The Getty Center is a huge museum and research center in the hills north of Santa Monica. The 100 acre campus includes a dozen buildings including research, museums, several small gardens, fountains and interesting archetecture. Admission is free but parking is $15.
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A pewter scale model of the museum area. This is in the building at left (the information building).
The stairs inside the information building. They go to the north museum, the gift shop is at bottom left.
The rock garden and fountain in the central courtyard.
A scenic snack bar in the central courtyard. Tables were scattered throughout in quiet corners.
The restaurant patio and southwest garden area, looking south toward Santa Monica. This is the lower level of the Exhibition building.
The restaurant patio and southwest garden area, looking north toward the research building.
The hedge in this pond is actually a maze. This is part of the big garden area in the southwest corner of the grounds.
An aerial view of the southwest garden from the west museum, looking toward Malibu. The pond and maze is in depression.
A closeup of the research building next to the garden area.
A closeup of the rose bushes on a tree-like trellis.
The view north from the information building.
A rock wall pointing south to the cactus garden. I'm standing in the south museum.
A wide view of one of the galleries. Each room is lit by skylight and includes a guard. I asked if I was allowed to shoot pictures and he said sure, and seemed excited that someone actually asked.
Lot and his daughters, by Orazio Gentileschi, painted about 1622. This biblical scene shows Lot and his daughters fleeing Sodom as god destroys the town. The level of detail and realism is remarkable, including dirty toe nails.
A May Day parade, aparently in Rome but probably painted in the 1700's I didn't get the name of the artist. Wonderful detail throughout, but some of those girls don't look very happy.
Two girls relaxing in yet another Roman scene. Everything in this is very life-like, including the firs and fabric.
A still life of flowers. I didn't get the name of the artist. This also shows incredible detail, including little specks on several flowers that turn out to be highly detailed ants.
The Grand Canal at Venice, by Bernardo Bellotto, about 1740. Shows great detail and archetecture but the lighting is a little bland.
A statue of Juno.
An angel abducting someone. It's really difficult to get these dark statues to come out.
I can't remember who this is but she's being attacked by the village elders because she was too sexy.
The interlocking people on this urn was fascinating. Notice that someone is pulling on the woman's boob, but everyone's arm is accounted for.
Some sort of ornate cabinet. The statues holding it up are a little over the top if you ask me.
An ornate clock, next to the cabinet.
A fancy bed. This was in a complete 1800's bedroom.
A complete 1800's office.
An old book from the 1400's. Notice the guy at right about to get his head lopped off.
The stairs inside the west museum. This seems to be the only museum building with a basement.