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The Getty Villa is one of the two Getty Museums in Los Angeles County and this location is the original Getty Museum. The museum started as a small museum gallery in 1954. Later the museum went through new construction with an architectural design inspired by the Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum and opened to the public in 1974. The Getty Villa moved a portion of its collection to the Getty Center when the center opened in 1997 and the villa focused only on Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art thereafter. The villa underwent a major renovation from 1997 to 2006 and eventually reopened to the public in 2006 as what you see now. The villa was shut down for 6 months to clean up the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in January 2025. [Admission]: Free admission, but visitors are required to purchase tickets online, pick time slots on the website, and show their online tickets upon driving into the villa. [Parking]: Parking is $25 per car or motorcycle and $15 after 3 PM. For evening events, parking is $10 after 6 PM. [What to see - outdoor]: The Outer Peristyle is the main attraction that everyone comes to see with a 220-foot-long reflecting pool. There is also the Herb Garden, the East Garden, and the Inner Peristyle with a small reflecting pool and laurel trees. [What to see - indoor]: The art collection is only two floors and it is all in one building. Greek Art / Etruscan Art are located on the 1st floor and Roman Art is located on the 2nd floor. Some of the highlights include The Lansdowne Hercules (Gallery 108), Victorious Athlete / Youth (Gallery 111), Caeretan Hydria (not currently on display), Mummy Portrait of Isidora (Gallery 210), Sarcophagus with Scenes from the Life of Achilles (Gallery 213), etc. [Guided tour]: The villa offers various free guided tours and the staff recommended that visitors arrive 15 minutes before the tour time. All tours start right across from the gift shop and they are first come first served (capped at 20 people for our tours). The staff gave us one portable Bluetooth audio device per person so everyone was able to hear the guide clearly even from a distance. Our party did the "Exploring the Villa's Architecture & Gardens Tour" at 11:15 AM and the "Art & Site Tour" at 1:30 PM. Unfortunately, I didn't realize there was some overlap between the two tours and our party ended up seeing the Herb Garden twice during our visit. [Cafe]: Can't exactly say I was impressed with the selection. Our party got chickpea hummus & pita for $11.60 and it tasted alright. [Garden Tea Service]: Reservations required - Thursday and Saturday only. Inquire at the information desk. Visitors can book a reservation on OpenTable and the price is $66.95 per person (not including sales tax and an 18% service charge). [Conclusion]: In the end, our party stayed for approximately 5 hours. Overall the Getty Villa is not as good as the Getty Center due to (1) its smaller footprint, (2) its focus only on Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art which I am not as interested in, and (3) too much redundancy in the guided tours. This is a great museum to visit for any first time visitors, but it is hard to see myself revisiting the villa unless there are new exhibits in the future that fit my interests. P.S. - There is a small pamphlet with a self-guided tour highlighting scenes from the Odyssey through various artworks.
Takes a bit to get here from Studio City but totally worth it. The villa has a lot to take in. The lovely outdoor space with beautiful views was the perfect place to take a break and recharge. We got our free tickets ahead of time on their website but had to pay for parking on site.
The Getty Villa is both an educational center and an art museum located at the eastern end of the Malibu coast in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, California. As one of the two campuses of the J. Paul Getty Museum, it is dedicated to the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. Its collection includes 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities dating from 6,500 BC to 400 AD, featuring notable pieces such as the Lansdowne Heracles and the Victorious Youth. The Getty Villa was founded by businessman and art collector J. Paul Getty (1892-1976). We visited the Getty Villa on June 8, 2026, and found it to be an excellent family-friendly destination. Admission is free, with only a $25 parking fee, making it an affordable outing. The museum's collection is truly breathtaking, showcasing everything from sculptures and mummies to jewelry and sarcophagi - each piece telling a remarkable story. We spent about two hours exploring on our own, which seemed just right, taking time to read the exhibits and capture photos. The gift shop offered a variety of unique items, and we stopped at the Café for a small snack. While the Café was a bit overpriced, it was still a nice break. Overall, the Getty Villa is a wonderful and memorable place to visit. It's inspiring to see how Getty chose to share such extraordinary art and history with the public. Highly recommended!
