VIBE

The Getty’s outstanding collections are chock-a-block with world famous masterpieces by artists like Da Vinci, Monet, Rembrandt–but rather than tacking them up willy-nilly and resting on their big-name laurels, the team here has gone above and beyond to make these pieces really “pop” by housing them in a dynamic series of Richard Meier-designed glass-and-stone buildings. The creative design integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, meaning forested reflection areas, sweeping views, and sculpture gardens are incorporated into the experience of viewing the artwork. The caliber of the collections (which cover everything from ancient Roman treasures to contemporary art) and the innovative design of the museum draw art aficionados and experts by the busload.

GO HERE WITH

A friend; a date; your favorite art buff

WHY WE LIKE IT

The collections are packed with masterpieces, and the lush museum campus itself is worth a wander. On clear days, we dig the sweeping views of the Pacific and Hollywood.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Nothing

GOOD TO KNOW

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the scale of the collections, pick up one of the brochures in the entry hall that guides visitors to 15 highlights of the Getty’s holdings. If you’re driving here, know that for some mysterious reason, most GPS devices direct drivers to a nearby residential street instead of the museum, so make sure you input the address instead of the name of the museum if you’re using one. Parking is free after 5:00pm on Saturday.

CLOSEST COMPS

Getty Villa Malibu (Los Angeles)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Los Angeles