Attraction Guide: Getty Villa, Los Angeles, United States

Getty Villa Guide

Ancient Art by the Sea: Explore the Getty Villa Guide

Step back in time at the Getty Villa, a stunning museum dedicated to the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. Located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, the Villa is a meticulously recreated Roman country house, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience. Explore its tranquil gardens, admire its impressive collection of antiquities, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The Getty Villa is based on the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, Italy, which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, inspired by the Villa dei Papiri, envisioned a museum that would showcase his collection of ancient art in a setting that evoked the grandeur of the ancient world. The Villa opened in 1974 and underwent extensive renovations before reopening in 2006. It now houses approximately 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities, dating from 6,500 BC to 400 AD. Visitors can explore the Villa's galleries, which feature sculptures, mosaics, vases, and other artifacts from the ancient world. Stroll through the meticulously recreated gardens, which are planted with herbs, flowers, and trees that were common in ancient Roman gardens. Attend lectures, workshops, and performances that bring the ancient world to life. The Getty Villa also offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Southern California. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition associated with the Villa itself, the cafe offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.