. Down load the app and listen to the history of the artifacts. This is a walkable tour with access to elevators throughout the museum. read more

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The Art of the Matter We were looking for a way to kill a few hours before our flight out of LAX and, while we've been to The Getty, didn't realize The Getty Villa even existed. While The Getty is deals with mostly European art, The Getty Villa deals in "...the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria." The Good: *Free!! Well, kinda... more on that later *Great location in the Palisades, less than a mile from the coast and the PCH. *Love their well-manicured garden *Very interesting gift shop *Fairly large museum, as the property sits on sixty-acres and the museum has multiple buildings, as well as multiple levels chock full of stuff. *Staff was friendly The Meh: *It's free but not free as there's actually a $25 parking fee, which is really a steal because even for only two people it still comes out to $12.5/ea which is unheard of in this day and age. For example, the Guggenheim & SFMOMA both charge $30/adult and the Getty Villa is probably just as good as both of those. The Ugly: *They still require you to make a reservation. Not sure if this is a Covid holdover but it is what it is. We had some kind of snafu trying to schedule our time, and the reservation never made it thru. But, they still let us in regardless so... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Conclusion: If you're into ancient art and/or gardens then this is a must-see. read more

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I am happy to hear that the Getty Villa successfully withstood the flames of the recent fire. The fireproofing on the property is on another level. This survival showcases the true testament of J. Paul Getty's wish to reimagine a modernized Pompeii (that doesn't burn down)! (Before the Palisades Fire) This museum holds a thorough display of Roman art collections, along with many other collected pieces from various historical civilizations of the Mediterranean Sea. Mr. Getty had a seriously good eye for art curation! A tasteful sculpture garden welcomes guests who walk in through the entrance, which is reminiscent of European summer palaces. The exhibitions are an educational experience: walking through it takes one chronologically through time in relevant regions and eras. There is a lovely summary video that explains J. Paul Getty's vision, along with highlighted artifacts (which I made a mental checklist of to ensure I saw everything) Don't forget to check out the views of the garden from the second floor balcony and the amphitheater on the side of the property! Honestly, with the amount of detail that went into designing the entire property as well as the art curation process, I would've expected to pay an admission fee. It's free as of this writing :) I would love to return again sometime and look forward to the Getty Villa reopening. read more

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We love this place. The Getty Villa is absolutely breathtaking! From the moment you step onto the grounds, it feels like you've been transported to ancient Rome. The architecture, gardens, and ocean views are stunning, and everything is so thoughtfully designed that you can easily spend hours just wandering. The art and artifacts are curated beautifully--there's such a rich mix of ancient Greek and Roman pieces, and the galleries are set up in a way that makes you feel immersed in history. I especially loved how peaceful the courtyards and fountains are; it's the perfect place to slow down and soak in the atmosphere. On top of all that, admission is free (just need to reserve a time slot), and parking is very reasonable for the experience you get. The staff and volunteers are friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the museum. Whether you're an art lover, history buff, or just want a gorgeous and inspiring place to spend the day, the Getty Villa is a must-visit in Los Angeles. We've visited many times already, yet I can't wait to come back again. It's a great place for a date. read more

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