The newly opened J. Paul Getty Center has attracted huge crowds
and offers students a chance to experience fine art
By Kathy Young
Daily Bruin Contributor
It can be seen from many parts of Los Angeles and has caused
quite a stir among the public.
Located on a hilltop with a breathtaking view of Los Angeles,
the Santa Monica Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean, the J. Paul
Getty Center has not only received nationwide attention for its
collections of masterpieces, but for its tendency to attract large
crowds.
Deemed by many as one of the most phenomenal art institutions
since the opening of New York’s Museum of Modern Art, the center is
considered one of the most expensive art institutions built in
American history, with an estimated cost of over $1 billion.
On Dec. 16, about 10,000 people showed up to the Getty opening.
Almost a month later, the enthusiasm of the public has far from
diminished.
While entrance to the museum is free, the 1,200 parking spaces
(at $5 each) have been reserved up until April, according to the
Getty Visitor Registration Center. Visitors have grown creative,
taking cabs, buses and some even walking.
Apparently, the memorable works of art in the J. Paul Getty
Museum are worth the travel. Third-year political science student
Terrance Williams woke up early to brave the lines of the Santa
Monica Big Blue Bus.
"The bus was so crowded that there were people pressed up
against the sides," shares Williams, "but the people were in such
good spirits that the bus ride just added to the whole
experience."
The experience that Williams is referring to was exactly what
the administration of the Getty Center had hoped for its
visitors.
The Getty was built with a promise to offer people the
opportunity to fully understand, enjoy, value and preserve the
world’s artistic and cultural heritage.
No one will say exactly how many hundreds of millions were spent
buying the art viewed in the J. Paul Getty Museum. Among the
priceless collections are masterpieces by Vincent van Gogh, Monet,
Renoir and Cezanne.
There are also various drawings, sculptures and miniatures that
date back to the Middle Ages, and traveling exhibitions organized
in partnership between the Getty and other museums around the
world.
One of the many highlights of the Getty is that it holds one of
the finest collections of photographs in existence. The photographs
date back to 1839, and the collection includes masterpieces by big
name artists, from Nadar to David Hockney.
"To be in an institution that houses artwork like Monet,
Michelangelo and other great masters is truly an honor," exclaims
Williams.
The museum is separated into galleries according to the
different works on display. In each gallery pavilion is an art
information room. These rooms are available for visitors to browse
through the computerized information system, read books on related
collections, and even create their own works of art.
Taking advantage of the art rooms, fifth-year business economics
student Mary Stobeck had the opportunity to witness first-hand some
of the artistic methods and materials used by an artist.
"I was able to handle the actual wood used to make a marquetry
table top in one gallery," says Stobeck. "Then I went to another
and watched an actual artist carve a block of marble."
The center was designed by award-winning architect Richard
Meier. Meier installed a tram system similar to the Disneyland
Monorail system.
The tram ride takes visitors along the historic Sepulveda Pass.
Once arriving at the central plaza, the visitors are surrounded by
gardens, terraces and dramatic architecture.
There is also a 450-seat auditorium, where visitors can see a
film about the Getty’s activities or attend lectures and concerts.
Along with the J.Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Center houses many
conservation laboratories, research facilities and the offices of
all the Getty organizations.
UCLA students are taking advantage of the close location of the
center. "Going to the Getty Center is like receiving an education
that you can’t get in the classroom," shares first-year undeclared
student Miriam Culver.
Stobeck shares a similar view. "Before, UCLA students really had
no opportunity to be exposed to fine art. Now with the new opening
of the Getty Center, students can be immersed into another world
and culture. What’s better is that we don’t even have to leave the
city to do it."
(Top) The Getty Center opened Dec.16. (Below) Visitors wait to
ride the Getty Center Tram.