The Getty Center

The Getty Center is a renowned art museum perched on a hilltop in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Designed by architect Richard Meier and operated by the J. Paul Getty Trust, it is celebrated as much for its travertine architecture and gardens as for its art.

Inside, the museum houses European paintings, drawings, sculpture, decorative arts, and photography, including works by artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt. The Central Garden, designed by artist Robert Irwin, is a living artwork that changes with the seasons.

General admission to the Getty Center is free, making it one of the best-value cultural experiences in the city. From its perch above the 405 freeway, the campus offers sweeping views of Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding mountains.

The Getty Center is located just off Interstate 405 in Brentwood, on the west side of Los Angeles. The closest airport is Los Angeles International (LAX), about 12 miles away — roughly a 30-minute drive, though 405 traffic can extend that significantly. Hollywood Burbank (BUR) and Van Nuys (VNY) are similar distances over the hill.

Visitors park in the structure at the base of the hill and ride a free three-car hovertrain (an automated tram) up to the museum campus. A parking fee applies per vehicle, while museum admission itself is free.

The 405 freeway beside the Getty is one of the busiest in the country, and traffic can be heavy at almost any hour. Pre-booking a ride with RideYeah is a convenient way to arrive relaxed — your driver can drop you at the tram station entrance, so you skip the parking fee and the search for a space.

For travelers arriving at LAX, a direct, pre-arranged transfer is an easy way to fit the Getty into an itinerary without renting a car, especially when paired with nearby stops like Santa Monica or Brentwood.