fridays off the 405

There is never a bad time to go the Getty Center in Los Angeles. They have a strong Western collection, especially early Renaissance Italian paintings and 18th century decorative French art. They help arrange wonderful special exhibits like the beautiful Holy Image, Hallowed Ground: Icons from Sinai. And, everything is perfectly showcased in its stunning Richard Meier designed gallery spaces.

However, extended hours on weekends make late afternoons and early evenings the best time for a visit. As Lisette and I discovered today, you can arrive as most people are leaving and feel like you have the museum to yourself. Better still, you can enjoy the Center’s spectacular architecture and views in the changing light of sunset.

The Getty remains open until 9p on Fridays and Saturdays, and it plays host to a number of unique events. Perhaps the hippest are the (usually) monthly Fridays Off The 405 which features artists like Dntel (aka James Figurine aka James Tamborello) in the courtyard along with a cash bar.

Admission to the Getty is free. Icons from Sinai continues until March 4, and the next scheduled Fridays Off the 405 are March 16 and April 13.