Getty Villa Museum

OVERVIEW

Explore the Getty Villa and museum, a tribute to the glory of Greek, Roman and Etruscan artistic expression in one of Malibu’s most beautiful settings. After pausing for photos in Santa Monica, you will continue along the famed Pacific Coast Highway to the Getty Villa, where more than a thousand antiquities are on display. The museum is modeled on a 1st-century Roman villa discovered near Herculaneum, the Italian town that was destroyed along with Pompeii when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. The collection of antiquities ranges from ancient drinking vessels and clay figurines to classical Greek and Roman statuary, art objects and jewelry. The museum also houses rare manuscripts, drawings, paintings and decorative arts. But not all the treasures lie inside. The grounds feature an aromatic garden of herbs like those used by the ancient Romans, reflecting pools, ornate fountains and covered walkways leading to spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most scenic roads in Southern California.
• Browse the priceless antiquities at the Getty Villa Museum.
• Marvel at the museum’s architecture, which mirrors that of a 1st-century Roman villa.
• Pause for photos at beautiful seaside Santa Monica.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.