Travel to Ancient Rome at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades

The Getty Villa is one of the best-known museums in Los Angeles. The tranquil setting is a delightful place to spend a few hours or a whole day. It’s located just off Highway 1, but once you’ve parked in the underground garage, you’ll feel transported back to the ancient Mediterranean. The Villa is built to resemble the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, Italy, which was buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79. The peristyle gardens are an important part of the overall atmosphere of a true Roman villa, and the Getty Villa boasts a stunning garden, with herbs, a fishpond, and grapevine bowers. Visitors can take in a view of the Pacific Ocean at one end of the gardens.

The collection of ancient art and artifacts gives visitors a window into the life and creative genius of the ancient Greek and Roman world. J. Paul Getty’s collection includes examples from 6500 B.C. to 400 A.D. In addition to the permanent collection, there are temporary exhibitions of special interest. From now until August 2015, see the Berthouville Treasure, a collection of ancient gold and silver luxury items. It was accidentally discovered by a French farmer in 1830. This is the first time the collection has been exhibited outside Paris.

The Getty Villa is a treasure for all who live in Los Angeles. Visit Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, though reservations are required. Go to Getty.edu/visit/villa to book your time.