The Beginning of a Cultural Landmark
If you have visited one of Los Angeles most recognizable institutions, you have viewed a vast personal art collection of oil businessman J. Paul Getyy. But the cultural institution story began on a much smaller scale. It started as a personal art collection shared from his ranch home in the Pacific Palisades. But Getty’s collection began to outgrow his ranch home so in the Late 1960’s he began construction of a larger museum that would resemble an Ancient Roman villa and in 1074 the Getty Villa opened to the public. Getty believed art had an influence on civilization and he wanted to share and reflect his belief by making his collection of art to visitors. In 1976, just two years after the opening Getty died and his vast collection was given to a Trust, and from there the institution had the financial ability to grow far beyond a traditional museum.
The Getty Center and the Museum Today
Through the years after Getty’s death, the institution expanded into research, conservation educations, publishing and grants. Through the expansion it created several programs such as The Getty Research Institute, Getty Conservation Institute and the Getty Foundation. These programs were brought together through a development called The Getty Center located in Brentwood, a hilltop campus that was opened in 1997. It became home to European paintings, drawings, sculpture, decorative arts, manuscripts, photography, gardens and research facilities.
Some may not know that there was an original site in Malibu that eventually would get renovated and the reopened in 2006 with its new name The Getty Villa, this site is dedicated to the arts and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean. Today the Getty institutions operate through both the Getty Center and the Getty Villa. Not only are both amazing museums but both have become global centers for art conservation, as well as public engagements.
Our staff at Chino Hills Self Storage have not been able to visit the Getty Villa but we have had the pleasure of visiting the Getty Museum. The Getty collection reflects the kind of man he was, he had a vast collection of all types of art, and his vision for his personal museum was far beyond what one could imagine. The museum, his collections, the gardens left a lasting impact on each of us. It was interesting to hear what each one of us took away from its vastness, it spoke to each one of us in different ways, which is proof that art is in the beholder’s eye. And I would be remiss if I did not say that the museum has one of the most spectacular views that we have ever seen, just breathtaking!
Tips For Planning Your Visit
Our staff at Chino Hills Self Storage did not plan our trip to the museum, we went on a whim, and though it worked out great, I would like to share some tips that mat be beneficial. Visit the informative website first. Check for required timed entry admission in advance, especially for popular dates and weekends. Check current gallery availability before your trip, since some areas may be closed for various reasons. Check the weather, it’s on a hilltop and can be quite chilly as it was for our staff, but the view was so beautiful we withstood the chill. Allow extra time for parking and allow time for the tram ride to the entry gate as well as for the gardens and the scenic views. Check out the cafes within the Center, you will need refreshment and rest through out your visit.
Temporary Closing Dates
The Getty Center has announced a major modernization project that will temporarily close to the public on March 15, 2027, and is expected to re-open in the spring of 2028. The closure will allow the museum to complete its most significant modernization work since its opening in 1997, including upgrades to the tram system. Some gallery closures have already begun as part of the first phase of improvement so be sure to check these closures if you plan to visit before the final closing. And, if you cannot visit before the closing of the Getty then you might want to consider a visit to the Getty Villa in Malibu.
Why Visit Before Renovation?
When our staff from Chino Hills Self Storage visited the museum, it was a first for all of us. Now that we have heard that it is closing for improvements, we were very happy to be able to see it in its current glory we are sure the new improvements will be even more spectacular but for us it is exciting for us to have seen the before and eventually the after.
The Getty Center, More Than Art
The visit to the Getty Center is more than viewing art. The experience begins with a beautiful scenic tram ride up the hill followed by marble architecture, open-air courtyards, breathtaking gardens, and panoramic views of Los Angeles. The experience while visiting the center is one you will never forget, from the beginning to the end you will leave feeling a bit artistic whether you are an artist or not.
It was an amazing day for our staff, we returned to Chino Hills Self Storage with new found artistic minds, thoughts of how e can improve our facility though its not on the level of the Getty center it’s still our Rembrandt, our gallery of storage units are a thing to see, whit rollup doors that run the expanse of long clean hallways with music that fills the air as we work with and alongside our amazing customers. Maybe, if you are in our area, you can visit us too, we too have an informative website that can benefit you before your visit.
The Getty Museum
1200 Getty Center Dr.
Los Angeles, Ca 90049
(310) 440-7300
