The Getty Center
The Getty Center
5
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
The Getty Center in Los Angeles is an astounding place to spend a day marveling at world-class art and relaxing in beautifully manicured gardens. Take the tram up to this lavish postmodern complex, which houses a sprawling museum featuring masterpieces by the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne. You can also enjoy superb views of the city from the Cactus Garden, and savor a delicious contemporary menu at the center's restaurant. You can visit the complex for free, though there is a parking fee. To skip the lines, book a museum tour to delve deeper into the art with the help of a knowledgeable guide. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • Alexander F
    Los Angeles, California5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to bring visiting parents from out of town!
    I've lived in LA for a little over 6 years now and my parents visit me a couple times a year. I've been running out of things to do with them so I decided to book tickets here on their most recent trip, even though I had never been myself. The venue is just gorgeous and the exhibits are so diverse. My parents haven't been to many art museums in general so they were very excited that they got to see pieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and Rembrandt for the first time. Also, the furniture and art collections from Versailles were amazing. My parents were so thrilled to be in the same room as pieces that held the same space as historical figures such as Louis XIV, Marie Antionette, and Louis XVI. We got to see way more than any of us expected and spent the whole day here. They couldn't get over the fact it was FREE!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 13 October 2023
  • RafikiLondon
    Hong Kong, China524 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An excellent day out.
    A unique museum that certainly creates a "wow factor" by combining architecture, gardens and vistas. It has a collection that is focused on one man's art interests. An excellent collection that also represents what was considered art at a specific time. The collection demonstrates that Paul Getty certainly had taste and money, but clearly that is not everything.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 October 2023
  • Alireza123
    Tehran, Iran1,385 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see in LA
    I enjoyed it very much. the building and garden and master prices that are collected there all together are very unique. A different museum in LA not in downtown but in a top of a hill. Admission is free and you just pay for parking. At least you need half a day to be satisfied. There are free tours inside. You can get the time table and enjoy professional explanation of guides. Spend a few minutes for garden .there are some cafe there. Sit and enjoy a cup of coffee in heart of the museum. Biography and photos of Mr Getty were very attractive for me . When we visited the museum, reservation via website was needed . Check it before going there.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 October 2023
  • Braxton B
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Getty Glory: Art, Views, and Bliss!
    The Getty Center is a fantastic spot for everyone! With its mix of art, cool buildings, and beautiful gardens, it's a total cultural adventure. Whether you're into art or just want a chill place with awesome views, The Getty Center has got you covered. It's a must-visit – you won't be disappointed!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 November 2023
  • Uccman39
    North Brunswick, New Jersey227 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    More fun than you might think
    My friend and I went here for a few hours. We did both the architecture tour and the garden tour. We had Steve as a guide for both tours and they were very informative. The gardens are so beautiful. We also had a nice meal at the restaurant. And the museum is free! Highly recommend
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 10 November 2023
  • MontanaMike2013
    147 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The incredible and spectacular Getty Center is NOT to be missed
    All I can say is: Oh, Wow!!! The Getty Center exceeded our expectations in every way. We spent between 3 and 4 hours there exploring the magnificent gardens, architecture and the incredible exhibits. This is most definitely a "Bucket List" item for any trip to LA.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 December 2023
  • chickabeegrrl
    Elk Grove, California2,230 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice day trip
    The Getty Center is always a great place to visit. It’s huge. It’s free (except for parking). It’s educational. And it offers great views of Los Angeles. Makes for a nice day trip if you’re visiting LA. There are, however, much more interesting places to visit if you like art and history, such as the Getty Villa and Huntington Library.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 27 December 2023
  • June B
    Swansea, Illinois62 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Much to see at the Getty Center
    Visited the Getty on a tour that included the Rose Bowl Parade. We had about 1 1/2 hrs to spend, which was not truly enough time. The Getty has lots to see. The gardens are beautiful. The sun was out the day we were there. Many people were enjoying spending the day outside. I found the buildings rather confusing. I wanted to see one particular display about J Paul Getty, but one of the staff send me to see something else. I also noticed the staff in the gardens were a bit harsh about staying on the paths. I'll admit the paths were a little misleading as to where they went. Good view of the area. There is a tram from the entrance to the actual center. We were able to take the tram to the center- good as was an steep uphill walk. We did walk down the path as the wait for the tram was too long. The walk was about .9 mile. There were many famous paintings sin the gallery.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 4 January 2024
  • Lenny H
    Auckland, New Zealand952 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great for art lovers
    An excellent rang of art on display. The museum is free to get into, but you do have to book a time slot to enter. Even then, be prepared for a wait to enter. Take your own food. The prices in the cafe were ridiculously high.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 January 2024
  • Marleena
    60 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing place, must-visit destination for art lovers - no entrance fee, parking for a fee
    Really amazing place! An absolute must-visit destination for art lovers. Remember to allow plenty of time. Two hours was far too little. But we enjoyed the whole time! A real experience! Reservation in advance is mandatory. Parking for a fee, but you can also park at the Getty Villa for the same fee same day. Free guided tours available, worth taking advantage of. We went on a short tour and heard some interesting things.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

