Summary
17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA
Phone +1 310-440-7300
Overview of the Getty Villa
If you visit Los Angeles, you might be surprised to find that there are two Getty Museums in LA: the Getty Villa and the Getty Center.
Before you start planning, it’s essential to know which one to choose. The Getty Center, characterized by its stunning white buildings on a hillside designed by architect Richard Meier, is a different experience altogether. For those interested in ancient art and architecture, the Getty Villa in Malibu is the ideal destination.
This original museum created by J. Paul Getty is filled with an impressive collection of antiquities from Greece and Rome. It is particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate Roman architecture and ancient art; however, those uninterested in these themes may prefer alternative attractions.
Things to Do at the Getty Villa
The museum complex offers a range of experiences, including:
- A 450-seat outdoor classical theater
- The villa itself, a reproduction of the Villa dei Papiri, a first-century Roman country house
- A café offering Mediterranean cuisine
Visitors can marvel at one of America’s finest collections of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art, comprising objects created over 7,000 years, from the end of the Stone Age to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Moreover, the Getty Villa hosts performances that reenact classic Greek and Roman dramas, alongside new and adapted works inspired by ancient history.
How to Plan Your Getty Villa Visit
Admission is free, but advance, timed-entry tickets are required, and parking fees apply.
The Villa is exceptionally tranquil shortly before its official opening time. Therefore, it is advisable to reserve the earliest entry of the day and arrive around 30 minutes early to enjoy the serene grounds.
To avoid disappointment, it is wise to make parking reservations as far in advance as possible. Last-minute availability may occur as a few same-day tickets are often released at 9:00 a.m. Keep an eye on their website or call 310-440-7300 for updates.
Tips for Visiting the Getty Villa
To enhance your experience, consider taking orientation and weekend gallery tours to deepen your understanding of the art. Review the daily schedule of tours, gallery talks, and events beforehand, and secure your spots promptly since some tours have limited availability.
Utilize the GettyGuide for a more enriching experience—it provides insights akin to a private tour with the museum’s curatorial staff. A multimedia player is available for free at the GettyGuide Desk near the main entrance.
Be mindful of the museum’s regulations: large bags must be checked at the entrance, and umbrellas must be left in the cloakroom, although the museum provides them for visitor use. While personal photography is allowed, tripods and flashes are prohibited. Child-carrying backpacks are also not permitted in gallery areas.
For inquiries, the staff in white shirts and vests are readily available to assist.
The Café serves appealing Mediterranean dishes, which can be a delightful break during your visit.
Driving to the Getty Villa
The majority of visitors arrive via private vehicle. Note that vehicles exceeding 6’10” in height and standard car length/width are not permitted, as there is no oversized vehicle parking.
The Getty Villa is located at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades, California. Inputting this address into your GPS is straightforward; however, if you accidentally miss the driveway entrance, it may lead to frustration. The entrance is only accessible via the right lane of southbound Pacific Coast Highway. If traveling north on PCH, turning left into the entrance is not possible, necessitating a detour to Sunset Boulevard for a U-turn.
Keep a keen eye out as you approach; the Getty Villa is less than a mile north of the Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard intersection, making attentiveness crucial. In the event that you miss your turn, continue south to Topanga Canyon Boulevard, revert north, and make a U-turn at Sunset Boulevard.
While navigating the parking garage, you might notice the rough driveway terrain, designed to echo the large stones of ancient Herculaneum and Pompeii.
If someone is dropping you off, the entrance gate staff will guide you to the designated drop-off area. If using a ridesharing service, ensure the driver does not leave you outside the entrance, as you will not be permitted to enter from that location. This goes in line with the museum’s permit regulations.
Make sure to remember where you parked; after exploring, it’s easy to forget your starting point. Taking a photo or jotting down the location can be helpful.
Lastly, consider walking up the hill from the parking garage to the museum entrance; it enriches the experience with beautiful gardens and scenic views.
Other Ways to Get to the Getty Villa
Walking into the Villa is not an option, due to museum permits. The only exception occurs if you take Metro bus line 534, which stops at Pacific Coast Highway and Coastline Drive, directly across from the Getty Villa entrance. Ensure that you possess an advance, timed ticket and present your bus receipt or transfer at the gate.
