The Getty Villa: A Journey to Ancient Rome in Malibu

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Explore ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art and culture at the Getty Villa, a stunning recreation of a Roman country house on the Malibu coast.

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The Getty Villa

The Getty Villa is an art museum and educational center in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, dedicated to the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. Modeled after the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, Italy, the Getty Villa offers visitors a unique glimpse into the ancient world, showcasing a collection of 44,000 antiquities amidst Roman-inspired architecture and gardens.

A brief summary to The Getty Villa

17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, Pacific Palisades, California, 90272, US
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Monday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Getty Villa.

Admission is free, but a timed-entry reservation is required for each visitor.
Visit towards the end of the day to enjoy the golden hour light in the gardens.
Take advantage of the free audio guide to learn more about the Villa's history and collection.
Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved.
Consider visiting both the Getty Villa and the Getty Center on the same day and take advantage of the 'Pay Once, Park Twice' deal.

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Getting There

Driving

The Getty Villa is located at 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. From Santa Monica, take the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) north. Access to the Getty Villa entrance is only possible from the northbound, right-hand lane of Pacific Coast Highway. Turning left across PCH from the southbound lanes is illegal. Parking is $25 per car or motorcycle, but is reduced to $15 after 3pm. It is recommended to reserve and pay for parking in advance online.
Public Transport

The Getty Villa can be reached by taking the Metro Bus 134 or 602. For example, from Santa Monica Pier, take the Metro Bus 134. The bus stop is located just outside the villa entrance at Pacific Coast Highway/Coastline Drive. A single ride on Metro Bus costs $1.75.
Ride Sharing

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off in front of the Getty Villa. From downtown Santa Monica, a ride typically costs between $20-$30, depending on traffic and demand.

Discover more about The Getty Villa

The Getty Villa, located in the Pacific Palisades near Malibu, is more than just a museum; it's an immersive experience that transports visitors back to ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. Oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, driven by his passion for antiquities, opened a gallery adjacent to his home in 1954. As his collection grew, he built the Getty Villa, drawing inspiration from the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, a Roman villa buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.The Villa's design, completed in 1974, was conceived by architects Robert E. Langdon, Jr., and Ernest C. Wilson, Jr., in consultation with archeologist Norman Neuerburg. The result is an architectural marvel that evokes the grandeur of ancient Roman houses. Following a major renovation between 1997 and 2006, the Getty Villa reopened with a renewed focus on exhibiting Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities. Today, the museum displays approximately 1,400 of its 44,000 artifacts, dating from 6,500 BC to 400 AD. Highlights include the Lansdowne Heracles and the Victorious Youth, one of the few life-size Greek bronze statues to survive to modern times.The Getty Villa's meticulously recreated gardens enhance the visitor experience, featuring Roman-style plantings, fountains, and sculptures. The Outer Peristyle, the largest garden, boasts a 220-foot long reflecting pool, while the Herb Garden showcases a variety of herbs, fruit trees, and an olive grove. Visitors can explore the Inner Peristyle, an atrium garden adorned with Roman statuary, and the East Garden, shaded by mulberry and laurel trees. The Getty Villa offers a variety of guided tours, providing insights into the Villa's architecture, gardens, and collection. These tours, along with the Villa's serene atmosphere and stunning ocean views, make it a must-see destination for art lovers and history buffs alike.