The Getty Center

On a Sunday afternoon Chris and I joined the other Sports Med fellows for a look around the Getty Center. Due to our church duties we only caught half of what the Getty Center holds, but I think we were there for the best pieces. I really enjoy seeing skilled paintings and was blown away by some of the items we came across.

The Getty Center is a campus with various buildings/museums housing artwork, sculptures, photography, manuscripts, etc. It began with a wealthy man who started collecting things in his own home. After his collection grew he turned part of his house into a type of museum. After his death his entire property was turned over for the purpose of making a real museum. 1.3 billion dollars later the Getty Center came to fruition and opened in 1997.

This one we liked simply because of the painting itself. Who would ever think to paint a 3 feet by 4 feet painting of a man yawning.

This painting was one of my favorites due to the sheer skill of the painter (though I can't remember the name). The detail was so precise and everything finished so smoothly it was amazing to think that it was done by hand.

This is Irises by VanGough. Of course it was a favorite for most everyone at the museum because it's a painting and painter people can identify with.

This one is The Portal of Rouen Cathedral in Morning Light by Monet. It is amazing how up close the picture seems to be kind of monotone in color, but by stepping away and looking at the painting from a distance there are so many intrinsic colors that pop out.

There was a section of books that are from the Medieval era. The detail and design are incredible. It took years to complete just one book.

Another feature of the Getty Center is that it sits at the top of a hill which provides amazing views of downtown LA (try to look past the smog) and the ocean. There is no parking up at the top so you have to park at the base of the hill and take a train up.