LA Art Museums
Oct 6th, 1999, 12:09 PM
#1
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LA Art Museums
I will be in LA for only a few days and would like to visit an art museum. I prefer more traditional collections rather than more modern work. Assuming I can only visit one museum, would it be better to visit the LA County Art Museum or the Getty (or the Norton Simon)?
Oct 7th, 1999, 04:25 AM
#2
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The reason I've never gotten to the Getty Museum in three trips to LA is something you need to know -- you must reserve transport to the museum WEEKS in advance. If, based on other's advice, you decide to go to the Getty, arrange for transport there well ahead of time!
Oct 7th, 1999, 01:38 PM
#3
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The Getty definitely is the art museum if you prefer traditional, non-modern art. There is no difficulty and no need to make reservations if you take a taxi or bus. Reservations actually are needed only for using the parking garage. If you taxi or bus, you waltz right in. Do go. The art is excellent, the setting stupendous.
Oct 7th, 1999, 08:10 PM
#4
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I would suggest the LA County Museum if you want to see art. The Getty has BEAUTIFUL grounds/gardens and a glorious view but I was not as impressed with their collection. You can get there any day--just park at the Holiday Inn right off the freeway (take the Sunset exit off the 405--it is the tall circular building) you can park there for a small fee and they have a shuttle that will take you to the Getty entrance. There will be no problem getting in.
But...the LA County Museum has more stuff to see--and you can walk over to see the La Brea Tar Pits or the other two museums next store. Then you can stop off at the Farmers Market (Fairfax and Third) which is right down the street for a cup of coffee and a snack. Or, even better, stop there for breakfast before the museum. You won't regret it.
But...the LA County Museum has more stuff to see--and you can walk over to see the La Brea Tar Pits or the other two museums next store. Then you can stop off at the Farmers Market (Fairfax and Third) which is right down the street for a cup of coffee and a snack. Or, even better, stop there for breakfast before the museum. You won't regret it.
Oct 8th, 1999, 08:05 AM
#5
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The original request stated the posted is interested in tradition art of the non-modern sort. My personal preference for great art in LA definitely would be the LA County Museum of Art because of its very strong modern collections. However, for tradition art of older periods, there is no question the Getty ranks first.
Oct 8th, 1999, 01:01 PM
#6
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mwg, I've been waiting for someone to address the logical choice for your visit, the Norton Simon Collection. I guess if falls to someone from the right coast to do so!
I've made two trips to the Norton Simon (in Pasadena) while on trips to LA, and find it to be a superb museum. I plan a third pilgrimage next month. The Norton Simon is very strong in old Masters, especially Dutch and other northern European art circa 1500-1700. The French and Italian holdings, while not as strong, were chosen with care.
The Impressionist collection is a knockout, especially the Van Goghs. The arrangement is well done, the lighting is first rate. Norton Simon's buyers largely stayed away from the Renoirs and Monets, and went for the Sisleys and Pissarros. The result is a group of fresh-looking paintings rather than the yettanotherRenoirnude that populates so many museums.
I've made two trips to the Norton Simon (in Pasadena) while on trips to LA, and find it to be a superb museum. I plan a third pilgrimage next month. The Norton Simon is very strong in old Masters, especially Dutch and other northern European art circa 1500-1700. The French and Italian holdings, while not as strong, were chosen with care.
The Impressionist collection is a knockout, especially the Van Goghs. The arrangement is well done, the lighting is first rate. Norton Simon's buyers largely stayed away from the Renoirs and Monets, and went for the Sisleys and Pissarros. The result is a group of fresh-looking paintings rather than the yettanotherRenoirnude that populates so many museums.
