The Getty museum, atop a hill, looks majestic from the I405 freeway. Amit and I got to the Getty Museum in the evening on a Saturday. We took a tram to go to the top of the hill. The view from the top is spectacular, if you are lucky. Los Angeles can have very poor air quality. When I lived in Pasadena, it was sometimes impossible to see the Mt. Wilson, which was a mere mile away! But today was a beautiful night, with clear skies. The city lights were already twinkling like the stars in the sky.

The Getty Museum is an art museum mostly focused on Western art from the Middle Ages to the present. Even before we went into the buildings, I walked around the majestic building to admire its beauty. I found the architecture very unique and tastefully done. The building is mostly marble. The central courtyard area has very pretty trees and water-fountains, which blend very well with the buildings around it. The delicate lighting and the soft gurgling sounds of running water makes the place very romantic. It was however cold and I preferred to get into the building. The gardens can wait for another time!

The museum is obviously well laid out and had a great collection. Rather than spend any time talking about it, I will say that there were a few pieces that I remember without having to see my notes! These include the Victorious Youth, Van Gogh’s Irises and the self portrait yawning!

I enjoyed the special photo exhibition. These were black & white pictures of Western US. The landscapes of Yosemite, Big Sur, Point Reyes and some light houses along the California coast were interesting. Since these pictures were taken (around 80 years ago), I felt that, little has changed at some of these National Parks/State Parks. Thanks to Sierra Club and other such agencies for their fight to keep these areas pristine and for the next generation to enjoy!

The pictures of old Palo Alto, Mountain View and San Jose show orchards in areas which are now teeming with high tech development. This is the heart of Silicon Valley! I drive to work through these areas everyday. There is little to indicate that this was once a thriving farming community!

Time passes, things change around us … for the better, I hope!