The Getty Museum

After a walk with K, K and Sammy we cleaned up and headed out to meet LD for lunch.

Then our travels took us to the Getty Museum. What can you say about the Getty except for WOW. This unique museum sits up on one of California's hillsides (or mountain depending on your perspective). It's unique white stone construction makes it stand out as a sight to behold as you pass it on the highway and the wonders continue as you take the tram up to the center itself. Admission to this wonder is free however parking will run about $15 per vehicle.

The Getty is several buildings and the unique architecture blends them together inside so it is possible to pass from one building to another quite easily without being aware that you've changed buildings at all. The architecture also seems to be modern and yet compliments the California landscape. If you think you are just going to see art when you go, be ready to be surprised for they have a couple of different gardens and fountains as well. The entire center seemed to make me feel at peace.

At the time of our visit (and continuing until June) was a wonderful exhibit on Leonardo da Vinci showing some of his more popular statuaries as well as several of his lesser known sketches. It was wonderful to see his study of the human and horse forms closely (for some of the sketches the museum provided magnifying glasses). Complimenting this exhibit was a gift store specializing in the area of da Vinci (most of which was available in the main gift store).

Additionally we were able to see several pieces of Medieval Illumination and they were running an exhibit on architecture in Medieval Illumination which was a very cool way to look at those beautifully tiny pieces of art.

I've always appreciated art and the skill and imagination it takes to produce it. This museum offers some very wonderful art that had me in awe for our entire visit. It became very clear to me very early on that I will need to visit again at some time to take a more in depth look. It may take several trips for me to have a full appreciation. And of course at some point I'll have to take a trip to the Getty Villa.

Back to the house to pack, dinner at the Sizzler and we settled into the car for the drive down to San Diego. We got a room at the Courtyard Marriott in Old Towne San Diego. Lovely hotel, comfortable room, and within walking distance of all the shopping and eateries to be had in Old Towne.