Absolutely loved the Getty Villa. Half a century ago, J. Paul Getty rebuilt this Roman-style villa on the Malibu coast, inspired by the ancient Villa of the Papyri, to showcase his collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. The architecture is beautiful -- Roman frescoes, marble columns, peaceful gardens, and sculptures throughout the villa make you feel like you've stepped back in time. The cliffside location is also incredible, especially around sunset when you can enjoy the view of the Pacific with California's golden sky. What I love most is how calm and timeless this place feels. The architecture and the collection are elegant, understated, and never overwhelming. Admission is free (reservation required), and parking is $25 per vehicle. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Malibu or looking for a peaceful cultural experience.
Such a beautiful museum. The grounds are so picturesque and there are lots of galleries to view as you walk around. It's near the beach and you can plan an entire day in Malibu if you're up for it. Tickets are free, you just have to reserve them online. Parking is $25 and you pay as you exit. I was able to pay at the guest services desk on the way out. Perfect summertime activity!
Visited the villa again. It's still amazed me of how far they've gone to maintain and up keep their art pieces. I think I can make it my annual art trip.
The place... amazing. Wok will spend some hours there. But the Cafe was also amazing. We ordered the burgers and a couple of soft drinks. $65. Not cheap. Things we're taking a long time and just when we thought we would hunt our food down a server appologozed for the delay and gifted us some free hummus. Nice. The. Jew he's were fantastic and the staff was very accomodating and over all a great day.
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.
We traveled 145 Miles North to the GETTY VILLA, a place where we had never been before. It was quite the sight to behold set high on the hill overlooking the ocean in MALIBU, CA. It was originally meant to be the home of John Paul Getty. As you drive along PCH, follow the signs carefully when you're told to take next right. It has an impressive three or four level parking garage. We arrived at 9:30 AM, and they let us in early to see the gardens and pool. I would say my favorite part of the place was the Greek Pool. We were let in at 10:00 AM, we focused on the 2 Main Exhibitions. We spent about another hour or so in the museum. As we walked through the museum, I kept thinking about what Michelle Williams's character Gayle Getty implied at the end of the Movie ALL OF THE MONEY IN THE WORLD. After the billionaire passed, they were finding MASTERPIECES under stairwells, under beds, practically tripping over themselves. I felt the same way. STUFF, and more Stuff!!! I want to thank everyone for their help in guiding us around.
The Getty Villa is an educational center and museum and its one of our favorite place to visit once a year. Its ab architectural masterpiece that they got the details from Pompei... Every time we find something new that we didnt know it before. The first time, when i visited this beautiful place was in 2013. I remember that i came to see for Cyrus Cylinder...After that, i loved this place...Its very calm, peaceful and picturesque...I paid $25 for the parking but the entry was free. So keep in mind the admission is free but parking isnt and you need reservation eve though its free. They check thebags in front of door so be careful what you bring with you.They also have great gift shop and small cafe/ restaurant...there are fresco painted columns, herb garden and the other gardens like outer peristyle or the East , gorgeous pool, unique sculptures and etc. it seems museum holds around 44000 Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities and these are the huge collections that J Paul Getty left for us. No regret and definitely ill back....
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.
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.
This took us by surprise! We passed by this on our way to Point Dume and boy we had the best time. No entrance fee just parking. The views were gorgeous and the ambiance is just very relaxing. They also do exhibitions and special evening presentations that you can purchase tickets online.
