Getty Villa
The Getty Estate’s recreation of a Roman Villa
USA > California > Los Angeles > Getty Villa
The Getty Villa, in Pacific Palisades just north of Santa Monica, is the Getty’s coastal outpost devoted entirely to ancient Greece and Rome. Built as a meticulous evocation of a Roman seaside villa buried at Herculaneum, it’s as much about atmosphere and gardens as it is about the collection.
Inside, you’ll find an impressive array of antiquities: marble statues, painted vases, delicate jewelry, mosaics and everyday objects that quietly show how people actually lived around the Mediterranean thousands of years ago. The galleries are compact and well interpreted, with clear labeling and good thematic displays, so even casual visitors who aren’t “into” classical art usually find it accessible.
Allow at least two to three hours so you can drift between the long central pool, the herb and peristyle gardens, and the upper terraces with glimpses of the Pacific. The outdoor areas are a highlight in their own right, planted with species known from antiquity—olive, laurel, pomegranate—so it feels coherent rather than just decorative.
Admission is free but a timed-entry reservation is required, booked through the Getty website. Parking is paid per car, and it’s worth sharing a ride if you can. Most visitors combine the Villa with the hilltop Getty Center on separate days; if you only have time for one and you enjoy ancient history, the Villa is the more focused and tranquil choice.
If you like context, try one of the free or guided tours when you arrive—they’re an easy way to understand the building, the gardens and a few key masterpieces without feeling rushed.
Essential Information
More LA
