Getty over looking gardens and Exhibition Pavilion
Does any advertised vacation venue ever live up to the hype? My family had to make the decision between Universal Studios or the Getty. Even though I wanted to take The Simpson’s ride, we chose the Getty, and I am glad we did.
Unlike the theme park worlds of faux stone masonry, the Getty is pure design, architecture and construction. It is a understatment that I was overwhelmed with the sheer magnitude of buildings and grounds of this private museum and research facility.
Part of the J. Paul Getty Trust, the newer Getty as it is called, is as beautiful as the art work it houses. From the buildings and landscaping to the views and engineering, it is truly breath-taking to take in the entire complex. Plus, at just $15 to park, no charge for the admission, a trip to the Getty screams value.
In a So. Cal. theme park similarity there is a tram that takes you from the parking below to the top of the hill where the buildings and museum are located. We walked up to the buildings and took the tram down. Even though I was impressed with the collection of art work, the Getty is the real show stopper. The design was not watered down to save money and the details are numerous. Here are just some of the photo’s I took on my short trip to the Getty. There are more polished photos on the Getty website. My pictures are more from the visitor standpoint; what you are likely to encounter as a casual observer. For more information on the Getty go to http://www.getty.edu/.
Female nude at arrival plaza, cast 1962
Boy with frog, arrival plaza
London Plane with special pruning technique results in huge leaves. Trunk and peeling bark resemble travertine stone used on most buildings, walkways and arches.
The only structure with any color is the lavender pergola for the climbing wisteria.
Exhibition pavilion holds new and rotating exhibits and provides canopy for seating at the out-door cafe.
Research building has more uniform white square exterior but none of the old world travertine stone meant to evoke ancient Rome.
curvilinear steel retaining wall used in the Central Garden area.
This single piece of 5/8" steel plate has been shaped to a specific arc to meet the circular landing area.
Where all the other structures are big and bulking, designer Robert Irwin chose the steel plates to create a pencil thin line for the garden retaining wall. To curve the plates to meet his garden path must have been like curving railroad rails.
Path way lighting, diamond-shaped recessed steel plate design, amazing. Certainly and architectural detail that would have been deleted from most projects because of cost.
Bougainvillea supported by 1/2" - 5/8" construction rebar. Too cool. I love the industrial nature supporting such a beautiful plant.
Bowl Garden, box woods creating labyrinth inspired patterns.
Succulent garden on the south promontory with the 405 in the distance. There is not one palm tree that I could find on the grounds.
Cactus Tree, from above, there are no plant ID markers in any of the gardens. The reasoning is that the gardens and landscaping were to be enjoyed, not necessarily studied as in an arboretum.
South Pavilion portico, the museum was full of people but there is still space to find a little peace. It is just amazing how large the public spaces are with the Getty.
Reflecting pool in the central courtyard.
Outdoor Sculpture, looks like a lacrosse basket. Pretty cool and very tall.
