Getty Center, Los Angeles - Getty Center, Los Angeles
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Getty Center

4.8
·35k reviews·Los Angeles, United States

A free architectural marvel with stunning gardens and panoramic LA views, housing world-class art collections.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
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Getty Center, Los Angeles - Getty Center, Los Angeles

Getty Center

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free architectural marvel with stunning gardens and panoramic LA views, housing world-class art collections.

4.8
(35k reviews)

"The Getty Center is a free architectural masterpiece with breathtaking views and beautiful gardens."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Park Smart

Parking is paid, but discounts are available after 5 PM weekdays & 6 PM Saturdays. Consider carpooling!

🎟️ Book Timed Tickets

Free timed entry tickets are often required. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Central Garden

Central Garden

Central Courtyard

A stunning, meticulously designed garden with vibrant flowers and tranquil water features. Perfect for a peaceful stroll or a picnic.

Architecture & Views

Architecture & Views

Entire Campus

The striking travertine architecture by Richard Meier offers breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.

Art Collections

Art Collections

Museum Galleries

Explore a diverse collection of pre-20th-century European paintings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, and decorative arts.

Tram Ride

Tram Ride

Entrance to Museum

Enjoy a scenic and fun tram ride up the hill to the museum, offering a unique perspective of the grounds and city.

Planning Your Visit

Free Admission, Paid Parking

The Getty Center offers free admission, a huge plus for budget travelers! However, parking isn't free and can add up. Consider carpooling or using public transit to save money. Arriving after 5 PM on weekdays or 6 PM on Saturdays can sometimes offer discounted parking rates. TikTokInstagram

Timed Entry & Best Arrival

While admission is free, timed entry tickets are often required, especially during peak times. These tickets are usually valid for an hour before and an hour after your selected time. Some visitors report that tickets aren't always strictly scanned, but it's best to have one booked to avoid issues. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Evenings (after 5 PM)
Why
Discounted parking, sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
Saturday Evenings (after 6 PM)
Why
Later hours, city lights
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

the getty center is a FREE museum in LA with a great view of the city lights 🎻🌃 parking is also the cheapest after 6pm 👀 #la #museum #lamuseum #dateideas #losangeles #thingstodoinla #citylights #lada...
@uclslaywithtracy
109K likes • 749.1K views

🚗 Park Smart

Parking is paid, but discounts are available after 5 PM weekdays & 6 PM Saturdays. Consider carpooling! TikTokInstagram

🎟️ Book Timed Tickets

Free timed entry tickets are often required. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot. Reddit+1

One of my favorite Things to do in LA is visiting the Getty Center #getty #gettycenter #thingsdoinla #losangeles
@drewmtillman
26.9K likes • 425.1K views
City Walk in LA 3♡︎🇺🇸 Getty Center 收藏了從中世紀到現代的西洋藝術品,每年吸引約180萬名遊客,是美國最受歡迎的博物館之一。 🚗自駕: • 部分GPS指示可能不準確 • 導航地址為:N Sepulveda Blvd & Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049 • 唯一對外開放的入口位於Getty Center Drive和...
travel.natt
0 likes • 22.4K views

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds and gardens. TikTok

🧺 Picnic Potential

Bring a picnic to enjoy in designated areas or the beautiful gardens. A great budget-friendly option! Reddit

This is The Getty Center in Brentwood! This free museum has a giant landscape to roam, an incredible garden area, and tons of indoor exhibits. Parking is paid- discounted after 5pm! ©SoCal Nation® ...
socalnation
4.9K likes • 142.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park Smart

Parking is paid, but discounts are available after 5 PM weekdays & 6 PM Saturdays. Consider carpooling! TikTokInstagram

🎟️ Book Timed Tickets

Free timed entry tickets are often required. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot. Reddit+1

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds and gardens. TikTok

🧺 Picnic Potential

Bring a picnic to enjoy in designated areas or the beautiful gardens. A great budget-friendly option! Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The architecture and panoramic city views are incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera! TikTok

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun

Kids love the tram ride and there are often family workshops. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.8
(35k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Getty Center for its stunning architecture, breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles, and beautiful gardens, all offered with free admission. While the art collection is appreciated, many find the grounds and design to be the primary draw. Some note that parking can be expensive and timed tickets are often necessary.

"What a beautiful place. You need a couple of days here to go through at least most if it there are 4 wings (north, south, east, west). Each wing has vista decks with stunning views of the city. They have every kind of art you could want to see. The architecture is amazing and the grounds are incredible with outside art to enjoy as well. Lots of places to sit outside and relax and take in the surroundings.
There is plenty parking. You pay for parking and the admission is free tho you have to book tickets online. Once you park, you take the elevator up to a team that takes you to the main building. Pretty cool"

Liseli P.

