Museum Review: Getty Museum, LA

Architecture: Thumbs up

Exhibits: Thumbs down

This is what I expected. I'm talking about the "new" one (which is apparently the old one)--the one with the modern architecture. I'm generally not a fan of modern architecture, but this building was truly inspired. It takes three simple textures: rough rock, smooth rock, and curvy metal, and combines them in almost infinite varieties. Then it adds in negative space, fountains, natural gardens, and panoramic views of Los Angeles. Every time I turned a corner I saw something new to photograph.

I gave the exhibits thumbs down simply because I'm spoiled when it comes to museums. Once you've been to the Met, the Louvre, and the Musee d'Orsay, it's hard to appreciate anything else. Their midieval paintings, sculptures, and furniture were on a par with what I've seen in other museums like the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco or the National Gallery in Washington. Their photography exhibit was embarassing. When I see a photography exhibit, I expect it to be better than my own work. There are a lot of photographers out there who are better than me. Way better. They do stuff I can't even dream about. Their creativity is inspirational. Unfortunately, they are not on display at the Getty.

Another bonus: it's free. Thumbs up to the County of Los Angeles for supporting the arts.

Overall, it's worth it to go back, just for the architecture.

J