Henry’s Take, Takes L.A.!
Part 5
“If you can actually count your money, then you aren’t a rich man.”
J. Paul Getty
I don’t pretend to know how much money Mr. Getty earned during his lifetime, but I’d imagine there are quite a few commas involved. I mean, how could that not be the case given his generous gift of The Getty Museum that still operates without an admission fee nearly a half century after his death (although there is a $20 parking fee).
I was actually torn between which I enjoyed more: the serene grounds or the world class artistic creations housed within its walls.
A wide spectrum of artistic prowess is on display here including the painstaking detail of the swollen veins in the arms, and the wrinkles above the heels, of the crucified Christ wood carving by Veit Stoss, the haunting expression etched upon the face of the marble sculpture by Jean-Baptiste Stouf, the personality imbued by Rembrandt in his oil portrayal of the Apostle Bartholomew, the whimsical nature of the self-portrait of Joseph Ducreux, and the intricacies of the traditional cope included in the marble sculpture of Pope Paul V by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Although reservations are not strictly required, they are recommended and easily obtained online.
If you’re planning a tour with someone who has mobility challenges please don’t permit that to discourage you from visiting as ample ramps, elevators, benches, and railings are placed throughout.
While there are a number of exhibits to enjoy, there aren’t so many as to feel overwhelming and a quality visit can be completed in approximately 3 hours.
It’s true there are many things to do during your visit to L.A. and The Getty deserves to make your list of “to do’s” the next time that you’re in town.
And that’s…Henry’s Take.
The Getty
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, California
(310) 440-7300
www.getty.edu
