Top Things to Do at the Getty Center
Find something for everyone—art, modern design, unusual gardens, and spectacular city views
Free Admission
Admission is free, and temporarily requires a timed-entry reservation.
Tram to the Top
Glimpse views of the Center and the city as you glide from main parking to the top of the hill. Keep an eye out for deer under the trees!
Amenity Information
Location
Upper Tram StationEstimated Amount of Time
15–20 minutes
Tram to the Top Carousel
![A boxy white tram pulls out of a covered waiting area with the angular white buildings of the Getty Center visible at the top of a green hill in the far background.](https://media.getty.edu/iiif/image/ff61b2da-e3cd-4477-a0e4-27f2a448d3b6/full/1200,/0/default.jpg)
The tram departs the Lower Tram Station to start its climb towards the hilltop portion of the Getty Center.
![Visitors walk from the open doors of a white modern-looking tram onto a stone plaza with green hills and a blue sky in the background.](https://media.getty.edu/iiif/image/66960a4b-8daa-4bed-a400-a3c12333b572/full/1200,/0/default.jpg)
Visitors depart the tram at the Upper Tram Station at the top of the hill.
Medieval to Modern Art
Explore centuries of art, from the Middle Ages to today.
Amenity Information
Starting Location
Museum North PavilionSuggested Amount of Time
60–90 minutes
![A person with a map looks at a sculpture in an art museum. A large, colorful painting hangs in the background.](https://media.getty.edu/iiif/image/fc0b646e-9938-4694-9cbb-6e631d9b225e/full/1200,/0/default.jpg)
Museum Courtyard
Get some air and take in the view of the Center's unique architecture and fountains. Drinks, snacks, or a light lunch are available at the nearby coffee kiosk.
Amenity Information
Location
Museum CourtyardSuggested Amount of Time
30 minutes
![Three women sit on a stone bench by a fountain with a large rock feature, talking and laughing, with a large, stone building with many rows of windows in the background](https://media.getty.edu/iiif/image/57a336b6-dd89-4f70-86f5-881eba46f5a1/full/1200,/0/default.jpg)
Changing Exhibitions
See world-class exhibitions featuring art from international museums and Getty's own collections.
Amenity Information
Location
North, South, and West PavilionsSuggested Amount of Time
30–45 minutes
![Large, circular, suspended sculptures brightly colored pink and blue hang from the ceiling of a large room. Large windows are covered in painted pink, blue, and orange translucent drapery](https://media.getty.edu/iiif/image/f4ce3674-fb23-403c-b49b-5df1c4acd204/full/1200,/0/default.jpg)
Woshaa’axre Yaang’aro (Looking Back), 2023, Mercedes Dorame. Mixed media. Courtesy of the artist. © 2023 Mercedes Dorame
Central Garden
Experience a living work of art: Robert Irwin's Central Garden features relaxing water features, colorful plants that change seasonally, and an expansive lawn perfect for a picnic—or even a nap.
Amenity Information
Location
Central GardenSuggested Amount of Time
30–45 minutes
Central Garden Carousel
![A stream of water runs down a stone-line channel under foot bridges and lined by greenery.](https://media.getty.edu/iiif/image/69d425fd-8d8a-4ee4-b997-7ef4e5189599/11,517,4802,3201/1200,/0/default.jpg)
The stream walk weaves in and out of a grove of trees in the Central Garden.
![Rocks and stream leading to main garden](https://media.getty.edu/iiif/image/5f6d6857-043a-4cd5-958c-879b7eb57189/full/1200,/0/default.jpg)
The Central Garden features an array of colorful plants and various rock forms.
![Bougainvillea streams down from umbrella-like trellises, casting shade over sitting areas in the Central Garden on a sunny day.](https://media.getty.edu/iiif/image/04a486f3-56ad-48b6-bdc5-3de2101b8111/full/1200,/0/default.jpg)
A popular place to relax is under the bougainvillea that cascades down the custom-made rebar trellises located at the bottom of the stream walk.
![Colorful flowers frame the azalea maze (not in bloom) in a large pool of water beyond which is a waterfall and the buildings of the Getty Research Institute.](https://media.getty.edu/iiif/image/182430d7-8728-4eef-8059-cad5f89eb426/full/1200,/0/default.jpg)
A walkway surrounds the azalea maze, which blooms a bright pink as early as February in some years.
Getty Museum Store
Take a souvenir of your visit home with you. Choose from postcards, novel gifts and toys inspired by art, and a wide selection of books for art and history buffs.
Amenity Information
Location
Museum Entrance HallSuggested Amount of Time
20 minutes
![In the neatly arranged Getty Center Museum Store, which is flooded with natural light from the far windows, two women look at products.](https://media.getty.edu/iiif/image/4c4fb0f5-a229-4ee6-859a-74a4109425a5/full/1200,/0/default.jpg)
Visitors browse products in the Main Store in the Museum Entrance Hall.
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