Getty Museum is the key attraction in Getty Center whereas Getty Villa is a separate but unique spot in Malibu.
- Both of them are in Los Angeles but one on near the hill and the other near the ocean
- The Getty Museum has a diverse set of collection when it comes to paintings and sculptures but the Getty Villa focuses mainly on ancient Roman and Greek artifacts
- You get a modern and minimalist feel from the Getty Museum but from Getty Villa, it is more of an ancient Roman vibe
These are some of the key differences between the Getty Museum and the Getty Villa, to get a clearer idea, let’s get started.
What’s the Difference Between Getty Museum and Getty Villa?: Quick Comparison
Whether you are comparing Palm Springs and Scottsdale or Palo Alto and San Francisco, the United States is never short of wonderful places to visit. Getty is one of those spots.
The quick table below shows the difference between the Getty Museum and the Getty Villa.
| Factors | Getty Museum | Getty Villa |
| Location | Within the Santa Monica Mountains, Brentwood, Los Angeles | The eastern tip of Malibu Coastline, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles |
| Visiting Hours | 10 am to 05:30 pm [Tuesday to Friday, Sunday]
10 am to 08 pm [Saturday] |
10 am to 05 pm [Six Days a Week] |
| Closed | Monday | Tuesday |
| Artifacts | Medieval and modern European art and sculpture, Modern Painting | Ancient Roman, Etruscan, and Greek artifacts |
| Architectural Style | Modern and Minimalistic | Ancient Roman |
| Exhibit Experience | Museum, Garden, Courtyard, Tram Ride | Villa, Theater, Garden |
| Pricing | Free
Parking Fee – $20 [Before 03 pm] Parking Fee – $15 [After 03 pm] |
Free
Parking Fee – $20 [Before 03 pm] Parking Fee – $15 [After 03 pm] |
What’s the Difference Between Getty Museum and Getty Villa?: Detailed Comparison
Now that you have the knowledge of the basic differences, let’s dive into the discussion in more detail.
Location
Getty has two locations in Los Angeles. Getty Center is near the hill and Getty Villa is near the ocean.
More specifically, the Getty Center is in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. However, Getty Villa can be found in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.
How to Get There?
Driving by car is the best option to reach the Getty Museum or Getty Villa, but public buses are available as well.
For the Getty Museum, take the 405 freeway to the Getty Center Drive exit and then follow the signs to get to the parking structure. For Getty Villa, you have to drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and drive north for about 5 miles, until you find the sign.
If you are taking a public bus to Getty Museum, get on the Metro Bus 761. On weekdays you can also try Metro Bus 734 and on weekends Metro Bus 234. Whereas for Getty Villa, you should take the Metro Bus 134 and 534.
Artifacts
The Getty Museum is home to European art, and medieval and modern artifacts however Getty Villa is the spot for ancient Greek, Etruscan, and Roman art and antiquities.
Getty Museum houses a Pavilion at four different corners each specializing in different artifacts. It covers everything from Medieval and Renaissance sculptures and decorative arts to 19th-century paintings.
Along with this, there is always a diversity of special exhibitions at the Getty Museum. These include a fascinating collection of Drawings, Manuscripts, and Photographs Exhibitions.
On the contrary, The Getty Villa is a modern interpretation of an ancient Roman country house and was the initial location of the Getty Museum.
There is the first floor which is based on Greek art spanning from the Neolithic and Bronze age periods to the Hellenistic Era. On the second floor, you are welcome into an array of Roman artifacts. Apart from that you can also learn about the world of the Etruscans.
Architectural Style
The Getty Center’s architectural style is modern and minimalistic, characterized by its clean lines, geometric shapes, and abundant use of natural light.
In comparison, the Getty Villa takes its design inspiration from the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, Italy, and was constructed in the early 1970s. Architects worked diligently to recreate the essence of an ancient Roman country house.
Exhibit Experience
The Getty Museum is a great place if you are looking for a contemporary museum experience along with a stroll in the park and enjoying the occasional summer concert. Whereas Getty Villa is an amazing spot if you want to have a quiet evening at a ‘Roman villa’ along the Pacific coast.
In Getty Villa, there are concerts in the summertime and the garden itself is a wonderful place to hang out.
Along with this, there is also the Courtyard where you can go for a picnic, or grab a bite to eat or a coffee to drink at the plenty of food court options.
Apart from that, from the main parking at the Upper Tram Station, you can hop on a tram and get to the top of the hill.
Whereas Getty Villa is a wonderful place if you want to learn about antiquities and immerse yourself in ancient Roman experience.
You can stroll along the villa and even enjoy a play at the Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman Theater which is an outdoor classical theater resembling ancient theaters.
Moreover, there is more outdoor space, a garden, and ocean views, all of which are a perfect combination to spend quality time on.
Pricing
The visiting tickets are free in both the Getty Museum and Getty Villa but you need to get a timed entry reservation. However, parking charges apply.
Parking fees at both the Getty Center and Villa are as follows: $20 per car or motorcycle, with a reduced rate of $15 applicable after 3 p.m. During evening events and on Saturdays, parking is available at a rate of $10 after 6 p.m.
Where to Visit Between Getty Museum and Getty Villa?
Although not as vividly different as JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton, you will still need to compare the two Getty spots in LA.
The Getty Center offers a panoramic view of the city and ocean. There are food options, alcohol, and concerts in the summer, so you can easily spend an entire day exploring the gardens. It’s a must-visit if you’re looking for a comprehensive museum experience.
On the other hand, the Getty Villa is an excellent choice for a date or a picturesque setting for Instagram photos.
You can explore it in just 1-2 hours, making it an ideal choice for a shorter outing. There is a unique vibe at the Villa, which recreates ancient European villas overlooking Malibu.
What you choose depends on your preferences and who you’re with. The Getty Villa offers more outdoor space, gardens, and beach views, making it an ideal spot for a casual outing.
For those looking for a clear view of downtown and Palos Verdes, a visit to the Getty Center is ideal.
Conclusion
Therefore, between the Getty Museum and Getty Villa, the choice depends on the type of experience you are looking for. Both are unique and must-visit spots if you are in LA. But make sure to plan ahead, go there, and enjoy your best time at either of these Getty landmarks.
