The Getty Villa is located in Pacific Palisades near Malibu. The building is a replica of the Villa Dei Papiri. This Roman country house was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. The buildings and surrounding Roman-style gardens transport you through time, allowing you to experience life as a wealthy merchant in ancient Rome. The architecture of the Villa is designed to resemble an archaeological dig.

Tip: Before you start your tour of the Villa, watch a 12-minute video about the history of the museum and its collections. You can also view it at www.getty.edu before your visit.

The Getty Villa houses an impressive collection of sculptures, pottery, and jewelry from antiquities. The primary cultures represented are Etruscan, Greek, and Roman; artifacts are arranged by theme. For example, you will find Gods and Goddesses in one room and the Trojan War in another.

The family activity center is a must for visitors with kids. It offers quick art projects and a chance to decorate a vase from Greek or Roman times with your own designs. The vases are replicas, and the markers are erasable, so don’t worry about spoiling an expensive piece of art.

Outside the Villa exhibits, you can enjoy a small Greek theater, courtyards, ponds, and fountains.

Tip: After parking in the structure, many visitors mistakenly climb the stairs all the way to the top, missing the gardens and the main courtyard. After the first flight of stairs, turn right onto a balcony with a clear view of the ocean, then climb the small ramp to the main garden with a long pond and fountains surrounded by statues. If you miss that entrance to the Villa, make sure to exit in that direction to enjoy the views.

Dining at the Villa

You can dine at the Café, which serves casual Mediterranean cuisine with comfortable seating indoors or outdoors. We ate on the outdoor patio to enjoy great food, views, and architecture. Umbrellas provide sun protection for those who need it.

Traveler Tip: Visit during the weekdays to avoid large crowds and get a more intimate experience of the Villa's collections and gardens.

You can also grab a coffee and a snack from the shop next door. If you prefer to be closer to nature, bring your own food or pre-order a picnic lunch on the Getty website and enjoy it at one of the picnic areas.

Admission and Parking

Although entrance to the Villa is free, you still have to pay $15 for parking. You will also need to make reservations online at the official website. The booking process may look like you are buying tickets for a show, but don’t worry; the tickets are free, and you will not be asked for a credit card. You need the tickets to enter the Villa—one for each group member.

Entering the Villa grounds might be a little tricky. The only way to enter is to go north on PCH and watch out for the tiny gate right off PCH. If you miss it, you must go further down PCH and find a safe way to double back before the gate. The best bet is to reprogram your GPS navigation and find the best way back.

The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, California 90272