Getty Center is one of the largest arts organizations in the world based in Los Angeles California, in a hilltop site above the San Diego Freeway. The center is a campus of the Getty Museum (with another location in Pacific Palisades neighborhood), and other facilities of the Getty Trust, including the administrative offices and a research center. The whole center is 1.2 million square feet of travertine stone brought from Tivoli, Italy, famous for its amazing architecture, stunning gardens and magnificent views overlooking Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.
I had a chance to visit the Center in March of 2018, and I am still left mesmerized by the architecture and the rich collection of artistic pieces I was fortunate enough to explore. I had a chance to see an exhibition displaying a series of drawings by Rembrandt. Titled “Rembrandt and the Inspiration of India,” the exhibition was a real treat of art, culture and history. Also, famous paintings from Van Gogh, Manet, Monet and other famous European authors pleased my eyes for a few hours. The central and the Cactus Garden including fountains, shaded hideaways, and spectacular views were other astonishing moments at the Getty Center.
What more is surprising about this wonderful center is that admission there is always free (with the exception of parking, which is a pricey $15 worth), contrary to many art centers and museums in the world, which you have to pay to visit. We might have to thank Mr. Jean Paul Getty for this, who although being infamously frugal, gave the world one of the most exceptional centers of arts, ever.