Getty Villa

The Getty Villa is an interesting place to visit, but honestly to me didn’t seem much like a museum, just a re-creation of a Roman villa and a bunch of artifacts taken out of Italy, in particular gravestones and sarcophagi. No doubt it is a good replica of something that was destroyed in 79 AD, but I have to be honest in saying that it never felt like I was seeing the real thing. If you never plan on going to Italy, it is a nice place to spend the day and see one man’s collection and dream, but for the real treasures of the ancient world, you need to travel farther than Malibu.

Finally off the list, because I’ve been. And it’s amazing. If you are at all interested in classical antiquity or architecture, take a stop by. J. Paul Getty built a replica of the Villa dei Papiri in California, which makes it a whole lot more accessible than the one half buried in lava in Italy.

Of course when I pulled into the parking garage, there was but one spot for me. 43.

I love the Getty Villa! I was actually able to reserve tickets a couple of days before…I think I got the last time slot of that day. Admission is free with reservations, but you will have to pay for parking. They specifically say that you can not park in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The difference I noticed between the Getty Center and the Getty Villa is that the Center has more paintings and the Villa has more sculptures/statues. It also seemed less crowded and quieter at the Villa, which I think is because of the ticket reservations. You will not be disappointed with the exhibitions, architecture, and outdoor scenery of the Getty Villa!

My favorite from the permanent exhibits was the Temple of Herakles gallery. The tile pattern on the marble floor leading up to the statue of Herakles is beautiful. I also saw The Color of Life exhibit, which will only be there until June 23, 2008. Part of that exhibit was the recreation of original roman statues. One of my favorites from the exhibit was the Dying Gaul by John De Andrea.

I would definitely recommend the Getty Villa if you ever plan on visiting the Malibu area.

I recently went to the Getty Villa. I loved it. I learned so much about the way the Romans lived in the era of Villa dei Papri. I especially enjoyed learning about a form of comedy present within the first several centuries AD: phylax. Throughout the ages, the same sort of vulgarity is present. It’s interesting how we are so different, yet similar to the cultures of the past. The architecture and flora were breathtaking. I spent over 3 hours there, and I didn’t get to see half of it. I’m certainly planning to return.

P.S. If you are going, I would advise you to take some kind of tour. The guides are very informative, and you’ll learn things you wouldn’t have known by your own observation.

I THOUGHT the Getty Villa was that awesome house on the top of the hill right near the driveway to the Villa. Come to find out that it’s way cool, but not that house.

So of course I had to detour and found that house and took some pictures of it. You know, since I’ve been OBSESSED with that house, and wanted to go to “The Getty Villa” because I thought it WAS that house.

So damned if I wasn’t going to go take some snaps of it before I moved away!!!