Gotta love the Getty

November 24, 2007 -- The OCMehls have a new favorite place in the universe, and it's called The Getty in L.A. Today, we paid our first visit to the renowned facility that's perched high atop a mountain in Santa Monica. Let me tell you, nothing could prepare for the majesty of the place. Simply breathtaking and inspiring.

Upon reaching the grounds, you park and then take an electric tram 750 feet up the mountain. A little precarious...think an enclosed, electrified Grand Canyon mule. Not that it's unsafe, just a little unsettlingly close to the edge of the abyss. At the top of the hill, you exit onto a huge plaza graced by artwork and staircases beckoning in virtually every direction. And it's just the start of the spectacular views of the surrounding areas. This day sported fantastic weather, with the easy winds clearing the air from the usual L.A. death smog. Mountains to one side of you, ocean on the other.

We got there at just about noon, so we first set out to eat. We found an outdoor cafe, one of the two restaurants on site, and began soaking in the panoramas. The museum spans about five or six main buildings that orbit several patios and gardens. Many of the buildings are connected by enclosed bridges. I'm sure my detailing of the grounds is totally inadequate because, admittedly, I was lost most of the day. The place is that huge. 750 acres in all. But anywhere you found yourself, you were welcomed by glass-walled views, elegant geometries of architecture and fauna, and stunning works of art in two and three dimensions at every turn. Every interior and exterior space has huge expanses of travertine adorning the walls and walkways, creating a graceful but neutral fabric that allows the art (man-made or organic) to take center stage.

After lunch, we visited a medieval exhibit that featured a lot of Greek and Roman art. After a few galleries, we went out to the Central Garden which is almost indescribably beautiful. A river feature starts at the top of a hill and quietly zig zags down between expansive green lawns set at a viewing angle to the ocean far beyond. Pieces of art punctuate the undulations of the hill, which converges around a large water maze that sits in a pond at the bottom of the hill, the river cascading into it. The imposing edifices of travertine and glass stand sentinel at bold, jutting angles overhead. As the sun started setting, the vibrant colors of the day began softening to ambers and oranges, and it was like the entire site began emanating its own, resonant warmth in reciprocation. After Emelie had a brief heart-stopping, headlong plummet off the edge of the viewing lawn onto a sidewalk (such fun), we returned to an elevated platform to have a snack and watch the sun go down.

After touring a few more exhibits of European art, illustrated texts and some natural art created by the site itself (there was a full moon out that illuminated the grounds), we went back to the tram as the cool night wind picked up. Emelie conked out in the back seat watching Star Wars on the DVD player. A satisfied look on her face.

The site would take at least two full days to explore at length...probably three. We certainly intend to visit again soon. What's amazing, the place is free. Beyond an $8 parking charge, there is no fee for admission. The girls and I are all in a lingering state of awe today as we think back on the Getty. It was positively astounding and a must-see for all.

The pictures below follow the sequence of the day as outlined above. Flash photography wasn't allowed anywhere, so some of the interior shots (particularly evening shots) are a little on the blurry side. Still, it captures the natural ambient light a little more faithfully. Enjoy.