One of the most beautiful museums in the Los Angeles area. It makes a great outing as it's on the way to Malibu up the coast and just off the PCH. It is outstanding what JP Getty was able to collect, the care with which the museum is curated, and the perfection of the museum's reconstruction of a villa from ancient Pompeii. It's absolutely gorgeous. Wonderful place to take friends visiting town for the afternoon. Don't forget to wander the exquisite gardens and patios. Having visited several times, here are some of the best tips that I've learned over the years: Don't confuse this museum with the Getty Center perched high on the hill in Brentwood. Visiting both museums on the same day can be rushed but has its perks. The parking at one Getty museum location is valid for same day free parking at the other if you want to visit both in one day. Admission is free, but advance timed entry tickets are required. When driving to the Getty Villa, slow down a bit and watch the signs carefully from the north on the PCH as missing the special turn lane for the museum can be a headache; missing it requires more driving on the highway before you can exit and turn around. Try going in the late afternoon around 3:00 PM. The crowds are smaller and you can catch a beautiful sunset over the gardens. If you can arrive before 1pm, try "The Garden Tea at the Getty Villa" (also known as 'Tea by the Sea'). Make a reservation in advance as it's popular. The tea service is only offered twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays at 1:00 PM. It's held on the second floor of the Villa's cafe in a private dining space overlooking the museum grounds. If you manage to secure a tea reservation, you do not need a separate timed-entry museum ticket because your tea booking automatically includes free entry to the Getty Villa starting at 10:00 AM. read more
27 days ago
1 month ago
We were there last night for a private performance of Antigone. The performance was amazing. I hadn't been to Malibu since before the fires of January 2025, so we were due a visit. The Cafe had a special event menu for the show. The Hearts of Palm Ceviche with Yuca was delicious. We also had a Citrus Grilled Flank Steak wrap, and the Chorizo Molotes with Tomatillo Avocado Sauce (vegan). I enjoyed a special cocktail for the event, El Cosmico, which was Agave Wine, Pineapple Juice, Fresh Orange Juice, Mint, Cucumber, Tajin Rim (also Available without alcohol), and a nice cold beer. My hunny had some Rose'. We finished off with some fresh Mexican Wedding cookies! Again, this was a special event menu for the performance, however, you can't go wrong with the Villa Salad with chicken and the lemon yogurt dressing which is on the regular daily menu and is my go to meal at the Villa. You can't go wrong with Art, performance, and good eats! We love the Getty Villa and parking was free for the event, which was a nice surprise. We had a great evening! read more
The Getty Villa is one of the two Getty Museums in Los Angeles County and this location is the original Getty Museum. The museum started as a small museum gallery in 1954. Later the museum went through new construction with an architectural design inspired by the Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum and opened to the public in 1974. The Getty Villa moved a portion of its collection to the Getty Center when the center opened in 1997 and the villa focused only on Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art thereafter. The villa underwent a major renovation from 1997 to 2006 and eventually reopened to the public in 2006 as what you see now. The villa was shut down for 6 months to clean up the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in January 2025. [Admission]: Free admission, but visitors are required to purchase tickets online, pick time slots on the website, and show their online tickets upon driving into the villa. [Parking]: Parking is $25 per car or motorcycle and $15 after 3 PM. For evening events, parking is $10 after 6 PM. [What to see - outdoor]: The Outer Peristyle is the main attraction that everyone comes to see with a 220-foot-long reflecting pool. There is also the Herb Garden, the East Garden, and the Inner Peristyle with a small reflecting pool and laurel trees. [What to see - indoor]: The art collection is only two floors and it is all in one building. Greek Art / Etruscan Art are located on the 1st floor and Roman Art is located on the 2nd floor. Some of the highlights include The Lansdowne Hercules (Gallery 108), Victorious Athlete / Youth (Gallery 111), Caeretan Hydria (not currently on display), Mummy Portrait of Isidora (Gallery 210), Sarcophagus with Scenes from the Life of Achilles (Gallery 213), etc. [Guided tour]: The villa offers various free guided tours and the staff recommended that visitors arrive 15 minutes before the tour time. All tours start right across from the gift shop and they are first come first served (capped at 20 people for our tours). The staff gave us one portable Bluetooth audio device per person so everyone was able to hear the guide clearly even from a distance. Our party did the "Exploring the Villa's Architecture & Gardens Tour" at 11:15 AM and the "Art & Site Tour" at 1:30 PM. Unfortunately, I didn't realize there was some overlap between the two tours and our party ended up seeing the Herb Garden twice during our visit. [Cafe]: Can't exactly say I was impressed with the selection. Our party got chickpea hummus & pita for $11.60 and it tasted alright. [Garden Tea Service]: Reservations required - Thursday and Saturday only. Inquire at the information desk. Visitors can book a reservation on OpenTable and the price is $66.95 per person (not including sales tax and an 18% service charge). [Conclusion]: In the end, our party stayed for approximately 5 hours. Overall the Getty Villa is not as good as the Getty Center due to (1) its smaller footprint, (2) its focus only on Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art which I am not as interested in, and (3) too much redundancy in the guided tours. This is a great museum to visit for any first time visitors, but it is hard to see myself revisiting the villa unless there are new exhibits in the future that fit my interests. P.S. - There is a small pamphlet with a self-guided tour highlighting scenes from the Odyssey through various artworks. read more
