The Getty Villa

The Getty Villa is a stunning recreation of an ancient Roman villa, built to house the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities. Located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, the villa is modeled after the Villa dei Papiri, a luxurious Roman country house that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

The original Getty Villa was built in 1974 and served as the main museum until the Getty Center opened in 1997. After extensive renovations, the villa reopened in 2006 as a dedicated museum for ancient art. The building itself is a masterpiece of architectural recreation, featuring authentic Roman design elements, including peristyle gardens, fountains, and classical columns.

The Getty Villa offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience ancient art in an environment that evokes the grandeur of classical antiquity. The museum's collection spans over 7,000 years of history, from the Neolithic period to the fall of the Roman Empire, making it one of the most comprehensive collections of ancient art in the world.

The Getty Villa is an architectural marvel that faithfully recreates the grandeur of an ancient Roman villa. The design is based on the Villa dei Papiri, which was discovered in Herculaneum, Italy, and provides visitors with an authentic experience of classical Roman architecture and lifestyle.

Villa dei Papiri Inspiration

• Original Villa: Luxurious Roman country house from the 1st century BC
• Discovery: Found in Herculaneum, buried by Mount Vesuvius eruption
• Recreation: Faithful reproduction using archaeological evidence
• Materials: Authentic Roman building techniques and materials
• Layout: Traditional Roman villa design with central courtyard

Key Architectural Features

• Peristyle Garden: Central courtyard with columns and fountains
• Atrium: Grand entrance hall with skylight and pool
• Outer Peristyle: Larger garden with reflecting pool
• Museum Galleries: Rooms designed to showcase ancient art
• Teatro: Outdoor theater for performances and events

The Getty Villa houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art. The collection spans over 7,000 years of human creativity, from the earliest civilizations to the fall of the Roman Empire.

Greek Art

• Vases and Pottery: Black-figure and red-figure vases from the 6th-4th centuries BC
• Sculpture: Marble statues and reliefs from the Classical and Hellenistic periods
• Bronze Works: Figurines, mirrors, and decorative objects
• Jewelry: Gold and silver ornaments from various periods
• Terracotta: Figurines and architectural elements

Roman Art

• Portrait Sculpture: Busts and full-length statues of emperors and citizens
• Mosaics: Floor and wall mosaics from Roman villas
• Frescoes: Wall paintings and decorative elements
• Glass: Roman glass vessels and decorative objects
• Coins: Roman coinage from the Republic to the Empire

Etruscan Art

• Funerary Art: Sarcophagi and tomb decorations
• Bronze Sculpture: Figurines and decorative objects
• Pottery: Bucchero ware and painted ceramics
• Jewelry: Gold and amber ornaments
• Architectural Elements: Terracotta roof tiles and decorations

The Getty Villa's gardens are as much a part of the experience as the art collections. Designed to recreate the atmosphere of an ancient Roman villa, the gardens feature authentic plants, fountains, and architectural elements that transport visitors back to classical antiquity.

Peristyle Garden

• Central Pool: Long reflecting pool with fountains
• Columned Walkways: Covered walkways with classical columns
• Ancient Plants: Plants that would have grown in Roman gardens
• Statuary: Roman copies of Greek sculptures
• Geometric Design: Formal layout typical of Roman gardens

Outer Peristyle

• Large Pool: Grand reflecting pool with water features
• Garden Rooms: Different themed areas with specific plants
• Herb Garden: Medicinal and culinary herbs
• Fruit Trees: Ancient varieties of fruit trees
• Ocean Views: Stunning views of the Pacific Ocean

The Getty Villa regularly hosts special exhibitions that explore various aspects of ancient art and culture. These exhibitions often feature loans from other major museums and provide visitors with unique opportunities to see rare and significant works.

Exhibition Types

• Cultural Surveys: Comprehensive looks at ancient civilizations
• Material Studies: Focus on specific materials like bronze or glass
• Regional Focus: Art from specific regions or cities
• Chronological Periods: Art from specific time periods
• Collaborative Shows: Partnerships with international museums

Educational Programs

• Gallery Talks: Daily guided tours and discussions
• Lectures: Expert presentations on ancient art and culture
• Workshops: Hands-on activities related to ancient art
• Family Programs: Activities designed for children and families
• Conservation Demonstrations: Behind-the-scenes looks at art restoration

• Reserve parking online: Parking reservations are required
• Plan for 2-3 hours: There's a lot to see in the galleries and gardens
• Visit the gardens: Don't miss the beautiful peristyle gardens
• Check for special exhibitions: The villa regularly hosts temporary shows
• Bring a camera: Photography is allowed (no flash in galleries)
• Dress comfortably: You'll be doing a lot of walking
• Visit on weekdays: Less crowded than weekends
• Combine with beach: Located near beautiful Malibu beaches