The Getty Center in Los Angeles showcases the Getty's collection n relation with Western art from the Middle Ages to the present against a background of tranquil gardens, dramatic architecture, and breathtaking views.

Came into existence in 1997, the Richard Meier-designed Getty Center is considered as the city's cultural acropolis and international mecca. It is a frequently visited museum gallery that displays the Getty's enormous collection of impressionist paintings, fine illuminated manuscripts, contemporary photography, truckloads of glimmering french furniture and decorative arts, and European drawings.

The exclusive area set open to public consists of five two-story pavilions set, which is surrounded by an open courtyard. Each gallery is especially designed to harmonize the works on display. The sophisticated system of programmable window louvers is set to allow many works (particularly paintings) to be displayed in natural light.

Talking about some of the recent additions, we can see Fran and Ray Stark Sculpture Collection as freshest arrivals. Further to make the trips more convenient for the travelers, the nifty device allows visitors to take a guided tour through Getty Museum. The 45-minute human-led architectural tour offered at the daytime, is a must attend.

When it comes to dining, the place features espresso/snack carts, a cafeteria, the elegant (though informal) "Restaurant" offering table service for lunch (Tues-Sun) and dinner (Fri-Sat), and a self-service cafe. Kids can participate in clever programs, including a family room filled with hands-on activities for families such as family workshops. If you want to avoid crowd, visit the center in late afternoon or evening. It remains open till 9pm Friday and Saturday.

Entrance is free and no reservations are required. Cameras and video cams are also permitted with conditions.

Situated in Brentwood overlooking Los Angeles, the Getty Center boasts a comprehensive collection of Western art ranging from Mid Ages to present. The Getty Center is also well known to the world for its peaceful garden views and noticeable architecture style. Your tour to South California would be incomplete without strolling at the Getty Center.

Getty Center is just 12 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The street address is 1200 Getty Center Drive in Los Angeles, California. The main gate and only entrance to Getty Center is on N. Sepulveda Boulevard.

Getty Center is easily accessible via either mass transit or self-driving. From downtown Los Angeles, you can take Metro Rapid Bus 720 to Wilshire Blvd./Westwood Blvd. from 7th St/Metro Center. After arriving at the stop, head north for one block to Westwood Blvd./Lindbrook Drive. There you can take Metro Rapid Bus 761 to the Getty Center stop directly. It will take you approximately an hour.

If you prefer a self-driving tour, you should bear in mind that Getty Center is near the intersection of Interstate 405 and Interstate 10. Take Getty Center Drive exit. Then follow signs to Sepulveda Boulevard where the main gate is. It's noteworthy that the Interstate 405 through the Sepulveda Pass is under construction currently. For the latest updates, please check it at Metro's Web site:

I-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvements Project

http://www.metro.net/projects/I-405/

On-site parking is available at the Getty Center. It is at the foot of the hill where the center sits. The center and parking structure are connected by a cable-pulled tram. On busy days, it might take you some waiting time. But don't worry since the tram is fully accessible.

The parking structure at bottom of the hill provides plenty of parking spaces. Level P1 is available for standard cars between 6′10″ and 12′6″ tall. Level P2 is available for electric vehicles. As for motorcycles and bikes, they can be parked at the entry level of the parking structure. And it won't cost you a dime.

The rate of car parking is $15 each. Free parking is only available after 5:00 pm on special evening occasions such as lectures, pubic programming, music concerts and other special events. Parking can't be reserved in advance there. It is on the basis of "first come, first served".

As for group visitor, you might come with coaches, vans, limos or other large vehicles. A valid Federal Tax ID number is required when you are making the parking reservation. You can pay by check or credit card. The fare is $15 for car, $35 for oversize van or limo, $65 for mini-coach and $150 for motorcoach. Handicapped parking is designated on the entry level of the parking structure. For further info, contact Getty Center at 310-440-7300 or visit:

On-site Parking

http://www.getty.edu/visit/hours/

The other parking facility we strongly recommend is the satellite parking lot. And it's totally FREE. The parking lot is on Constitution and Sepulveda with a shuttle to the Getty Center. The shuttle will take you approximately 10 minutes to get to the Getty Center. Yet views along the way are amazing. The only downside is that you might miss the Disneyland style tram. Well, it's all up to you.

Kindly Reminder: Don't park on the street. Street parking is restricted in the neighborhood of the Getty Center. Your car might get towed!

Any visit to Los Angeles would be incomplete without a day spent at the Getty Center. As Los Angeles's cultural acropolis and international mecca, Getty Center draws millions of visitors from different parts of the world for its spectacular museum and institutions, lush gardens, huge galleries and tons of things to see. The center is a fantastic place to watch past, present and future unfold in front of your very eyes.

What can make your visit to the center even better? Dining inside the center of course! The amazing thing of the center is that it also boasts many dining places including a restaurant, various cafes and food courts.

