Taking the Getty off the Backburner. Finally.

For years and years I’d been putting the Getty on the backburner. Why? Because I could. Because sometimes, when we live close to something, we keep putting off going knowing it’s there and most likely not going anywhere. I find it interesting, or no, maybe it’s just sad, that every time I go out of town I turn into a crazy person trying to fit in as many museums as I can, but I seldom visit the closest and most readily available to me.

I’m hoping this’ll be the year I- to borrow from Nike- "just do it". So, this past weekend I finally made it to the Getty Center. Hadn’t been there since they first opened quite some time ago. Don’t even want to try to remember how long it’s actually been. Too depressing. Not a bad place to visit if you’ve got the time and are not opposed to a little culture. 

What I love about the Getty is that even if you’re not all that much into the art, it’s a beautiful space to just be in. The buildings themselves are gorgeous architecture, there are lots of plants and garden areas as well as some fountains to look at while wandering the grounds but above all, the views are really amazing: mountains on one side, ocean on the other. If one really wanted to, they could just sit outside, people watch and enjoy the day. Definitely a great place to take some pictures as well.

But back to the art for a little bit. Compared to other museums in large cities (say, Chicago or New York) the Getty collection isn’t all that large but compared to the last time I was there, it was certainly more than I was aware they had! I was pleasantly surprised. When I was last there the museum had just opened and not everything was on display yet. See, that tells you just how long ago it was! I like all art, but I’m quite partial to the Impressionist. There were a couple of Renoir’s and Monet’s I don’t remember having seen there before, along with Van Gogh and Degas. I did note a new Gauguin they apparently acquired not too long ago which was pretty cool.

Something of interest for any Rembrandt fans, the Getty, along with four other Southern California Museums are participating in a project/exhibition called Rembrandt in Southern California which of course highlights the pieces in the collections at these museums with lectures, symposiums and demonstrations. And hell, even if you’re not a fan, it’s a good way to find out what the big deal is and why he’s considered one of the greatest painters in art history.

Lastly, if you’re not opposed to spending a Saturday night at a museum, you can get into the Getty for free every Saturday after 5 P.M. The $15 dollar parking fee (which is the only thing they actually charge for, as entrance to the museum is free every day) is waived. I would imagine it's a gorgeous view up there at night as well—and less crowded!

 

    View of the 405 from the Getty

 

    Sunset at the Getty