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There's another Getty Museum in Los Angeles ... actually, it is the original Getty Museum that was constructed in Malibu on property that housed his "summer" home.  It originally housed all of Mr. Getty's collection until it out grew the facility.  It was closed was many years and renovated.  

This facility houses all of the Museum's antiquities.  And, it is designed and built to look and be like the Summer home of a wealthy roman family.

The setting for the museum is fabulous as it sits on prime LA real estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  Here's a shot looking down the small canyon in which it is built:

The building and grounds are spectacular.  The building was made to  be a replica of a roman summer home and the detail is extreme and authentic.  Take a brief look at some of the "dressing" at the top of the columns: 

The curse  of a photographer is light and my eye was pulled to it as it reflected off this wall.  It looks like a paint swatch from the local hardware store but it is a great example of the detail put into the design of the building:

This next image was taken on our way into the museum from the parking garage.  It took a few minutes to get a clear shot as I  "patiently" waited for the people to clear out.  Credit for the shot goes to a friend who had first taken it some time ago. I had seen it in his portfolio.

At one end of the amphitheatre there is a pool/fountain tucked next to a wall.  The water trickles down over the rocks.  The sharp, clear, reflection, gives it an added dimension.

Off to the side of the main building is a long, narrow garden that contains native plants one would find in this kind of climate. I saw this plant (I have no idea what it is) and liked the fan-like structure:

My favorite shot of the day, though, was taken looking directly down onto this floating water Lilly blossom and pad.

Inside the museum you will find lots of interesting statues and pottery from the Roman era on display:  

I was attracted to this face mask (?) because of the "roman" nose. You see, my mother's family was from a small village just south of Rome. The village is said to have existed from days of the romans.

On my first visit there, a distant cousin upon seeing me for the first time, immediately turned to his wife and tapped his fingers to his nose in a pointing gesture.  I don't understand Italian, but I knew I had passed the test!  A DNA results weren't necessary for him. He knew I was part of the family!

I still smile every time I think of it ...  and yes that Italian family is a wild and crazy bunch.  Much food, vino, scotch, and singing occurred at a long and elaborate dinner that night.   :)

The Getty Villa.  If you are ever in Los Angeles, it should be on your list to visit.  There aren't many museums like it anywhere!

As always, thanks for taking the time to look.  I hope you enjoyed it.

Adam