Look at the Pretty Pictures

Don’t ask me why it took us 8 years to get there, but it did. Today we visited the Getty Center in LA. It is easily one of the most beautiful museums on the West coast. With amazing works of art from some of the world’s most famous artists, the museum was simply a treasure trove of art and antiquities. But the museum itself is just as impressive as the art it houses; an amazing facility, a picturesque setting and some sensational architecture.

Today was day one of a “staycation” we are enjoying as a family. Yes, we are vacationing in Southern California. We thought since it seems everyone else does it, we would try it too. Short flight, reasonable hotel costs and Bella can come on the trip. Hey, there is definitely something to this vacation plan.

The museum currently has a number of great works and was home to some wonderful exhibits. We started with an exhibit of works from the French painter Gerome. We didn’t know his work before today, but it was very good and Siena loved the bright colors and large format of his pictures. A good way to introduce Siena to the world of art.

From here we headed to an awesome lunch in the museum restaurant. You wouldn’t expect to read those words when referring to the food at a tourist attraction, but the restaurant there was really very good. Siena loved the tomato basil soup and penne with pesto. Big people food has more flavors and she wasn’t shy about sharing our lunches.

Other highlights from the day included:
• Siena’s first view of works of art from some great masters including Monet (mommy’s favorite artist), El Greco (grandma Gail’s favorite artist), Rembrandt, Degas, Manet, Van Gogh, Tiepolo and so many more.

• Bright red in paintings. If there was a lot of bright red in the painting it caught Siena’s eye. Luckily from the 1400’s to the 1700’s red was an available and often used hue.
• Sculptures, the bigger the better for Siena.
• A beautiful central garden, perfect for napping in.
• A family fun room where we could play and take fun pictures.
• Outdoor fountains and views across LA, Hollywood and out to Santa Monica and the ocean.

The Getty Center was very much worth the visit. Tomorrow we try again with a visit to the aquarium, another place we haven’t visited in our first 8 years here. I am betting Siena will love the fishes too.