Getty Villa Malibu: Gardens, Architecture & Cafe Guide
Stroll Through an Ancient Roman Mansion!
The Ultra-Chic Getty Villa
The Getty Museum in Los Angeles is famous worldwide!
Getty Center and Getty Villa are the two locations, and this time we’ll be focusing on the Getty Villa!
So popular that it appears in almost every stylish LA photo search on Instagram, Getty Villa is a must-see spot.
I’ll highlight what sets it apart from the popular Getty Center and why it’s considered so chic!
1. About the Getty Villa and Its Artworks
The Getty Villa is a museum built by J. Paul Getty, an American oil tycoon and art collector.
Located on a prime stretch of the Malibu coast, it boasts a beautiful building modeled after an ancient Roman seaside villa and expansive gardens.
It houses approximately 44,000 works from ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria, allowing visitors to immerse themselves deeply in the world of ancient Rome.
2. A Museum Built During Getty’s Lifetime
Originally, Mr. Getty converted part of his private ranch to share his art collection with the public.
Later, when the collection outgrew the available space, the Getty Villa was built in 1974 while Mr. Getty was still alive.
The Getty Center was constructed by his foundation after his death.
For more about incidents involving Mr. Getty himself, please see the Getty Center blog!
3. About the Stylish Architecture
Getty Villa is considered chic because it is a faithful recreation of the Villa dei Papiri.
The original Villa dei Papiri is a luxurious seaside residence in the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum overlooking the Bay of Naples. It was buried by the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius and rediscovered in 1750.
Mr. Getty was captivated by the Villa dei Papiri and faithfully reproduced the mansion in Malibu, California.
The property covers about 64 acres (roughly 0.25 square kilometers), which is roughly the size of five Tokyo Domes—truly expansive.
Featuring classical gardens and colonnades, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman life!
4. Snap Stylish Photos in the Gardens
Getty Villa features four distinct gardens: the Outer Peristyle, the Herb Garden, the Inner Peristyle with its small pool and statues, and the East Garden highlighted by its lion sculptures.
The largest and most famous is the column-lined Outer Peristyle, where, in ancient Roman times, people are said to have chatted with guests or meditated alone.
The central pool is about three feet (roughly 91 centimeters) deep; in antiquity, it served for both swimming and fish farming.
Every corner of these gardens is irresistibly photogenic, so be sure to enjoy taking pictures!
In the Herb Garden you’ll find apple and pomegranate trees alongside familiar culinary herbs like mint, basil, and thyme.
Strolling here lets you imagine the luxurious life of ancient Rome—you’ll feel almost aristocratic as you explore.
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5. About the Café (Café at the Getty Villa)
If you need a break while exploring Getty Villa, the on-site café is my top pick!
Not only is it pristine and stylish, but the dishes are so good you’d never believe you’re eating in a museum café—be sure to give it a try!
This time I ordered the Margherita pizza and the Villa Salad (a mix of artichokes, pistachios, and feta cheese).
The pizza’s cheese was wonderfully gooey and addictive, and the salad came heaped with delicious artichokes and lettuce, topped with a refreshing citrus dressing—a perfect combo!
Check out Instagram for more!
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6. Admission Process and Tips
Ticket Reservations
You can reserve your admission tickets in advance, and I highly recommend doing so. Weekend time slots can fill up several weeks ahead, so once your travel dates are set, check availability as soon as possible!
About Fees
Getty Center and the Getty Villa both offer free admission, but when you enter the parking area you must show your ticket to the staff and pay a parking fee of $25 per vehicle.
After Entering
Unlike the Getty Center, there is no tram or trail system here; the museum is only a short walk from the parking lot. Take your time and explore!
When Heading Home
The PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) you’ll use to leave the Getty Villa can become heavily congested during the evening rush. Checking Google Maps for traffic conditions before you drive back is highly recommended!
7. After Visiting the Getty Villa
A famous spot called Malibu Pier is only about a 10-minute drive (around 6.5 miles) from the Getty Villa.
It’s a great place to stroll the pier, enjoy the beach, or grab a meal at nearby restaurants and cafés, so if you have the time, be sure to stop by!
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8. In Conclusion
You can fully immerse yourself in the world of ancient Rome at the Getty Villa!
It offers a chic atmosphere that’s quite different from the Getty Center, so be sure to add it to your travel plans!
I’ve also shared posts about the Getty Center on Instagram, so take a look!
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