Takes a bit to get here from Studio City but totally worth it. The villa has a lot to take in. The lovely outdoor space with beautiful views was the perfect place to take a break and recharge. We got our free tickets ahead of time on their website but had to pay for parking on site. read more
The Getty Villa is both an educational center and an art museum located at the eastern end of the Malibu coast in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, California. As one of the two campuses of the J. Paul Getty Museum, it is dedicated to the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. Its collection includes 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities dating from 6,500 BC to 400 AD, featuring notable pieces such as the Lansdowne Heracles and the Victorious Youth. The Getty Villa was founded by businessman and art collector J. Paul Getty (1892-1976). We visited the Getty Villa on June 8, 2026, and found it to be an excellent family-friendly destination. Admission is free, with only a $25 parking fee, making it an affordable outing. The museum's collection is truly breathtaking, showcasing everything from sculptures and mummies to jewelry and sarcophagi - each piece telling a remarkable story. We spent about two hours exploring on our own, which seemed just right, taking time to read the exhibits and capture photos. The gift shop offered a variety of unique items, and we stopped at the Café for a small snack. While the Café was a bit overpriced, it was still a nice break. Overall, the Getty Villa is a wonderful and memorable place to visit. It's inspiring to see how Getty chose to share such extraordinary art and history with the public. Highly recommended! read more
Absolutely loved the Getty Villa. Half a century ago, J. Paul Getty rebuilt this Roman-style villa on the Malibu coast, inspired by the ancient Villa of the Papyri, to showcase his collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. The architecture is beautiful -- Roman frescoes, marble columns, peaceful gardens, and sculptures throughout the villa make you feel like you've stepped back in time. The cliffside location is also incredible, especially around sunset when you can enjoy the view of the Pacific with California's golden sky. What I love most is how calm and timeless this place feels. The architecture and the collection are elegant, understated, and never overwhelming. Admission is free (reservation required), and parking is $25 per vehicle. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Malibu or looking for a peaceful cultural experience. read more
4 months ago
Such a beautiful museum. The grounds are so picturesque and there are lots of galleries to view as you walk around. It's near the beach and you can plan an entire day in Malibu if you're up for it. Tickets are free, you just have to reserve them online. Parking is $25 and you pay as you exit. I was able to pay at the guest services desk on the way out. Perfect summertime activity! read more
5 months ago
The place... amazing. Wok will spend some hours there. But the Cafe was also amazing. We ordered the burgers and a couple of soft drinks. $65. Not cheap. Things we're taking a long time and just when we thought we would hunt our food down a server appologozed for the delay and gifted us some free hummus. Nice. The. Jew he's were fantastic and the staff was very accomodating and over all a great day. read more
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
5 months ago
We traveled 145 Miles North to the GETTY VILLA, a place where we had never been before. It was quite the sight to behold set high on the hill overlooking the ocean in MALIBU, CA. It was originally meant to be the home of John Paul Getty. As you drive along PCH, follow the signs carefully when you're told to take next right. It has an impressive three or four level parking garage. We arrived at 9:30 AM, and they let us in early to see the gardens and pool. I would say my favorite part of the place was the Greek Pool. We were let in at 10:00 AM, we focused on the 2 Main Exhibitions. We spent about another hour or so in the museum. As we walked through the museum, I kept thinking about what Michelle Williams's character Gayle Getty implied at the end of the Movie ALL OF THE MONEY IN THE WORLD. After the billionaire passed, they were finding MASTERPIECES under stairwells, under beds, practically tripping over themselves. I felt the same way. STUFF, and more Stuff!!! I want to thank everyone for their help in guiding us around. read more
1 month ago
The Getty Villa is an educational center and museum and its one of our favorite place to visit once a year. Its ab architectural masterpiece that they got the details from Pompei... Every time we find something new that we didnt know it before. The first time, when i visited this beautiful place was in 2013. I remember that i came to see for Cyrus Cylinder...After that, i loved this place...Its very calm, peaceful and picturesque...I paid $25 for the parking but the entry was free. So keep in mind the admission is free but parking isnt and you need reservation eve though its free. They check thebags in front of door so be careful what you bring with you.They also have great gift shop and small cafe/ restaurant...there are fresco painted columns, herb garden and the other gardens like outer peristyle or the East , gorgeous pool, unique sculptures and etc. it seems museum holds around 44000 Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities and these are the huge collections that J Paul Getty left for us. No regret and definitely ill back.... read more