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TweedleDee
Huntsville, AL395 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
This place really is super nice. Beautifully built, lots of marble, beautiful gardens, lots of great art, etc. The only downsides were that one they advertise it is "free" yet it cost $20 to park but even at $20 it is still a worthy visit. The place really is huge with multiple buildings and display so it does take several hours to see it all. Which of course means you will probably get something to eat which once again means be prepared as it won't be cheap.
The artwork and most of the exhibits were excellent, we were there while the Michael Angelo exhibit was going and it was mostly his small sketches that he did preparing to do a painting or sculpture, what I found most interesting is learning how he approached his work and his history.
There was also a photography exhibit that was a joke. How someone tagged many of these photos as being worthy of an art museum is beyond me. There was a picture of a giraffe that has been taken by school kids every day about 1000 times. There were multiple pictures, from expired canisters of film, that were literally nothing more than a white spot or black spot. There was a picture of a woman sitting in front of a TV, one of a plastic dog in a Chinese restaurant and one that was a photographer's self-portrait that was out of focus and red! They were ridiculous and a waste of time. I have seen better photography on Facebook!
But overall, excellent place and worthy of a visit.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bruce M
Athens, Georgia, United States33 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
The Getty is wonderful Museum/Gallery. Go on the website to see what they offer. We saw the Manet exhibit. The entry is free, so if you get dropped off just enter the garage and take the elevator to the tram. If you drive: park your car in the Garage, pay $20 at one of the parking kiosks (You can pay before you take the tram up or after you come back,) then take the tram up to the best Art Museum you will ever see, and I have visited quite a few. Reminder: Check out the website before you go, and take several hours to enjoy. They have some refreshments for sale in the courtyard. Some folks took picnic lunches to enjoy on the expansive lawns.
Written 31 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Patricia M
United States21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
If the views out to the ocean, the stunning architecture and the gorgeous flowers and plant life are not enough to feed your soul, don't worry. There is an art exhibit for everyone! No matter what type of art or art history that you appreciate, you are likely to find one instillation at speaks to you. Don't miss. Just be certain to make a reservation because only a certain # of visitors are allowed per day.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mohammad Qutishat
Amman, Jordan2,216 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
It is one of a kind, amazing museums containing beautiful art exhibits from different parts of the world, and the buildings have a really nice design which makes them an art piece on their own.
The mesmerizing garden is truly overwhelming, and when you hear the story about how it was designed you will be even more amazed, so make sure to catch the tour.
The Getty sits on a high hill, and it has a breathtaking view over Los Angeles.
You can enjoy all of that for free and reasonable parking fees.
It is an experience unlike any other, truly a hidden gem, very highly recommend it, don’t miss it and make sure you have enough time to see all of the museums, wander around in the garden and enjoy the view.
Written 11 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

phvi2617
Anaheim, CA647 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
The Getty Center is a terrific showcase of great art and architecture. The collections mostly focus on European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts before 1900. They also have an impressive collection of manuscripts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Although the Getty is not an encyclopedic museum, there is certainly plenty of art to enjoy.

Equally impressive is the overall campus, which features contemporary architecture, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of Los Angeles and the coast. Entry is free, though parking is $20 ($10 after 6 PM). They have a very nice (though pricey) cafeteria, a full-service restaurant, and a couple coffee carts in the courtyard.

