My one day trip to The Getty and Sewing Arts in Los Angeles
I enjoyed a madcap adventure on Dec 26, flying to and from Los Angeles in one day to see The Getty (art museum) and visit the Sewing Arts store. I met with friends made from my earlier visit to the Canyon Quilters of San Diego. What a wonderful adventure! It was a long day, but my energy did not flag and the day was fabulous from beginning to end.
I have wanted to visit The Getty for over a decade. While visiting the Canyon Quilters, an idea was floated for a trip to The Getty, capped off with a spin through the Sewing Arts Center. That sounded fun! All of a sudden there was a plan to go; I LOVE a short notice trip! I jumped on it and made my plane reservations – yippeee! I stayed with Christine while teaching at the guild and we just clicked. She was so gracious and fun and creative, how could I not? Christine got the idea for the trip going – thank you Christine!
I flew into Orange County so that I could be picked up easily. My flight was on time and I hopped in the car and off we went. We had a grand time chatting the entire time and encountered no traffic.
Just to set the scene, The Getty is impressive and unique. I’ve gathered a few stats and data from a variety of sources:
- The Getty art museum opened in 1997 on a 110 acre site, right off the 405 freeway in Brentwood. Take that in; it’s right in LA, 110 acres, with no houses!
- The buildings are located on a prominent hill, with spectacular views of LA.
- Their collection is described as “European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, photographs and decorative arts, from the Middle Ages to today, set amid modern architecture and gardens.”
- It is the richest museum in the world.
- The Getty has aggressively acquired art from around the world; some of their collection is of disputed acquisition.
- Paul Getty was an oil baron and probably was not the nicest guy around, but he did leave an incredible gift behind.
- You have to take about a 5 minute tram ride to the top of the hill to get to the museum.
- There is no admission cost!
There are 8 separate buildings that are at least partially open to the public, arranged by era. I have to admit, I did not take art history in college and I have a brief knowledge of older art. I was able to see work in each of the buildings in the 4 1/2 hours we were there and I was surprised! Some random shots in the museum, decorative arts first:
Some of the art:
And ohhhhhhh, the illuminated manuscripts; one was from 1050!
And then there were the gardens. The cool thing about the gardens was that there was a circular path that wound down to the bottom. That meant that as you walked down, the gardens on one side would be at eye level:
There was one plant that I HAD to find out about:
This was so beautiful in the stripped down winter landscape, that strong vertical line and that vibrant yellow. Some were bright red! I thought to myself, that looks like a dogwood, but their habit is not like that. I HAVE to have some of this for my garden! What was it? Turns out that it was dogwood that had been stripped and inserted into the ground, a temporary installation of sorts. How. Cool. Is that?
For me, the highlights were the gardens, the sheer beauty and scope of the museum, the illuminated manuscripts, the decorative arts and the gift shop was pretty dog gone cool! The low point was the food! Good thing we ordered ahead but the choices were so incredibly limited and dull. Later I found the cafe which did have good food.
Sometime after 3 we all gathered for the trip to Sewing Arts. What a fabulous shop! The newer owners took great care with the space, installing beautiful, even, crisp and neutral lighting which gives a correct reading of the colors. They have a well equipped notions wall and patterns galore!
I know, I didn’t get much but I don’t currently have project needs. I broke my old needle threader, hence the replacement and I just loved that fabric! The labels say “Perfectly Imperfect”!
They are Modern oriented and carry a huge collection of solids and graphic Modern fabric and even a great selection of books (which is unusual these days). They are a BERNINA dealer so I felt right at home. They have a unique way to sell and package their bolt ends. I wish I’d taken a photo. They wrap the remaining fabric on half of a carboard bolt, pin and price it. It makes it so convenient as they are pre-priced, saving the shop and the customer time.
They closed down between Christmas and New Year’s but opened the shop just for us! Many, many yards of fabric were purchased so I think it was worth their while. The owners were so welcoming.
I am thrilled that I could take part in such a day. Thank you Christine and the Canyon Quilters for including me in your special day!
I’ll be linking up to:
Nina-Marie’s Off the Wall Friday
I live vicariously through your adventures.
My one trip to the Getty museum was awesome but many years ago.
Keep inspiring us old quilters who can no longer have your adventures. Have a spectacular new year and more adventures in 2024. Love, Sonja.
You are so sweet Sonja! You have quite the adventures with retreats on the coast and yummy food!
Hi Jenny,
Another awesome blog that informed and entertained. Happy you went on short notice. Wish I had been there.
THank you! You would have had a great time Joline!
Congratulations on finally getting to make your visit to the fabulous Getty Museum! I have been there at least 3 times and possibly a fourth. Always something new to see. I’m tired of the really old furniture, but always love to see the gardens, any time of year.
Lucky you Kathy! I can see how the static parts of the museum could be less exciting the 4th time around. I was so taken by the gardens too!
Wonderful post, Jenny. I echo what Sonja said about getting to enjoy all this because of you! TY.
Oh Ila, you are so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it, I sure did!
Very interesting for me to read about your trip to the Getty Museum! Especially since my DH’s cousin married into the Getty family. (She passed away in 2020). I have been to the Villa but not the museum–must see it! Ohh, and that sewing arts looks like the cherry on top–fun!!!
Wow, married into Getty! And I haven’t been to the Villa and I’d love to go there. Sewing Arts was so fun!
Your day sounds wonderful! I have been searching (with no luck) for information about the cup with holes. Why holes??
I hope to visit LA this year. I have put this museum on my must see thanks to you!
Yeah, I wondered about that too and don’t have an answer. Maybe it was only meant to be decorative? You will LOVE The Getty! I hope you make it there.
It has been many years since my last visit to the Getty. It is truly a magical place to be. I remember thinking again and again how lucky I was to be there. How lucky we all are in this country that this incredible gift is shared with us. Thanks for the reminder.
Yes, it is an incredible treasure and repository of art. And it’s free!