"Absolutely beautiful place to spend a few hours. The art collection is incredible, but honestly the gardens and views are just as stunning. Everything feels well organized and easy to get around. Parking was simple, and the tram ride up makes it even more fun. Great spot whether you’re into art or just want a relaxing day with amazing scenery."

Chen Deng

"I went there with my toddler and it was great fun. The train ride is so fun for little kids and so are the many pools and water features. My little one particularly liked the gardens with the small creek running through - he spent a good 30 min throwing leaves in and watching them be carried downstream. Plenty of spaces to set up a picnic if you want to bring your own food. He also enjoyed some of the paintings (for 30 min or so), especially if I was providing a talking tour explaining what’s in each painting and pointing out the body parts on the portraits."

Oana Gusatu

What People Like

Free admission
Stunning architecture
Panoramic city views

What People Dislike

Parking cost
Timed ticket requirement

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most recommended public transit route involves taking the E Line to Expo/Sepulveda station, then transferring to the 761 bus which stops directly at the Getty Center. Some Redditors also mention the 233 bus as an option. This is a cost-effective alternative to paying for parking. Reddit+2

Yes, parking is available at the Getty Center, but it is not free. The standard parking fee is $20. However, there are often discounted rates for parking after 5 PM on weekdays and 6 PM on Saturdays. Carpooling can also help reduce costs. TikTokInstagram

Traveling from Anaheim to the Getty Center can take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours by car, depending heavily on Los Angeles traffic. If using public transit, it will take significantly longer, potentially 2-3 hours, involving multiple transfers. Reddit

No, you cannot drive directly to the museum entrance. Visitors park in the parking structure and then take a free tram up the hill to the museum complex. This tram ride offers scenic views. TikTok

Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop off visitors at the tram plaza, which is the starting point for the tram ride up to the museum. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive or use public transit. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Getty Center is free, but timed-entry tickets are often required, especially during busy periods. It's highly recommended to book these tickets online in advance to ensure entry. TikTokReddit

Your timed entry ticket is typically valid for one hour before and one hour after your scheduled time. This provides flexibility for your arrival. Reddit

Yes, general admission to the Getty Center is completely free. The only cost you might incur is for parking if you choose to drive. TikTokInstagram

The Getty Center is generally open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours until 8 PM on Saturdays. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours, as they can vary seasonally or for special events. Reddit

While reservations are recommended and often required, some visitors have reported being able to make a reservation on their phone upon arrival if they didn't have one beforehand. However, to avoid any potential issues, booking in advance is the safest bet. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted in the galleries for personal use, but without flash. Some special exhibitions may have restrictions, so always look for signage. The exterior architecture and gardens are also excellent for photos. TikTok

The panoramic views of Los Angeles from the terraces are iconic. The Central Garden, the striking travertine architecture, and the various courtyards offer numerous photogenic opportunities. TikTokInstagram

No, drone photography is not permitted at the Getty Center due to safety and privacy regulations. Stick to handheld cameras and tripods (where permitted) for your shots. TikTok

Yes, the Getty Center frequently hosts photography exhibitions. For example, during Pride Month, they have featured exhibitions like 'Queer Lens' that explore queer history through photography. TikTok

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is ideal for capturing both the architecture and art. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive views and gardens. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is also great for capturing the city lights in the evening. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Getty Center has several dining options, including a restaurant, a cafe, and a garden plaza. The restaurant offers more formal dining, while the cafe provides casual fare. The garden plaza is a great spot for a quick bite or coffee. Reddit

Absolutely! Bringing your own food for a picnic is a popular and encouraged option. There are beautiful areas, especially in the Central Garden, where you can enjoy your meal with a view. TikTokReddit

Dining at the Getty Center can be moderately expensive, especially at the restaurant. Bringing your own picnic is a much more budget-friendly approach. Reddit

The Getty Center's dining facilities typically offer a range of options, including vegetarian choices. While specific vegan offerings can vary, it's advisable to check the current menu or inquire with staff upon arrival. Reddit

Yes, there is a cafe that serves coffee, as well as other beverages and light snacks. It's a good place to grab a pick-me-up while exploring the museum and grounds. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The Getty Center boasts impressive art collections, stunning architecture by Richard Meier, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of Los Angeles. You can explore galleries, wander through the Central Garden, ride the tram, and enjoy the overall ambiance. TikTokInstagram+1

Most visitors recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the Getty Center, especially if you plan to explore the art collections, gardens, and enjoy the views. Some art enthusiasts might spend even longer. Reddit

Yes, the Getty Center is very family-friendly. Children often enjoy the tram ride, and there are often free family workshops and activities available. The open spaces and gardens are also great for kids to explore. TikTok+1

