My Favorite Weekend: Karina Smirnoff
Picks by Karina_Smirnoff
Know something we don't?
The view from this Mount Olympian vista and the physical campus created by architect Richard Meier have become the major attractions here. The actual museum has less art than the large space might suggest, but what they do have is expertly exhibited and surrounded by easy-to-understand historic information.
The Getty is free to the public. Its academic resources are a godsend to scholars. Same for its art community conferences and funding programs. And artist Robert Irwin's arousing, arresting flower garden is a true site to behold.
Notable past exhibitions include "Raphael at the Getty," "Walker Evans Before + After," "Bill Viola: The Passions," "Julius Shulman, Modernity and the Metropolis" and "Edward Weston: Enduring Vision."
Visiting
The Getty Center is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive in Brentwood. Take the Getty Center Drive exit from the 405 Freeway and follow the signs.
The museum is open year-round, but closes on Mondays, as well as on New Year's Day, July 4, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tue.-Fri. and Sun.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat.
Admission is always free (no reservations required) but parking in the Getty Center garage is $8. There is little to no street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. If you want to use public transportation, take Metro Rapid Line 761, which stops at the main gate on Sepulveda Boulevard.
To get to the museum entrance, you need to take a free monorail, which runs continuously during the museum's operating hours. Just follow the signs from the parking garage.
It's easy to get around the Getty campus, but make sure you pick up a map at reception, because the various exhibitions are divided among several buildings.
Dining and entertainment
Dining at the Getty can be an extraordinary experience if you plan ahead. The Restaurant at the Getty is a full-service fine-dining establishment that offers exquisite views of the Topanga Hills, especially at sunset. Dinner hours are 5-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat. only. Reservations are highly recommended; call 310-440-6810. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tue.-Sat. and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun.
A less pricey option is the Garden Cafe, which offers coffee, lunch and snacks in an outdoor setting overlooking the Central Garden.
Visitors can bring their own food to the picnic area, located at the Lower Tram Station (T1). The picnic grounds are open until 30 minutes before the Getty Center closes.
For other dining options, you'll have to drive. The Bel Air Bar & Grill offers low-key, old-world charm with a menu of traditional American and European cuisine. Located in the Hotel Angeleno, West Restaurant & Lounge features a spectacular view of the surrounding hills. The menu includes a selection of Italian favorites.
(3)
The only thing this place has in common with the Getty Center is the Getty name. They want to transport you to the Bay of Naples, and holy crap, have they...

For my complete review with photos, visit: http://www.mcginty.us/?p=170 Similar to the Getty Center, there is no fee to visit the Villa (except for the $15...

so you've been to the getty center, now time to check out the villa (top chef masters were here). remodeled in 2006, thus looks very nice (but no ancient...
Find restaurants, clubs, shows and events every day.

The local indie heroes will perform an early set geared...