The Restaurant: Getty Restaurant is just a great dining place you don't want to miss. Located in the Restaurant/Cafe building inside the center, the Getty Restaurant offers a tasty dining menu and full service in a modern and elegant setting. The menu features California, Continental and Mediterranean cuisines, utilizing global influences. In order to keep up with market changes and seasonal changes, the menu is always updating. An extensive wine list and full bar are also available.

- Restaurant Hours:

Tuesday - Saturday: 11:30am - 2:30pm

Sunday: 11am - 3pm

Saturday: 5pm - 9pm

The Cafe: As a cafeteria, the Getty Center Cafe is also located in the Restaurant/Cafe building. With indoor and outdoor dining areas, you will be delighted with an extensive menu including sandwiches, soups, salads, pizzas and pastas, tacos, burritos and grilled items. You will also find wine and beer to get happy on.

- Cafe Hours:

Tuesday - Friday: 11:30am - 5pm

Saturday: 11:30am - 8:30pm

Sunday: 11:30am - 5pm

Garden Terrace Cafe: If you are looking for a quick and easy meal, head to the Garden Terrace Cafe. Set in an outdoor setting, this cafe provides coffee, lunch and snacks. It is a place at the center to pick up a quick and healthful bite while enjoying the awesome views of the Central Garden.

The cafe is only open on weekends during the fall and winter months. The hours of operations are from 11am to 3pm.

Coffee Carts:There are also two coffee carts inside the center. One is located in the Museum Courtyard and the other one is on the Plaza (up the stairs and to the right from the Tram Arrival Plaza). Both of the two carts offer coffee, hot tea, espresso drink, bottled beverages as well as hot and cold food options. However, in the event of rain, the carts will be closed.

- Plaza Coffee Cart Hours:

Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 3pm

Saturday: 10am - 7pm

Sunday: 10am - 8:30pm

- Museum Courtyard Coffee Card Hours:

Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 5pm

Saturday: 10am - 8:30pm

Sunday: 10am - 5pm

Gourmet picnic lunches are also available for pick-up on the Plaza Level close to the Restaurant. You can enjoy your picnic lunches in the Central Garden, South Pavilion Terrace and Museum Courtyard. The picnics can be gained online or by call (310-440-6213). A minimum order of 10 boxed lunches is required, available from 11am to 5pm.

Picnic Menu & Order from for the Getty Center

http://www.getty.edu/visit/see_do/box_lunch/index.html

There is also a picnic area situated at the Lower Tram Station (T1), open until 30 minutes before the center closes. To have an inside version of the Getty Center, check this link:

The Inside Version of the Getty Center

http://www.getty.edu/visit/hours/map.html

The Getty Center is free and no reservations are required, so there is no reason to miss this incredible collection of sculptures, photographs, drawings and manuscripts. Located on a hillside in the Santa Monica Mountains, this marble structure is picturesque. Full of impressionists, French furniture, and manuscripts of presidents and dignitaries alike, its like having an art, history, and cultural lesson all in one.

Visitors park at the base of the hill and are taken by cable-driven electric tram to The Getty Center. You can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean on sunny, clear days. On 110-acres of natural landscape, The Getty Center's five two-story pavilions surround the outdoor courtyard in extravagance. All of their displays are lit by natural light - no flash bulbs are allowed during any viewings of the art. As the day moves from morning to night, The Getty's Center has louvers move the blinds from one setting to another to make the most of the natural lighting.

Tours are given of the grounds, and take about 45 minutes. And The Getty Center thought of the kids in their design. With hands-on activities, Art Detective game cards for kids to find art exhibits to engage their curiosity, kids will enjoy their time visiting.

The most viewed piece, and one of Getty's most popular, is van Gogh's Irises. Acquired for $53.9 million, the painting is displayed in a $1 billion building.

A note of advice: If you want to see the Getty Center without all the crowds, plan to visit late afternoon or evening. With the Getty Center being open until 9:00 pm Friday and Saturday, you'll have plenty of time to yourself to enjoy all the Getty has to offer.

http://www.getty.edu/

Your Los Angeles travel deal should include a trip to the Getty Center.

1) Overview of the Getty Center

http://www.getty.edu/

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-5964436-the_getty_museum_los_angeles-i

The Getty center itself is a wonderful work of architecture. It has a museum which showcases great works of art. Collections include works by famed artists like Renoir, Monet, and Van Gogh. You can also find photographs, beautiful sculptures, religious manuscripts, and antique furnishings.

There are also temporary exhibits which change every 10 weeks. The Getty Center also hosts musical concerts and cultural festivals which include music and dance.

You can explore the artwork under the guidance of experts and attend lectures. There are family events which include workshops on art, festivals etc. You can also enjoy plays in the outdoor theater.

2) When should you visit the Getty Center?

The Getty Center and galleries are open from 10.00 am to 5:30 pm from Tuesday to Friday. On Saturday, the timing is: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and on Sundays it is kept open from 10:00 am to 5:30 p.m. The Center is closed on: Mondays, January 1, July 4, Thanksgiving day and the Christmas day.