3 months ago
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
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
24 days ago
This took us by surprise! We passed by this on our way to Point Dume and boy we had the best time. No entrance fee just parking. The views were gorgeous and the ambiance is just very relaxing. They also do exhibitions and special evening presentations that you can purchase tickets online. read more
7 months ago
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
3 months ago
Amazing experience! I'm not a fan of art, but just walking around sculptures was a great experience. Gardens are instagramable! read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
2 months ago
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
4 months ago
This review is just for the bathrooms. I feel like its getting harder and harder to find a working diaper changing station anywhere. The Getty Villa has the nicest dipaer changing station I've even seen. 10/10, no notes, would change diaper here again. read more
3 months ago
1 year ago
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
6 months ago
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
1 year ago
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
7 months ago
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
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
5 months ago
Amazing visit today with my grandson and husband. Byron was so professional and kind in the cafe. He made our lunch a wonderful experience . The staff in the shop were stellar as well. Soooooo much better than last time. They are new staff and we loved the upgrade! I bought 2 rings, 1 pair of earrings, pencils, key rings, plushies, 2 journals and a game. It was fun like before the last crew. Thank u. The greater we met upon first arriving was so knowledgeable and so charming. The security crew was magnificent ! Usually the female was so rude rooting around in my purses with a filthy object. I finally sipped bring a purse. Today I had to bring my sketch pad, water color pencils and the check in was a breeze . Such nice polite staff. I don't know what happened to all the rude staff but I'm sure glad they are gone! Good job HR. Excellent training . read more
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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More info about The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Hwy
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Pacific Palisades
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(310) 440-7300
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Ask the Community - The Getty Villa
Where do we park?
Large parking parking garage. Have to pay but it's really the only choice.
Yes ? I seen some people in wheelchairs
Yes. It seems fully available to wheel chairs.
Do you have to drive up steep cliffs to get to the Getty villa?
The drive from the entrance to the parking garage is a little steep but nothing too crazy.
Is Getty Villa wheelchair friendly?
Yes! There are elevators and ramps everywhere.
What are the best areas or exhibits for kids?
Depends on the age but anything under 12 would be a waste of time!
Are they checking vaccination cards?
We just visited last week (week of Oct 24th) and they did not check vaccination cards. However, it was the middle of the week (a weekday) so maybe they were more lenient.
Is there a Dress code?
No dress code. You can come casual or dress up. Just wear something appropriate without profanity
If I take an Uber is there still a parking fee for being dropped off?
You first need to make sure you make a reservation. They will only let you in on your scheduled day and time. Uber can drop you off no parking fee.
Can you carry a backpack while you're there or do you have to check it?
Yes, you are able to carry your backpack. There is also the option of checking bags and coats, but it's not required.
Would you say the Getty Villa is kid friendly?
The Getty is very kid friendly. The others who replied must not be aware. Not only do they have organized kid events you can check on, but an entire room where you can do activities, color on sculpture and make lifesize shadow animals. It is a big…
Is there a tram system or something else the way that The Getty Center has? Or can you just go straight from the parking lot into the villa?
No tram system. The Villa is relatively close to the actual museum itself
On average, how many hours should you keep open to see most of not all of the sites in the Villa?
Plan on spending an entire day. Take advantage of either rental headsets for self guided exploration or docent lead tours.
Do we need to purchase tickets to get in? How do we park/how much is parking?
Yes. You need to purchase tickets online but they are free. Parking however you need to pay. I believe it is under $20. Get there early to beat the crowd and then enjoy lunch at the cafe and beautiful views after.
For anyone who's gone recently, are the pools drained?
I was there last week and they were not drained. :)
If reserving tickets online, can we just show the email instead of wasting paper/ink and having to print it out? Thanks?
I called and asked them to make sure I could show them the tickets on my phone, and they were fine with it. I think they prefer paper tickets, especially on busier days, so they don't have people fumbling on their phones last minute... so you might…
Anyone who has recently been to the Getty villa, are the pools drained?
We went yesterday (3/12/18). They were full and working
If you only had a couple hours, would you choose to go to the Getty Center or the Getty Villa?
DefinitelyT The Villa, You could be at Center for Hours and not see everything
Review Highlights - The Getty Villa
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94 reviews that are not currently recommended
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The Getty Villa - gardens - Updated November 2026
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