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Have Fun and Learn Too; Visit the Getty Museum
By Maureen Froman
Summer is coming and your kids are out of school. Everyone is aware of how expensive it can be for family of four to visit an amusement park, see a movie or attend a concert or theater event. However, in Los Angeles, we are fortunate enough to have a great educational and cultural day for your entire family...at the The Getty Museum.
The Getty offers free admission for all visitors, and when you pack a lunch, use public transportation or have a friend drop you off at the museum the price is right for any budget. Of course, you can always bring your car, and park your vehicle for only $10. There are also restaurants available for visitors to patronize. Either way, this is a great bargain.
The Getty Museum offers some wonderful programs for families. This museum is a place for children of all ages to discover a world of wonders, delights, and hands-on activities. Come learn about art together-make a mask; create a sculpture, hunt for art treasures, and more. The Getty has a specialized family area which is located in the Museum Courtyard near the East Pavilion.
More recommended family activities include:
Artful Activities
"The Family Fun at the Getty." brochure, available at the Museum Information Desk and the Family Cart, offers ideas, tips, and clues to make your family's visit an adventure. All family materials and activities are free and most are offered in English and Spanish.
Try the Art Detective Cards
Find the art and solve the mystery with these cards designed for your family to use while exploring the galleries, garden, and architecture. Cards are available outside the Family Room and at the Family Cart, in English and Spanish.
Family Art Stops
Get up close and personal with a single work of art at this half-hour, hands-on gallery experience geared for families with children ages 5 and up. Space is limited. Sign up at the Museum Information Desk beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday (fall, winter, spring): 2:00 and 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday-Friday (summer): 2:00 and 2:30 p.m.
Note: Special tours geared for community groups with families are available with advance registration. See information about Community Group Tours in Tips for Groups.
Storytelling
Enjoy fanciful tales inspired by works of art in the Getty's collection. Sign up at the Museum Information Desk the day of the program.
Selected Sundays (January-May and October-December): 11:30 a.m. and 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m.
Designed for families to enjoy together, the "GettyGuide Family Tour " makes art come alive for kids. Hear stories, music, and sounds inspired by 19 objects in the collection. Rent a Getty-Guide audio player for $5 at the Pick-Up Desk in the Museum Entrance Hall.
Seasonal Programs
Family Festivals, Family Drawing Hour, and Garden Concerts for Kids are just some of the special programs held throughout the year. For more information, visit the Family Cart at the Museum Information Desk.
Visiting Tips
Look for people in blue vests to answer your questions and provide directions. They'll help you find the Central Garden's zigzag pathway, where more than 300 types of plants await your discovery; or the Children's Bookstore, which offers fun books, gadgets, and gizmos related to the Getty Collection, located on the plaza level of the South Pavilion.
Groups with Families
Special tours geared for community groups with families are available with advance registration. 15 people minimum and reservations are recommended.
The Getty Museum is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90049
A similar program, is available at the Getty Villa located at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway Pacific Palisades, California 90272
For more information on both museums please call (310) 440-7300 or visit the Getty web site at www.getty.edu/.