Have you ever been out of town and not known what to do, especially on the weekend? There are alot of attractions in Los Angelos to see or experience, but a true art lover will find thier way to an art museum.
There is only one museum in Los Angelos which can compete with the international ones in Europe. This the Paul Getty Museum which sits on the top of a hill over looking the city of Los Angelos and therefore has the best views of the entire city.
There are two sites, the Getty Center just past the UCLA and the Getty Villa, outside of the city which opened in 2006. The Getty Center is worth the two hour busride to get to it from any other area of Los Angelos. Parking is $10-15 dollars if one can afford to rent a car in Los Angelos.
There is no admission fee to the museum, but there is a tram one must ride to get to the center. Get off the bus or park at the Getty Center drive which is next to an Asian Temple nestled into a hillside. Then cross the street, under the 405 overpass and get in line for the tram. There is an elevator for those who need one, and there is special service for those with disabilities. The ride is short, around the corner of a hill with just a sheer drop down to the highway below.
This will be the first view of the city from up high, once disembarking from the tram, one can take another elevator or climb the steps in front of the center which resembles an ancient Roman scene. The entrance of the center is at the top of the steps and is the last chance to turn back for those faint of heart. There is a cafe cart in the court yard and a resturant to the side for those who need refreshment. There is also an auditorium for special events and another building for research to one side.
The main event is just past the main entrance, where one can get a map of the four wings of the museum as well as the store, the coat check, and restrooms for those not accustomed to arriving at the top of a hillside with breath taking views of the city. This is mentioned again as this is where most people appeared to spending thier attention, viewing the city from the courtyard instead of viewing the artwork from inside.
There are four wings of the museum, with some second floor crossovers and glass windows to continue watching the wind whip through the trees of the city below. The center has some of the finest European art, including restaging entire rooms of the French aristrocracy. The paintings are magnificant to view and the upholstered walls worth the ride to the top of the hill. Their are old French tapestries, real stained glass windows and a few rooms for the Italian artists. The two beds would invite one to hop onto them except for two things, thier height from the floor and the security guards posted at every corner.
Spring time has ancient illustrated manuscripts to view inside glass cases. These are the examples of the monks work of the past who were sometimes the only ones able to write, their works are only a sample of what was not destroyed in the many burnings of abbeys and monasteries by the Vikings. There are many ceramic objects of exquisite delight to walk around but not handle while not getting side tracked by the many access points to the glass windows over looking the city.
There is a drawing room of huge masters for those inclined to try thier hand at artwork. There is a childrens room to help them enjoy the expereince and many water works outside to caress tired eyes. The main thrust of this museum is the European works not seen in other museums but there are some Italian Masters, but the Rembrandt room is not to be missed.
The Lady in Blue reading a letter has a special exhibit point, where no one can get close enough to view it close up. Be sure to plan at least two hours to walk around, more if one wants to view everything at a slow pace. Then again, one might just concentrate on certain aspects or exhibits instead of the entire place at one viewing, saving it for another viewing on another day. It is a great way to spend time with the family, young and old as well as seeing old friends pass by as if one does not remember them due to the overwhelming works of art to encounter on top of the Getty Center Museum.
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