The Very Modern Jean Paul Getty Museum - Art Imitates Life - Memories Of the Way We Were In July 2012



We are on our way to the Getty Museum; we came across this taco stand that has been here for many, many years.

Bad luck, the road is backed up due to construction; you can see the edifice of the Getty straight ahead on the hill. This plot of land is in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. We are getting excited. We have our own Monica. I love coming to California.

We parked in an enclosed facility and are walking to a tram. This is an art museum of sculptures, paintings, and antique furnishings. But the thing you will immediately become aware of is that the buildings and grounds are themselves a work of art.

This tram is a cable car. Look at the size of this magnificent museum. If you like architecture, you will LOVE this place.

The Staffords wait for the next train.

The buildings and grounds are so expansive that it never feels crowded. There is so much to see, you need to visit this place more than once.

All the elements of art are present: line, color, texture, pattern, value, rhythm, shape, space, scale, balance, variety, and contrast. The architect's extensive use of white, glass and metal is balanced by the eye pleasing travertine rock panels that were quarried and shipped from Italy. Travertine is a kind of limestone that weighs less than granite of marble. Richard Meier was the famous architect that designed this amazing Getty Center.

Pat stops to get some information from this museum volunteer. The volunteers were much more knowledgeable than the employees that are stationed in the various galleries. This man was proud to be a volunteer; not a bad occupation for a retired person.

This billboard is advertising a visiting exhibit of photographs of model Cindy Crawford.

Breathtaking.

A virtual banquet of photographic opportunities.

What would you title this sculpture? This is Alberto Giacometti's Standing Woman.

These are places to eat indoors and outdoors. Where did the crowd go?

I need a quick snack.

Very pleasing views in every direction.

Landscaping is another part of the charm of this museum.

Universities could get ideas from this place. G. Paul Getty was a billionaire and he left a large trust to complete and maintain this costly enterprise. Imagine the cost of this prime land, commissioning a renowned architect, and buying very rare and expensive works of art.

It took ten years to build this museum.