Getty Villa

Yeah, I’m in love.

I love the Getty Villa. It would be hard not to love this spectacular tribute to the decadence of an era past celebrating the ancient world of Greece and Rome.

The beautifully phenomenal Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, California (just south of Malibu), is impressive with its 7,000 years of ancient art, from the end of the Stone Age to the fall of the Roman Empire. A recreation of an ancient Roman country house, the Getty Villa offers a taste of life in the first century A.D. (with a few modern amenities, of course).

Welcome to the Getty Villa, Pacific Palisades, CAWelcome to the Getty Villa.

I was introduced to the Getty Villa by artist Beti Kristof, who was more familiar than I was. She knew I would love it. I’ve been a couple of times and am inclined to visit the Villa anytime in Malibu.

Our first visit to the Getty Villa was a get-acquainted trip to get an idea of all there was to see. Admittedly, there is a lot to take in, especially if you are an artist and want to study all the beautiful sculptures and beautiful artworks. There is just simply no way to get it all in in one visit.

Getty Villa Architecture, Malibu, CAA beautiful view from every angle.

The 64-acre museum complex sits on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, which is about 100 feet from the entrance to the property. From this point, the ocean is just beyond the trees.

Getty Villa MuseOne of the many beautiful muses residing within the Villa.

A.D. Cook drawing at the Getty Villa, Malibu, CADrawing one of my favorite statues at the Villa.

Our second visit was on Valentine’s Day. Artist Beti Kristof and I went to enjoy the day and draw a little. The Getty Villa encourages artists to draw from their amazing collections and share in the art in a unique fashion. So, with my drawing pads in hand, we spent a few hours there, and each produced a nice drawing of the sculpted faces in one of their beautiful sitting areas.

Beti Kristof drawing at the Getty Villa, Malibu, CAArtist Beti Kristof drew the beautiful sculptures.

GETTY FACTOIDS: The Getty Villa in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, USA, is one of two locations of the J. Paul Getty Museum. The Getty Villa is an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The collection has 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities dating from 6,500 BC to 400 AD, including the Lansdowne Heracles and the Victorious Youth. The UCLA/Getty Master’s Program in Archaeological and Ethnographic Conservation is housed on this campus. The collection is documented and presented through the online GettyGuide as well as through audio tours. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getty_Villa)

Getty Villa Lilly PondThe Lilly ponds are stunning and truly relaxing.
The large garden is inspired by ancient models, with species from the ancient world. The property is beautifully landscaped with luscious plants and even has a selection of fish to enjoy during your visit.
Coffee Break at The Getty Villa, A.D. Cook, ArtistTaking in the sunshine and enjoying a little coffee break at the Villa.
Getty Villa Hilltop Mansion, Malibu, CAThis beautiful private home overlooks the Getty Villa and the Pacific Ocean.
While this beautiful mansion (above) isn’t part of the Getty Villa, it is part of the Villa experience in that it is visually beautiful and compliments the landscape perfectly. I would be reluctant not to mention this fabulous private estate (yes, you read that right – this is a private home).
Beti and A.D. Cook at the Getty Villa, Valentines Day, 2015A beautiful day with the muses. Happy Valentine’s Day from the Getty Villa.

• • • • •

The Getty Villa

17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Wednesday–Monday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.

Visit them online at Getty.edu/visit/villa

Admission to the Getty Villa is free, but timed tickets must be obtained in advance via phone or the museum’s website. There is a $15.00 charge for parking during the day, but parking is free for evening performances.

• • • • •

THE IMPLIED NUDE     |     THE NAKEDNESS OF WOMAN     |     TRUTH & BEAUTY

— More Posts From This Author —

Sign Up For My Newsletter

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

Scroll to Top

Artist Updates

Keep up on my stories of art, love, Las Vegas, and beyond.

Sign Up For My Newsletter

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp