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7544
Getty Villa Malibu
Sight
22
Museums & Galleries
ATTRACTION
AntiquitiesHOURS/TIMES
Mon., Wed.-Sun.: 10:00am-5:00pm; Tue.: ClosedPRICE (ADMISSION; PARKING)
Free; USD 15POPULAR TIMES
Weekends; school vacationsRESERVE IN ADVANCE
Yes - you must have an advance ticket; order onlineWAIT TIME WITHOUT RESERVATION
No admittance without reservationHIGHLIGHTS
Sculpture gardens; ocean views; Greek statuary, esp. Statue of a Victorious YouthALLOW
2-3 hours
VIBE
The Getty Villa started out as a clutch of artworks housed in a humble space beside oil magnate J.P. Getty’s home but has since morphed into one of the world’s finest collections of ancient Roman, Greek, and Etruscan pieces. The artwork is now housed (ever so fittingly) in a loose copy of a Roman Villa commissioned by Getty in the 1970s, while lush surrounding gardens display ancient statuary and timeless views of the Pacific. The museum is a training center for the crème de la crème of young curators, as well as a popular stop for school trips and group tours.
GO HERE WITH
A date; a friend; an art history buff; kids
WHY WE LIKE IT
The villa setting really complements their collections–it’s a lovely spot for a leisurely day of strolling gardens, art-spotting, and snacking in the upscale cafeteria. Also, we like how the ticket system keeps it from getting overcrowded.
WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE
The confusing name–it’s not actually in Malibu (but it is nearby).
GOOD TO KNOW
Tickets must be reserved in advance and are timed. Each adult may be accompanied by up to three children on their ticket, and this is a great spot to take kids, since they have a hands-on children’s learning center. Parking for evening events starting after 5:00pm is free.
CLOSEST COMPS
Getty Center (Los Angeles)
Read more about the Getty Villa Malibu in The Diary
Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Los Angeles
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