The Getty Museum

If you are new to Los Angeles, there are two Getty Museums: The Getty (in Westwood) and The Getty Villa (in Malibu).

Both are very much worthwhile to check out.  The Getty (in Westwood) is  very sleek and modern and houses a vast variety of work.   The Getty Villa (in Malibu) is inspired by Rome in the days of Pompeii and all of the architecture, grounds, and art reflect that period.

 The Getty (in Westwood) has a number of current exhibits, but what caught my eye was “Imagining the Past in France (1250 – 1500).”

“This major international loan exhibition highlights one of the greatest chapters in the history of French art and the development of France as a nation.  Monarchs and nobles employed the finest artists of the day to paint the heroic tales of bygone eras on the pages of lavish manuscripts.  These illustrations helped the French understand their present and plan their future by celebrating an epic past.” – The J. Paul Getty Museum

If you’d like to dig a little deeper, The Getty offers Lectures, Gallery Talks, Artist-at-Work Demonstrations, and a Performance.   There are limited dates and reservations are usually required.  Click here for more info.

Once you’ve had a look at the exhibit and any of the extras, take a leisurely stroll around the grounds – the views of Los Angeles are spectacular.  There are coffee carts, cafes, and even an elegant restaurant with a special menu for the French exhibit.  Click here for Eating & Shopping options. 

The Fine Print: Admission to The Getty is free (no tickets or reservations are required).  Parking is $15 and free after 5pm.  Click here for location, hours, and contact numbers.  The exhibit runs November 16, 2010–February 6, 2011.