The Getty is the hilltop Getty Center campus at 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, California, United States of America. Opened in 1997 as the home of the J. Paul Getty Museum’s Los Angeles collections, this Richard Meier-designed museum and research complex draws travelers for major European and American art, Robert Irwin’s Central Garden, travertine architecture, and wide views over the city, mountains, and Pacific-facing west side.
What to Expect at The Getty
Arrival is part of the experience: park at the base of the property and ride the automated tram up the hillside to a campus arranged around an arrival plaza. Meier’s crisp white metal panels, abundant Italian travertine, glass-lined passages, fountains, terraces, and geometric courtyards frame the galleries. From the museum’s overlooks, look west toward the Santa Monica Mountains and ocean and east across Los Angeles; clear winter days and late-afternoon light are particularly rewarding for the views.
The permanent collection concentrates on European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, decorative arts, and European and American photographs. Look for Vincent van Gogh’s Irises, a standout among the paintings, then allow time for the changing special exhibitions, which rotate through the pavilions and often require separate planning because their dates and gallery locations change. Outside, artist Robert Irwin’s 134,000-square-foot Central Garden is an evolving work of art: a stream flows downhill through planted terraces toward an azalea maze, while seasonal bloom and pruning change its appearance throughout the year.
- European paintings: See landmark works including Van Gogh’s Irises alongside paintings from the medieval period through the early 20th century.
- Illuminated manuscripts: Examine exceptionally detailed medieval books, where painted initials, gold leaf, and marginal scenes reward close looking.
- Photography collection: Galleries present European and American photographs, from early processes to modern and contemporary work.
- Central Garden: Follow Robert Irwin’s watercourse, plant-lined walkways, and azalea maze; it is free to enter with museum admission.
- Architecture and viewpoints: Walk the outdoor terraces and bridges for Meier’s travertine-and-light composition and panoramic Los Angeles views.
The Getty at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Brentwood, above the Sepulveda Pass on Los Angeles’s Westside |
| Operating Hours | Tue–Fri and Sun 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; closed Monday |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Admission is free; reserve timed entry in advance through the official Getty website. Parking is paid. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 3 to 4 hours; allow longer for special exhibitions, the garden, and a meal |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Metro Line 761 stops near Sepulveda Boulevard and Getty Center Drive; paid on-site parking connects to the campus by tram. |
| Official Website / Phone | getty.edu / 310-440-7300 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book a timed-entry reservation before setting out, especially for Saturday visits and school holidays, and arrive near opening for quieter galleries and easier parking. The tram ride is included after entering the property, but build in time for the ascent and security screening. Drivers enter from Getty Center Drive off Sepulveda Boulevard; public-transit users can use Metro Line 761 and walk from the Sepulveda Boulevard/Getty Center Drive area to the entrance. Check the official site before travel for exhibition schedules, holiday closures, parking details, and any reservation changes.
The campus is designed with elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, wheelchair-accessible tram service, and step-free routes through the galleries; wheelchairs and strollers can be borrowed, subject to availability. Outdoor paths have slopes and long distances, so pace the Central Garden and terrace walks accordingly. For an easy on-site pairing within a 5- to 15-minute walk, have lunch at the Restaurant or Garden Terrace Café, then continue to the Central Garden and the outdoor sculpture terraces. The Getty Research Institute is also on the campus, though research-library access and programs follow their own schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is The Getty open, and what is the best time to visit?
The Getty is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed Monday; Saturday has the latest closing time, 8 p.m. Arrive at the 10 a.m. opening for calmer galleries, or visit later on Saturday for evening views and more time outdoors.
Does The Getty charge admission or require reservations?
General admission is free, but timed-entry reservations should be made online in advance. Parking is paid separately. Reserve through Getty’s official website and review the confirmation details before departure.
How much time should I budget for The Getty?
Budget at least three hours for major galleries, Irises, the Central Garden, and the tram ride. Four hours or more works better if you plan to see a special exhibition, eat on campus, or linger on the architecture and view terraces.
Is The Getty suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Yes. Families have open garden space, sculptures, short gallery routes, and stroller access, while wheelchair users can use accessible tram service, elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. The sloped outdoor grounds are expansive, so allow extra time between pavilions.
When planning your Los Angeles travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Los Angeles, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Grove, Los Angeles Zoo, GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live, and Hammer Museum (3.4 km away).
