Getty Center or Getty Villa: Which Should You Visit?

Should you visit the Getty Center or Getty Villa if you only have enough time for one?

As an 11-year Angeleno, I’d say the ideal scenario is being able to visit both. But I get it. Los Angeles is a big city, and there are far too many things to do when most people only budget a week for it.

Although both museums are great places to spend a day, they are wildly different in terms of collections, architecture, location, and views.

Depending on what kind of art and experiences you’re looking for, you’ll know exactly which one to choose once you know what each is about. That’s what I’m going to help you with!

The Differences Between The Two Getty Museums

Both Getty locations are operated by the J. Paul Getty Trust, recognized as the wealthiest art institution in the world. Its ongoing art research and conservation means an abundance of amazing exhibitions annually.

The one thing the two have in common is they are both free to enter. Entry is timed, though, so you’ll need to reserve your entrance ticket before you go.

• Getty Center Reservations
• Getty Villa Reservations

If you’re bringing a car, it currently costs US$25 to park in the museum structures.

Main Collections

The Getty Villa, the original Getty Museum, now houses ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art. These are mostly artifacts, sculptures, and jewelry.

Ancient is the keyword. Sometimes there will be special exhibitions with Egyptian artifacts as well. The last time I went, there was an exhibition on the Book of the Dead and some mummy bandages inscribed with text.

The Getty Center, on the other hand, is heavily-focused on European paintings from the Middle Age onwards. You’ll also find photographs, furniture, and other artifacts if you have enough time to explore every building.

Another thing you can’t miss at the Getty Center are the illuminated medieval manuscripts. The museum’s manuscript department works with over 200 books and leaves. The manuscripts are shown on a rotating basis, usually in the West Pavilion.

Architecture

The Getty Villa is a re-creation of La Villa dei Papyri in Herculaneum (Naples Metropolitan area in present day). While I want to write a fully objective guide to help you, I am obsessed with the Getty Villa’s aesthetics.

The villa’s exhibition rooms surround a beautiful courtyard garden. I love resting on the benches in the white marble hallways while admiring this garden.

Meanwhile, the Getty Center is a modern masterpiece by Richard Meier, the architect who built The Hague City Hall and the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art.

Because it’s much larger than the Getty Villa, you can walk around the Getty Center and always find some surprise corner you haven’t seen before. And all of them are super photogenic.

Outdoor Areas

If you love a good picnic in a big city, then this is the one area where you might prefer the Getty Center. There are several outdoor gardens, from the Central Garden to the Lower Sculpture Garden.

While you can’t sit down and eat food in the gardens proper, there are plenty of plan grass areas where you can sit down and literally bring a picnic basket to enjoy with family and friends. Just follow the locals.

The formal garden at the Getty Villa, located at the south exit of the building, is my favorite place to chill. It is absolutely stunning and another great place to hang out if the weather’s not too hot.

I enjoy making a few rounds along the surrounding corridor if the sun’s too hot. You can see a bit of the ocean from the end of the garden too.

Time Needed to Enjoy the Museum

The Getty Villa is very contained, you don’t need more than 2-3 hours even if you stop and read every plaque available. If you just want to see a bit of the museum and admire the garden, then an hour is enough.

The Getty Center, on the other hand, is huge with an extensive collection across several buildings. I always spend at least 4 hours with the collections alone. I’d say 4-6 hours depending on your speed.

Location

The Getty Villa is in the hills of Pacific Palisades overlooking the California Coast. The Getty Villa is high up on the Santa Monica Mountains, right by the Interstate 405.

Both museums are equally inconvenient to access without a car, but it takes slightly less time to get back into the city from the Getty Center.

However, if your plan afterwards is to chill on the beach somewhere, then the Getty Villa is much more convenient. I also find stopping here on the way back to LA from Malibu is a nice way to maximize my time.

Other Museums I Love in Los Angeles

Hey, do you love museums as much as I do? Then here are some other ones I think are worth your time if you have enough to explore more.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

I used to be in the film industry, and I think the Academy Museum is insanely well-done. It showcases the side of film and TV that’s relatable to fans, but there are exhibitions that honor the people in the industry and their expertise as well.

I may have realized that I love travel and languages more than I love filmmaking, but this museum reminded me of why I first entered the film industry. It was a wonderful experience.

Los Angeles County Museum of Arts

Another one of my favorites is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, lovingly called LACMA by the locals. It’s most famous among tourists for Urban Light, or the army of street light poles displayed at the front.

LACMA has the best curation of contemporary arts among the museums I’ve been to in LA.

One of the most memorable to me was an exhibition on Guillermo del Toro’s works. The last time I went, there was an exhibition on Chinese women and fashion over the centuries. It’s never just art in its traditional sense here!

The Broad

Speaking of contemporary art… If you love things a little more immersive, then you’ll love The Broad.

Yes, you’ll find pop art works by the great Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, but you’ll also find immersive exhibitions like the Infinity Mirror Room, or the super famous Rain Room from several years ago. These immersive rooms require extra booking, though.

Another perks with The Broad is it’s right next door to Frank Gehry’s Disney Concert Hall.

Petersen Automotive Museum

This is inarguably the most famous building in LA, but I spent years ignoring it because I don’t understand that much about cars. Don’t be like me.

Its exhibitions feature all kinds of cars and motorcycles from their earliest days to the newest, fastest ones available to mankind. It’s recognized as the World’s Premier Automotive Museum.

One section of the third floor is dedicated to prop cars from movies you’ve probably seen and love. Half of the second floor is nothing but Fast & Furious cars!

Visiting the United States

Many people need a visa to enter the US, and those who don’t will need to apply for an ESTA authorization a few days before their trip. So check the travel documents you need in advance!

Make sure you have travel insurance as well. I always use SafetyWing or Heymondo, depending on which is cheaper for each trip.

Extra Tips to Optimize Your Experience

Los Angeles has no single center and is VERY spread out. It’s impossible to base yourself in “the most convenient” area to easily get everywhere. I recommend renting a car to best maximize your time and energy.

Don’t forget to pack layers. LA is HOT during the day but gets surprisingly chilly at night!

Use My Template to Help You Plan

To make sure you have everything organized and in order, I’ve decided to share the very template I created and personally use to plan my own trips… for FREE. Just download and make a copy!

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