Overview
Getty is an institution that aims to conserve, preserve, and interpret artworks to better understand and treasure humanity’s past. The four components of Getty are, The Conservation Institute, The Foundation, The J. Paul Getty Museum, and The Research Institute. The Museum has two campuses located in Los Angeles that are free to the public. Their mission is to promote a better understanding and appreciation of visual arts from around the world.
The Getty Center
The Getty Center is located up near Crestwood Hills and overlooks the wide expanse of Los Angeles. Consequently, visitors can take the tram up to the Getty Center while enjoying spectacular views. The Center includes multiple pavilions of paintings, sculptures, drawings, manuscripts, photographs, and decorative arts from antiquity to the present. In addition, there are a variety of courtyards and fountains spread between the buildings to enjoy drinks and snacks. Furthermore, there is a restaurant and cafe with views of the Santa Monica Mountains. One of the most impressive components are the gardens. Robert Irwin, the artist, created the four gardens that encompass 134 square feet and contain 500 varieties of plants. The gardens are a work of evolution, made to change with the seasons. For instance, carved into a stepping stone in the garden is Irwin’s statement, “Always changing, never twice the same.”
The Getty Villa
The second campus, The Getty Villa, is located in Malibu along the Pacific Coast Highway. The Getty Villa opened in 2006 after major renovations and is both a museum and education center. The Campus is modeled after “Villa dei Papiri” (The Villa of the Papyruses) located in Herculaneum, Italy. But additional inspiration was taken from other ancient Roman buildings and towns to make up its architecture and landscape. For example, the gardens include herbs and shrubs that would have been found in ancient Roman homes. The collection is made up of ancient Greek and Roman antiquities that span a 4,000 year range. However, there are also changing exhibitions on the second floor that present temporary exhibitions with artwork from around the world. The large garden includes a reflecting pool, walkways, and a view of the Pacific Ocean.
