The Getty Villa, Pat’s Topanga Grill

Even since I moved here in March, I’ve been trying to get into the Getty Villa. One evening a few weeks ago I was clicking around on the Getty website and thought I would look to see if they had a spot for the upcoming weeks, and they did! On a SUNDAY! So I clicked for my timed reservation for two and I was in.

The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles is part of the J. Paul Getty Museum. The Getty Villa is an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria.

In 1974, J. Paul Getty opened this property as his first museum in a re-creation of the Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum. In 1997 the main part of the museum moved to its current location in Brentwood to become the Getty Center and the original Malibu museum, renamed the “Getty Villa”, was closed for renovation.

Reopened on January 28, 2006, the Getty Villa now holds Greek and Roman sculptures once housed in the Getty Center. The Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities are arranged by themes including Gods and Goddesses, Dionysos and the Theater and Stories of the Trojan War, housed within Roman-inspired architecture and surrounded by Roman-style gardens.

This museum does timed entries the right way. It allows few few people into the museum so it’s not ever crowded and always pleasant.

Admission to the Getty Villa is free but timed tickets must be obtained in advance. You can obtain these tickets (if available) by calling (310) 440-7300 or visiting the Getty website. There is a $8.00 charge for parking . The museum is open Thursday to Monday, 10am – 5pm. It is closed Tuesday, Wednesday and on January 1, July 4, Armed Forces Day, Thanksgiving and December 25.

It is difficult, but not impossible, to get tickets currently. This is due to the fact that only a limited number of visitors are allowed in each day, and demand is very high. Easiest way is to just keep on checking their website and try and find a day that’s available. And of course weekends are the hardest to get. Try and get later in the day

From top of the villa overlooking the Pacific.

It’s really just a okay collection. There’s nothing that really wowed me. It’s a lot like the big Getty’s permanent collection. Except there is a mummy at the villa. But it’s a great weekend escape. And the cafe there looked really good and had good prices. I didn’t eat there but it was very busy and smelled great.

The museum is located at:
17895 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, CA USA

Visit their website: http://www.getty.edu/visit/

On the way back my friend and I took Topanga back to the 101 and came across Pat’s Topanga Grill and decided to stop for brunch. It’s a cute restaurant with a very laid back feel. About four and a half worlds from LA. There’s cowboy hats and surf boards hanging from the ceiling. Pat’s art hangs from the wall as she serves you up the $3.85 breakfast special that includes two eggs, potatoes, and toast. I’ve heard they also serve up great mexican food… Juan’s Burrito is good and they also serve great burgers. It’s open 7 days a week breakfast and lunch only.

Very dog friendly, outdoor seating with heaters for the cooler months, kid friendly… if you’re looking for a casual weekend breakfast/lunch this is a great place. It’s a good escape from the typical West side brunch scene. And did I mention cheap?

Pat’s Topanga Grill
1861 N Topanga Canyon Blvd
Topanga, CA 90290
310-455-0533