On every trip we take it is certain that somewhere on our Bucket List I will have a museum or two listed. I can’t help myself – they’re just such a wealth of knowledge. It will not surprise you then to hear that I had quite the list for our California trip. Can you guess what was at the top?
The J. Paul Getty Museum – www.getty.edu is a must see if you are ever in Los Angeles. The Getty, as it is most commonly known, opened in 1974 and is possibly the richest museum in the world having inherited US$1.2 billion back in 1982 which has enabled the curators to purchase many of the world’s treasures. It houses many unique items including artworks by van Gogh, Degas and Monet; illuminated medieval manuscripts; Glassware and so much more. Exploring The Getty with kids is an adventure worth having.
So why take the kids? Won’t they find it boring? I have a strong belief that exposing children to the arts at a young age, be it theatre, paintings or music, will foster an appreciation as they grow older. We try to make the adventure fun too by providing challenges as we explore. The challenge changes as we enter different exhibits. In the manuscript room the kids had to find the oldest item. As they raced around and read each information block, T and I had time to observe each exhibit and learn more about what we were looking at which we could then reveal to the kids. In rooms that housed painting the challenge was to find the painting that best reflected sadness then happiness; surprise and patience.
There is also a great kids area within the museum where they can jump, build and move through a number of spaces. We left this for the end which was the perfect end to our visit.
Heading to The Getty from most parts of Los Angeles is fairly easy. We chose to drive and arrived just on opening. This secured us a car park (US$15.00 all day) and we were able to catch the near empty courtesy bus straight up to the top and enjoy most of the exhibitions by ourself. Admission is free.
The Getty opening hours:
Tuesday–Friday and Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays
May 29–August 28, 2015 open Fridays to 9:00 p.m.
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Resources:
2015/16 Getty Museum Exhibitions
The Getty Magazine
Random fact: Did you ever watch Young Guns II? Remember the young boy that was played by Balthazar Getty. He is one of THE Getty’s!!
Looks great! Esp the outdoor bits!
I just love the Getty! The ancient furniture were some of my favorite things! Can I have that big blue bed, please?
Oh wow! I love museums too. I have to admit, the way we go through them is different now with kids while they’re so little, but I still think it’s a great experience for them too! Would love to go to the Getty!
Hi! My kids are into modern art. When we travel in France or in foreign countries I always take them to at least one or 2 museums. I’m sure that’s how they start to enjoy estheatical things. Never been to the Getty… xx cathy