The Getty Center focuses on pre-20th-century European art, photography, and architecture, with expansive grounds and city views. The Getty Villa, located in Malibu, is dedicated to ancient Greek and Roman art and artifacts, housed in a recreation of a Roman country house. Reddit+1

Yes, the Getty Center offers various guided tours, including architecture tours and collection highlights tours. These tours can provide deeper insights into the art and the building's design. Check their schedule for availability. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Getty Center is a fantastic destination for families. Kids often love the exciting tram ride up the hill, which offers great views. Inside the museum, there are often free family workshops where children can engage in creative activities, like making light catchers. The expansive gardens also provide plenty of space for children to explore and burn off energy. TikTok+1

Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful gardens, which is a budget-friendly and enjoyable option for families. The variety of art and the stunning architecture can also spark curiosity and conversation with younger visitors. It's a place where learning and fun go hand-in-hand. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

The Getty Center is a dream for budget travelers as admission is completely free! The main expense to consider is parking, which can be $20. To save money, consider carpooling with friends or utilizing public transportation. Taking the E Line to the 761 bus is a well-regarded and cost-effective method. TikTokInstagramReddit

Another excellent way to save money is by bringing your own picnic. The beautiful gardens offer numerous spots to enjoy your packed lunch, making for a delightful and inexpensive dining experience. This allows you to fully enjoy the Getty's offerings without breaking the bank. TikTokReddit

couples

The Getty Center offers a romantic setting with its stunning architecture, breathtaking views, and serene gardens. It's an ideal spot for a date, especially during the late afternoon or evening when the city lights begin to twinkle. Consider arriving in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset and then the city lights. TikTokReddit

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the Central Garden, or enjoy a drink at the restaurant or cafe. The combination of art, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect place for couples to connect and create lasting memories. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architecture of Richard Meier

The Getty Center is a masterpiece of modern architecture, designed by renowned architect Richard Meier. Constructed primarily from travertine, a creamy limestone, the buildings are characterized by their clean lines, geometric forms, and interplay of light and shadow. Meier's design emphasizes a sense of openness and connection to the surrounding landscape. The use of a consistent material palette creates a harmonious and serene environment, making the buildings themselves a significant part of the visitor experience. TikTok

Meier's vision was to create a complex that felt both monumental and inviting. The layout of the Getty Center is organized around a central courtyard, with galleries, research facilities, and administrative offices radiating outwards. The extensive use of glass allows natural light to flood the interior spaces, enhancing the viewing of the artworks and offering constant glimpses of the stunning Los Angeles scenery. The design also incorporates sustainable features, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to museum construction. TikTok

Visitors often remark on the sheer beauty and grandeur of the architecture, with many suggesting it's as much a draw as the art collection itself. The way the buildings interact with the light throughout the day, from the soft morning glow to the dramatic sunset hues, is a spectacle in itself. The travertine stone, in particular, gives the complex a timeless quality, making it feel both contemporary and classic. TikTokReddit

Exploring the Getty Gardens

The Central Garden at the Getty Center is a true oasis, designed by landscape architect Robert Irwin. It's a meticulously planned space that unfolds as you explore, featuring a maze-like layout of azaleas, bougainvillea, and other vibrant flora. The garden is designed to be experienced, with winding paths, tranquil water features, and shaded seating areas perfect for contemplation. TikTokReddit

Beyond the Central Garden, the Getty Center grounds offer several other landscaped areas, including the Cactus Garden and the Tree Court. These spaces provide different sensory experiences and offer unique perspectives of the architecture and the surrounding landscape. Many visitors find the gardens to be a highlight of their visit, often choosing to picnic here or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere. TikTokReddit

The gardens are not just aesthetically pleasing; they are an integral part of the Getty Center's overall design, intended to complement the art and architecture. The careful selection of plants and the thoughtful arrangement of spaces create a harmonious environment that enhances the visitor's journey through the museum. It's a place where art, nature, and architecture converge beautifully. TikTok

The Getty's Art Collection

The Getty Center houses an impressive collection of pre-20th-century European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts. Highlights include works by artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck. The collection is renowned for its quality and depth, offering a comprehensive overview of Western art history. TikTokReddit

In addition to its European art, the Getty Center also boasts a significant collection of photography, spanning from the earliest daguerreotypes to contemporary works. They frequently host special exhibitions that showcase diverse photographic genres and artists, including those exploring social and cultural themes. For instance, exhibitions during Pride Month have highlighted queer history through photography. TikTok

While some visitors might focus more on the architecture and views, many Redditors emphasize that the art collection itself is substantial and has improved significantly over the years. The museum also offers various tours that can help visitors navigate and appreciate the diverse artworks on display. Reddit+1

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