Getty center vs. Getty villa?

[candeeapril]

We've been told by a number of people to check out the Getty museum while we are in L.A. Which should we visit the Getty Center or the Villa? Our kids are 15, 12 and 7 and I wondered which one is more interesting for kids too.
TIA

 

[sheetz]

I'd say both are really interesting and unique places. Getty Center is bigger with more to see. It's also more popular and crowded so traffic getting there can be pretty bad. The architecture is modern and the artworks fairly traditional in scope. I particularly enjoy their illuminated manuscripts because those are rather uncommon in American museums.

Getty Villa is smaller but situated in a more isolated locale in Malibu. The museum is modeled after an ancient Roman villa and the art collection is comprised of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities so there are lots of depictions of nudity if that bothers you.

Both museums have beautifully landscaped gardens. You really can't go wrong either way.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

With a 7yo, I would lean toward choosing the Getty Center. They have special activities for kids (so does the Villa, I think, but I remember that the Center, being bigger, had more things). Check out the website for both to see what would be the best fit for your family. Both museums are great.

 

[candeeapril]

Thank for your input.

 

[disneyobsessed808]

Just having gone this past weekend, I would definitely vote for Getty Center. While the grounds for Getty Villa were quite beautiful, there was decidedly less variety there. The Getty Center is great! Love all the art, decorative arts, and gardens there.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Just having gone this past weekend, I would definitely vote for Getty Center. While the grounds for Getty Villa were quite beautiful, there was decidedly less variety there. The Getty Center is great! Love all the art, decorative arts, and gardens there.

I wouldn't say the Villa has less variety, but rather that it has a more concentrated focus. It was built for antiquities after all, so it isn't a surprise that antiquities are their focus. I agree that the Getty Center has a wider range of (fantastic) exhibits, while the Villa exhibits go more in depth in their field of art.

 

[candeeapril]

Thank you so much for your thoughts. Personally, I would love to go to both, but I don't know if the children will be as interested in the villa.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

Definitely go to the Getty Center. I haven't gone in a few years, but in the past there's been an area for kids to learn about art, which helps with the boredom. They tend to have a wider variety of art, as well. The Villa is beautiful, but there's nothing there for kids, and depending on where you're staying during your trip, it would probably be harder to get to as you'd have to make it up the canyons off PCH (highway 1). The 405 is annoying, but much less confusing for visitors.

 

[Redleader75]

I also say Getty Center due to the variety and activities. If you can go on a weekday as opposed to a weekend try to do that. It will be less crowded. The gardens at the Getty Center are beautiful and would be a great place for your kids to explore and are wonderful for taking photos. The last time I went there I didn't have enough time to see everything, because there are so many interesting things to see.