Top 10 Features of the Getty Museum

Roosting on its hilltop site on the edge of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center is an imposing presence, far removed from city noise and bustle. An amazing feat of architecture and engineering, it was designed by New York based Modernist Richard Meier, an internationally acclaimed architect who also drafted the Museum of Television and Radio in Beverly Hills. For the Getty, Meier arranged the main buildings along two natural ridges connected by creative landscaping. Curvilinear elements, such as in the Museum Entrance Hall, combine with angular structures to create an effect of fluidity and openness.

As soon as you arrive you will see an Electric Tram and it will take you on a five minute ride up the hill from the entrance gate to the Arrival Plaza in a driverless, computer-operated tram. If the weather is nice and the days are clear, the views from the Getty’s hilltop perch are spectacular, especially around sunset. You will be able to see the vastness of LA’s labyrinthine streets, the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Before you get into the Getty museum you will get to see the Central Garden. These beautiful, constantly changing gardens were designed by visual artist Robert Irwin. Wander along tree-lined paths and across a gentle stream to a reflecting pool with floating azaleas and ringed by beautiful specialty gardens.

You can then explore the museum’s collection at one of several Getty Guide stations. Multimedia includes feature videos, audio recordings, and detailed information about the works of art on display. Once you are in the museum you will see the Getty’s famous collection of French decorative art and furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries that are displayed in a series of period rooms. The paneled Regence salon from 1710 is a must see.

Shown on a rotating basis, the Getty’s collection of illuminated manuscripts covers the entire Middle Ages and Renaissance. The Stammheim Missal from Germany is among the most prized possessions. You will also see some of the best art pieces by several artists in this center. The highlights in the drawings collection include pieces from the 14th to the 19th centuries. The two to look at for are Albrecht Durer The Stag Beetle and Studies for the Christ Child with Lamb by Leonardo da Vinci.

If you are just into photography, you will not be disappointed here. The collection has images that date back to the early 1840’s and this department concentrates mainly on work by European and American artists. Man Ray’s Tears is among the most famous pieces.

The Getty Center also has a small collection of European Art. Paintings from the Italian Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as French Impressionism, are particularly well represented. But that is not all at the Getty. Works by many of the 20th century’s sculptors are displayed throughout the grounds. The sculptures, including work by Henry Moore, Alberto Giacometti and Joan Miro were donated by the late film producer Ray Stark and his wife. Fran.

Sources:

http://www.getty.edu/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Irwin_(artist)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Meier