I had always wondered what it would be like to see Pompeii before the eruption of Vesuvius that destroyed it in AD 79. Interestingly, that wish was fulfilled at the Getty Villa, where I strangely felt as if I had traveled to Naples, Italy, not Malibu, California. .
As a sister museum to the Getty Center in Los Angeles, the Villa is an immersive experience of Greek and Roman art and architecture. There are over 44,000 Greek, Roman and Etruscan works in the collection, with 1,200 of them on view at any one time. For people who love Greek and Roman art and antiques, the Getty Villa is the best museum experience you can have in America.
Like the Cloisters, the medieval branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Getty Villa sets the collection in a context that evokes its original settings. Also like the cloisters, it is a bit eccentric.
Built by J. Paul Getty, it is a recreated Roman villa inspired by the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum (near Pompeii), but built in the 1970s. Villa dei Papiri is the most luxurious villa that has been destroyed in the eruption of the Vesuvius in 79 CE, although more than 9,200 feet of the property still remain to be excavated. It houses the only intact library of antiquity with more than 1,800 scrolls, a fact that particularly fascinated Getty. The architects and designers carefully studied the Pompeii ruins to complete the details of the Getty Villa, but the plants, trees and flowers of the Mediterranean greatly enhance the setting.
Also, the golden light of Southern California feels almost identical to the light of the Bay of Naples.
What the Getty Villa does especially well is hugging visitors who might not give a fig leaf about art or museums. After all, this is Malibu and the Villa experience is easy, comfortable, accessible, and designed for you to learn whether you want to sit or just sit and be surrounded by beauty. The only hurdle is that you have to buy your ticket in advance, no exceptions.
So what makes the Getty Villa a great experience?
- The food is fresh and delicious, with excellent California produce that lends itself perfectly to light Mediterranean fare. Sit on the terrace, enjoy lunch, a glass of wine, and soak up the sun. You can also order a gourmet picnic lunch. Also consider Tea by the Sea, every Thursday and Saturday afternoon at 1pm, where you will enjoy a small lunch in Roman gardens inspired by the herbs, fruits and vegetables that grow there.
- Inspired by the gardens of Pompeii, the Getty Villa has four gardens. Currently, the sources are closed due to the California drought, although the plants and aromatic herbs are still lush.
- It is easily accessible for visitors with mobility disabilities . I once visited a friend who uses a wheelchair and was very pleased with how easy and welcoming the building and staff were. My friend was able to enjoy the entire experience with grace and ease.
- I am always impressed by the programs and lectures ranging from daily tours of the collection and gardens to wine tastings. There are always interactive media available and a dedicated space for families . This is a great museum to bring your kids.
How do I visit the Getty Villa?
Rent a car and don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance.
And definitely check the website for a list of their shows and events which are always fun and unique.
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Closed on Tuesdays
Admission is free, but parking is $ 15. Although most Los Angeles residents will not believe you, it is possible to get there by Metro Bus 534 which stops at Coastline Drive and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) directly in front of the entrance. by Getty Villa
