They moved hundreds of tons of dirt out and hundreds of tons of marble in to make this showplace on the hill. The buildings and grounds are spectacular, but unfortunately the art collection is second-rate. Nevertheless, it is amazing to consider that one man amassed it all. Because the Getty trust has millions of dollars, admission is free. Parking is $5. The museum is unusual in that when you arrive (by car or bus), you take a People-Mover train up the hill to the museum grounds. From there, you can explore the gardens or the different buildings that make up the museum. We arrived just as the museum opened and went directly to the gardens. This turned out to be a good idea, as the weather was still cool and almost all the visitors went to the museum first. We were there on a special Family Day, and there were various activities going on in the courtyard areas for children. We enjoyed going into one gallery, then going out into the courtyard to see what was happening there, then returning to the galleries for more art. Instead of getting gallery-feet and art-overload after a couple of hours, we spent more time than we had expected. I don't think the museum is one of the world's top art collections, but the architecture and the grounds certainly make it worth a trip. For details about special events and also about public transportation to the museum, check out its website, www.getty.edu. The museum is open TW 10-7, ThF 10-9, SaSu 10-6. There are a few places to eat, including an elegant restaurant (see separate journal), and you can also bring in a picnic. There are lots picnic tables in the open areas.

One of the most remarkable art museums anywhere in the world today. Not only is the collection outstanding - one of the country's best - but the building itself is a marvel of modern architecture. There is too much to see to fit into a short description... note that you must call ahead for parking (310) 440-7300.

After a recommendation from Orbithotel staff, I drove up to the Getty Center. Now here's the deal: all the other IgoUgo writers have decided to park at the $5 garage at Getty Center, but there is a better way. The Center has a satellite parking lot on Constitution and Sepulveda with FREE parking and a shuttle to the Center! Of course, you miss out on the Disneyland-style tram ride from the $5 Getty lot, but this shuttle ride actually has a better view and it's free. Granted, it will take an extra 10 minutes, but hey it's up to you.

The Getty Center is great in a couple of ways. I always try to find a quiet spot where I can sit, read, and study in any new city I visit. I find coffee shops are great for people watching, but I can't get any work done in most places that blast music I don't like. So the Center is a great place to study and people watch. The restaurants on the grounds are great too. The art exhibits can keep an entire family busy for hours. I would schedule the better part of the day to see the entire complex, including the exhibits and gardens.

The great part is that the Center can be a very romantic spot. The south pavillion towers have a fantastic panoramic view of the entire Los Angeles area that can't be beat at sunset. The museum closes at 9pm most days and 6pm on Sunday.

This is located in an idyllic setting atop a hill with great views of the city. The highlight of the trip for me was getting to see Van Gogh's painting titled Irises, a must for any fan of Impressionist paintings. You can learn a bit about the center from the frequent free tours that give you insight into its well-known architecture and design. I don't have green fingers, but the gardens impressed me.

The Getty Center is set up in memorial to the late J. Paul Getty, as more than 70% of the collection in the museum is Mr. Getty's personal collection. Relocated and opened in 1997, this place has been a major site for art lovers in the world, with 1.2 million annual visitors. Home of a vast number of paintings, decorative arts, sculptures, and photographs ranging from the year 400 AD to the 1980s and from Van Gogh to an unknown Iranian artist, the building itself is a masterpiece. Designed by Richard Meier, the annex follows and accentuates the contour of the hill, with originality showing everywhere, overlooking L.A.’s most beautiful Pacific and city skylines. The Center Garden is a great work of Robert Irwin. It is one of the most ingenious usages of water in architecture. Both the collection itself and the architecture are truly inspiring pieces of art.