It's easy to spend several hours here if you're so inclined. Since it is very popular, it is best to get there early to get a decent parking spot and avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

alexisrachelletx
Nashville, TN1,624 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I'd never been to the Getty Center before I visited it this past weekend when visiting LA with my husband and my brother. While I enjoyed the visit, I don't recommend going on a weekend if you can help it. Here's the situation: the museum is free to visit, but you pay $20 to park (same as Getty Villa). This is fine, except even parking is a chore. It took us about 20 minutes to be able to pull into the parking garage in the afternoon on a Saturday. Then there's a tram that will take you up the hill to the Getty Center. The line for this was insane, so we decided to walk up ourselves. If you're able, I suggest this on busy days: it's a bit steep but pretty and not very long (maybe 10-15 minutes). Once we got up there, we realized that many people come more for the grounds than the museum! Many families had brought picnics with them and set up on the grass with the view of LA in front of them. Smart idea. The grounds and the buildings are beautiful. I wasn't terribly impressed by the collection though. If the museum has any art from 1875 on (except for that in a small temporary exhibition), I must have missed it. The collection wasn't terribly varied and just wasn't my cup of tea, really. The highlights of the museum for me were the temporary exhibitions: "Unseen: 35 Years of Collecting Photographs" and "Kathe Kollwitz: Prints, Process, and Politics"! But I didn't love the museum's permanent collection. It's very crowded and busy on weekends, which doesn't make it the most pleasant place to visit. I'd say the grounds and building are lovely though. If you're visiting LA and only have time for the Getty Villa or the Getty Center, I'm Team Getty Villa all the way.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tenisforus
Williamsburg, VA28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
We had an all too brief visit of the wonderful art. The architecture is outstanding. We went after 3pm and the parking is reduced to $15. It is $25 before. The museum is free with an audio iPod tour. If you go late you will see an incredible sunset. The views are out standing.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Badger Traveler
Madison, WI184 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
I've visited L.A. many times, seeing the Getty center from the 405 and always wanted to visit. This time, I made it happen and so glad I did. The grounds are gorgeous, the views are spectacular, and the art inspiring. The tram from parking up to the museum is a fun way to start the day. We did find the buildings a little confusing to navigate because we wanted to visit specific displays before the crowds arrived. Kudos for keeping this museum free (other than the big city price to park). You can also get the normal packaged sandwiches, salads, chips, cookies, etc. at the cafes. Choose to eat early or late to avoid long lines. The cafes are not set up for quick service, but rather in a single-threaded line no matter what you want. It didn't seem to be super busy yet it took 20 minutes to get through the line, select our items, and pay. TIP: If you go to the Getty Villa too, you can get a free parking coupon before you leave the Center. A recent study shows that museum, concert, and art center visits increases hour longevity!
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

leigh732 Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA53 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
Yes, the views are beautiful, but you can get the same views from many other easier to get to locations.

Yes, the collection is renowned....but the galleries are poorly designed, in my humble opinion. That's why I'm only rating The Getty Center as average...it's the poor gallery design does not complement the actual collection.

The Getty Villa in Malibu is better, featuring the antiquities collection, or of course visit the renowned LA County Museum of Art (LACMA), Broad Museum or Museum of Contemporary art (MOCA), all of which I'd rate higher the The Getty Center.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joseph A
Warren, NJ121 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
We came to a conference in LA, had a day to look around, never saw the Getty before so we went by Uber. What an amazing place! No entrance charges and a recorded audio tour was gratis (but we needed to leave a driver's license as security- but not a problem). The weather was perfect, the grounds are out of this world wonderful! The buildings , nestled into the hills are spectacular, pleasing to the eye and aesthetics, and integrated well indeed. Upon arrival in the drop off center we saw the first of the sculpture gardens. We then took the tram to the main building complex. The steps had a Maillol sculpture (outstanding), and heralded the further enjoyment. The various buildings housed various collections and everything produced and indoor-outdoor synthesis. We loved the European paintings especially the impressionists. The other Paintings were likewise enjoyable. We also enjoyed the pastels collections and Michelangelo drawings (in a different building. The gardens were spectacular and designed with extraordinary care. Many visitors were stretched out on the lawns enjoying the sun, the sights and picnics. The staff (many volunteers) were very friendly and helpful. A second sculpture garden also showed two Maillol pieces as well as from Moore. from the garden we found a spectacular view of LA from the the high hills vantage. We came early on Saturday, and spent over 5 hours, by which time the number of visitors increased. We could easily have spent the whole day, and we definitely plan to return again.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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THE GETTY CENTER (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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