Ten Best Things to See at the Getty Museum

Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the ten best things to see at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, split between The Getty Center and Getty Villa.

Inside the Getty Museum at the Getty Center in Los Angeles

The J. Paul Getty Museum, commonly known as the Getty, is one of Los Angeles' most prestigious cultural landmarks. Perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center offers breathtaking views of the city alongside an unparalleled collection of European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and photography.

Whether you're an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, the Getty’s masterpieces provide a journey through centuries of artistic brilliance.

The Getty Museum

The Getty Museum is an umbrella title, as the museum is spread across two locations: The Getty Center and the Getty Villa. Of the ten highlights we choose, eight are at the Getty Center in Brentwood, and two (numbers 8 and 9) are at the Getty Villa at Pacific Palisades near Malibu, in a magnificent location right on the Pacific Coast Highway and overlooking the ocean.

Below are the ten best things to see at the Getty Museum, each offering a unique glimpse into art history.

Ten Best Things to See at the Getty Museum

1. Vincent van Gogh’s Irises (1889)

Vincent van Gogh’s Irises at the Getty Museum at the Getty Center in Los Angeles

One of the Getty’s most celebrated works, Vincent van Gogh’s Irises, was painted in 1889 during the artist’s stay at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy, France. This vibrant masterpiece captures a bed of irises with dynamic brushstrokes and intense colors, showcasing Van Gogh’s signature post-impressionist style.

Unlike his earlier, darker works, Irises reflects a moment of tranquility amid the artist’s mental struggles.

The painting’s composition—with its asymmetrical balance and bold blues against earthy greens—demonstrates Van Gogh’s mastery of color theory. The Getty’s acquisition of Irises in 1990 for an undisclosed sum (rumored to be over $50 million) solidified its place as a must-see attraction. Visitors often linger before this work, mesmerized by its emotional depth and technical brilliance.

2. Rembrandt’s The Abduction of Europa (1632)

Vincent van Gogh’s Irises at the Getty Museum at the Getty Center in Los Angeles

Rembrandt van Rijn’s The Abduction of Europa is a stunning example of Baroque storytelling. Based on the Greek myth in which Zeus, disguised as a bull, carries Princess Europa across the sea, this painting blends drama, movement, and exquisite detail.

Rembrandt’s use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) heightens the tension, while Europa’s flowing robes and the bull’s muscular form showcase his mastery of texture.

Painted early in Rembrandt’s career, this work demonstrates his ability to merge classical mythology with human emotion. The turbulent sea and Europa’s fearful expression make this one of the most dynamic mythological scenes in the Getty’s collection.

3. Titian’s Venus and Adonis (1550s)

Titian’s Venus and Adonis is a masterpiece of the Venetian Renaissance, depicting the tragic moment when Venus tries to prevent her lover, Adonis, from embarking on a fatal hunt. The painting’s rich colors, dramatic composition, and emotional intensity exemplify Titian’s skill in portraying mythological narratives.

This work was part of a series of "poesie" (visual poems) commissioned by King Philip II of Spain. The Getty’s version is one of several replicas Titian created, showcasing his workshop’s efficiency. The sensuality of Venus’s form and the urgency of her grasp make this a captivating study of love and loss.

4. J.M.W. Turner’s Modern Rome – Campo Vaccino (1839)

Turner's Modern Rome at the Getty Museum at the Getty Center in Los Angeles

J.M.W. Turner’s Modern Rome – Campo Vaccino is a breathtaking landscape that captures the ruins of ancient Rome bathed in golden light. Turner, a leading Romantic painter, blurred the lines between reality and imagination, using luminous hues to evoke nostalgia for the past.

This late work was Turner’s final painting of Rome, blending architectural precision with atmospheric effects. The Getty’s acquisition of this piece in 2010 (for nearly $45 million) marked a major addition to its British art holdings. The painting’s dreamlike quality invites viewers to reflect on the passage of time.

5. Édouard Manet’s Rue Mosnier with Flags (1878)

Manet's Rue Mosnier with Flags at the Getty Museum at the Getty Center in Los Angeles

Édouard Manet’s Rue Mosnier with Flags captures a Parisian street adorned with flags for a national celebration, likely Bastille Day. Painted during Manet’s later years, this work blends realism with loose brushwork, foreshadowing Impressionism.

The composition contrasts the festive decorations with a disabled veteran in the foreground—a subtle commentary on patriotism and social inequality. The Getty’s version is a prime example of Manet’s ability to infuse everyday scenes with deeper meaning.

6. Bernini’s Boy with a Dragon (c. 1617)

Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Boy with a Dragon is a mesmerizing marble sculpture showcasing the artist’s early genius. The piece depicts a young boy struggling with a dragon, his face contorted in effort. Bernini’s mastery of texture—from the smooth skin to the scaly dragon—demonstrates his unparalleled skill in bringing stone to life.

Created when Bernini was just 18, this sculpture foreshadows his later Baroque masterpieces. The Getty’s acquisition highlights its commitment to Italian Renaissance and Baroque art.

7. Claude Monet’s Sunrise (Marine) (1873)

Monet's Sunrise (Marine) at the Getty Museum at the Getty Center in Los Angeles

Claude Monet’s Sunrise (Marine) is an early Impressionist work that captures the fleeting effects of light on water. Painted en plein air, this piece exemplifies Monet’s fascination with natural light and atmospheric conditions.

Though smaller than his famous Impression, Sunrise, this work is equally significant in understanding his revolutionary style. The Getty’s version offers a serene yet vibrant glimpse into Monet’s evolving technique.

8. The Lansdowne Herakles (Roman, 125 CE)

This monumental marble statue of Herakles (Hercules) reflects Roman admiration for Greek art. Discovered in 1790, the sculpture depicts the weary hero leaning on his club, a rare portrayal of vulnerability.

The Getty’s meticulous restoration and display allow visitors to appreciate its classical grandeur. The statue’s detailed musculature and expressive face make it a highlight of the antiquities collection.

9. The Getty Villa’s Farnese Hercules (Roman, 3rd Century CE)

Housed at the Getty Villa, this colossal statue of Hercules is a Roman copy of a lost Greek original. The exaggerated musculature and heroic pose embody classical ideals of strength and endurance.

As one of the most famous ancient sculptures, it offers a fascinating contrast to the Lansdowne Herakles, showcasing different artistic interpretations of the same myth.

10. Robert Irwin’s Central Garden (1997)

Waterfall in the Gardens at the Getty Center in Los Angeles

While not an artwork in the traditional sense, Robert Irwin’s Central Garden is a living masterpiece. Designed specifically for the Getty Center, this 134,000-square-foot garden blends art, architecture, and nature.

The garden’s meandering streams, vibrant plantings, and floating maze of azaleas create an ever-changing sensory experience. Irwin’s work challenges the boundaries between art and environment, making it a perfect conclusion to a Getty visit.

Our Pick of the LA Guides

The Getty Museum’s diverse collection—from Van Gogh’s Irises to Bernini’s sculptures and Irwin’s garden—ensures an unforgettable experience. Each masterpiece tells a story, offering insight into different artistic movements and historical periods. Whether you’re drawn to Renaissance paintings, Baroque drama, or contemporary landscapes, the Getty has something to inspire every visitor.

More Information

For opening hours and other information visit the website of The Getty Museum.

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