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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Getty Villa Malibu Day Trip
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By Matthew Martz |
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Clandestinely
located atop the hills of the Pacific Palisades with a
magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean, the Getty Villa
hosts Jean Paul Getty's collection of ancient Greek, Roman,
and Etruscan art and artifacts, along with extensive gardens
inspired by ancient Rome.
The Villa, which was constructed to resemble a villa in
Pompeii that was destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius,
is also home to tons of family-friendly programs to help
immerse visitors big and small in this slice of history.
Guest may want to begin their visit by watching a short
educational video right by the entrance to the main museum
building. From there it's on to the Family Forum, where
you can act out plays in the shadow-pose area complete
with foam weapons and gear that you can grab off the wall
to put on a mock battle.
You can also learn about vase-making, with huge replicas
of Greek pottery where you can write and doodle on them
without getting in trouble. Then explore the collections
with Art Detective cards, see the statues of Mythological
Heroes, and rare coins, gems, and jewelry.
Surrounding the Villa are acres of avant-garde landscaping
with cool ocean breezes that cascade off the sandy beaches
just yards away. In some areas it is so classical and
beautifully crafted, it will make you believe for a second
that you are indeed, in Italy. From the moment you step
out into the Getty's lush main garden with its long fountain,
you're overwhelmed by the sensory overload.
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Getty Villa Malibu Beach Califronia |
The first
area you'll pass by upon entering the gardens is the Herb
Garden with its grape vines, lavenders, apple mint , man-made
pond houses a huge koi. Then it's on to the East Garden
and from there into the Inner Peristyle with its intricate
ceiling art work, columns, mosaic floors and decorative
walls.
However, the piece de resistance of the Getty Villa is the
Outer Peristyle. This is definitely a very relaxing environment
with the sound of rushing water from the fountain and beautiful
landscaping throughout the area.
But perhaps the most intriguing, if not most unique piece
on display at the Villa, is the Mummy of Herakleides. This
Romano-Egyptian mummy combines the millennia-old Egyptian
tradition of mummification of the dead with the Roman tradition
of individualized portraiture. It is truly a site to behold.
The Villa offers a variety of free tours throughout the
day, which includes a garden tour, architecture tour, and
a glassblowing tour among others. There are also special
weekend and seasonal tours and classes geared toward families—inquire
before your visit to see what's available.
On the free guided tours they conveniently provide you with
a parasol and an earpiece so that you can stay out of the
sun and hear the tour guide better.
Admission is to the Getty Villa is free, but you do have
to order and print your tickets on-line ahead of time. But
be aware there is a $15 charge per vehicle for parking.
Visitors can plan on spending about 4-5 hours on the villa.
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Inner Courtyard Getty Villa Malibu |
Getty Villa Malibu Gardens |
If your tired after walking
this magnificent villa. Then hit the Reading Room on the
second floor, have a picnic, or visit the cafe that overlooks
the coast and the theater. Try the Roman burger, a salad,
sandwich or pasta dish. They serve wine and cocktails as
well as your usual coffee, tea and soda.
If you're looking for something a little
more unique for dinner. There are some cool places to
eat around the surrounding areas.
Getty Villa is centrally located enough that you could
make your outing an all day event. The Villa is just off
the Pacific Coast Highway near Santa Monica Pier and the
Promenade, and located just a short 20 miles is Neptune's
Net. A great place for fresh seafood.
Overall, the Getty Villa is a nice place to spend an afternoon
taking in some culture and ocean air, while you relax
and let the Malibu calm take away your LA stress. Guest
are invited to pretend this is their own private villa,
even if just for an afternoon.
Closed Tuesdays and on January 1, July 4 (Independence
Day), Thanksgiving, and December 25 (Christmas Day).
The Getty Villa is located at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway
in Pacific Palisades, California, one mile north of Sunset
Boulevard and approximately 25 miles west of downtown
Los Angeles. You can order free tickets at www.getty.edu |
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The
Adamson House classic Malibu home was
built in 1930. Located on the beach in Malibu. |
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Getty
Center
the best free attraction in Los Angeles. Houses
paintings and sculptures. |
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Santa
Monica minutes
from downtown Los Angeles, and just steps from the
beach |
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Paramount
Ranch movie
western town, miles of hiking trails. Free admission
and parking. |
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