See Van Gogh, Monet & Gauguin for Free at the Getty Center in Los Angeles
Too Spectacular to Be “Just” a Museum? The Getty Center
The Getty Center is a world-renowned art museum in Los Angeles!
Since opening in 1997, it has welcomed close to 1.8 million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular museums in the United States.
Why is this museum so celebrated around the globe? Let’s explore its allure and the best ways to enjoy it.
Use these tips as inspiration when planning your trip!
1. What Is the Getty Center?
The Getty Center is an art museum run by the J. Paul Getty Trust, founded by oil tycoon and renowned art collector J. Paul Getty.
Getty originally shared his personal collection by converting part of his ranch home into a small gallery open to the public.
When his growing collection outgrew that space, he built his first purpose-built museum—the Getty Villa, modeled after an ancient Roman country house.
After Getty’s death, the Trust created a new, larger museum complex—the Getty Center—that you can visit today.
2. A Notorious Getty Family Scandal
Here is a famous episode that reveals both the legendary frugality of J. Paul Getty (Getty I)—despite his vast fortune—and the family’s tangled relationships.
The best-known incident is the 1973 kidnapping of John Paul Getty III.
After abducting Getty III, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of USD 17 million from Getty I.
Because Getty I initially refused to pay, the kidnappers grotesquely cut off Getty III’s ear and mailed it to a newspaper to prove their resolve.
Negotiations dragged on until a partial ransom of roughly USD 3 million was finally paid and Getty III was released.
Of that USD 3 million, about USD 400 thousand came directly from Getty II, while the remaining USD 2.6 million was “loaned” by Getty I to Getty II—at 5 percent interest.
The case laid bare the Gettys’ complicated family dynamics and has since been dramatized in numerous books and films.
3. The Museum’s Lavish Collection
The Getty Center exhibits European paintings and sculptures created before the twentieth century.
The sheer scale is astounding—more than 44,000 works are held in the collection.
Gallery staff are stationed throughout the complex, ready to answer questions so you can deepen your appreciation of each piece.
As you would expect from the legacy of an oil magnate, the galleries feature masterpieces that even casual art lovers will recognize.
Highlights includeVincent van Gogh’s Irises,Paul Gauguin’s Arii Matamoe (The Royal End),andClaude Monet’s Wheatstacks, Snow Effect, Morning.
It’s a rare chance to stand face-to-face with such renowned works of art.
4. Beautiful Gardens
The Getty Center boasts the Central Garden, an overlook that commands sweeping views of Los Angeles.
Designed by artist Robert Irwin, the space is a serene fusion of nature and art.
Covering roughly 134,000 square feet (about 12,450 m²)—the size of 48 tennis courts—the garden is vast enough to redefine your idea of what a museum can be.
Between gallery visits you can bask in the sun, listen to the gentle flow of the garden’s waterway, or sip a coffee from the café—the perfect spot to recharge before heading back to the art.
View this post on Instagram
5. Free Admission
Admission is completely free so that everyone can experience art.
It’s amazing that you can explore a vast campus filled with world-class art and a stunning garden without paying an entry fee.
Please note, however, that parking is not free!
When I visited, standard car parking was about $20.
Using ride-share or public transit can help you save a few dollars.
*Prices may vary by season and time—always check the official website for the latest information.
6. How to Enter & Enjoy the Getty Center
For peace of mind, reserve your free timed-entry ticket on the official website before you go.
After parking in the paid garage and having your ticket scanned by staff, you’ll board a dedicated tram.
The tram climbs the hill and drops you right at the Getty Center entrance.
Inside the sprawling complex—spread across several pavilions—you can admire the collections, relax in the Central Garden or cafés, and take in sweeping views of Los Angeles from the terraces.
If you plan to study the art at a leisurely pace, expect to spend a full day—or more—so leave plenty of room in your itinerary.
You’ll take the same tram back down to the garage, but it can get crowded at peak times.
According to staff, it’s about a 12-minute walk to the parking structure, so you can stroll down if you prefer.
View this post on Instagram
7. Final Thoughts
Free to enter yet overflowing with lavish works of art and an almost endless garden, the Getty Center pushes the very boundaries of what a museum can be!
Come for the world-famous masterpieces—or simply to stroll the spectacular grounds and soak in the views. Either way, it’s a must-see.
For J. Paul Getty’s other museum, the Getty Villa, check out the Instagram post below!
View this post on Instagram
Getty Villa Café served some truly outstanding dishes!
Be sure to take a look at this Instagram post too!
View this post on InstagramOur Services
We offer comprehensive automotive solutions—buy, sell, rent, and repair in one place.
Car Sales
Browse our lineup of quality used cars with transparent pricing and up to a two-year warranty on select models.
View Inventory
Auto Repair
Get expert service from our certified Toyota Master Mechanic. We primarily service Toyota vehicles.
Schedule Service
Trade-in / Sell
We pay top dollar for your vehicle—especially hybrids. Count on fair, transparent appraisals.
Get Estimate
Car Rentals
Choose between fuel-saving hybrid rentals and a Tesla with Full Self-Driving Capability—both at competitive rates.
Reserve NowYou May Also Like
