The Getty Center

A free hilltop art museum with a Richard Meir travertine campus, European masters, gorgeous gardens, and sweeping city-to-ocean views — all reached by a fun little tram. One of LA's absolute best. Admission's free; you only pay to park. Book a timed reservation and give it a half-day.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is the Getty Villa the same place?

No — the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades is a separate site focused on Greek and Roman antiquities in a Roman-style villa. Both are free with reservations and run by the same foundation. The Center is the big hilltop modern campus; the Villa is the intimate seaside one.

Is the Getty Center free?

Yes — admission is completely free, which is astonishing for a collection and campus this good. You need a free timed-entry reservation, and you pay only for parking. It's one of the great cultural bargains in the country. Just don't forget to reserve ahead.

Is it good for kids?

Reasonably — the tram ride, open lawns, gardens, and family art stations keep younger visitors engaged, even if the galleries themselves skew adult. It's a lot of walking, so pace it. On a nice day, letting kids roam the grounds and terraces is half the fun.

How much is parking?

Parking is around $25 during peak summer, dropping to $15 after 3 p.m., with cheaper evening and Saturday rates — and it's gone cashless, so bring a card. Active and veteran U.S. military often park free during summer-to-fall promotions. Check the Getty site for the current rate on your date.

Can I get there without a car?

You can, with effort — take the Metro E Line and transfer to a Metro bus that stops near the entrance, then ride the tram up. It's doable but slower than driving. If you're carless, budget extra time and check the bus route in advance.

How does the tram work?

You park at the base of the hill, then ride a free automated tram up to the museum at the top — it's a genuinely fun few-minute ride with expanding views. If you'd rather, you can walk up the path. The tram runs continuously during open hours.

What should I see inside?

Van Gogh's Irises is the headliner, alongside European paintings, decorative arts, photography, and rotating shows. But don't miss the Central Garden — a living artwork by Robert Irwin — and the sheer views from the terraces. Half the experience here is the architecture and landscape, not just the art.

What are the hours?

It's open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Sunday, until 8 p.m. on Saturday, and closed Mondays. The Saturday evening hours are lovely — you can catch sunset over the city from the terraces. Give yourself at least three hours regardless.

Nearby in Ask Los Angeles

• The GettyAttraction0.11 km · 1 min walk
• Hammer MuseumMuseum3.5 km · 44 min walk
• Menotti's Coffee StopCafé5.29 km · 66 min walk
• Tiny's Hi-DiveBar5.85 km · 73 min walk
• Rodeo DriveNeighborhood6.13 km · 77 min walk