Since opening, the Getty Center has quickly assumed its place as the city’s cultural acropolis and international mecca. It is the most frequently visited for the museum galleries displaying collector J. Paul Getty’s enormous art collection. Always known for antiquities, expanded galleries now allow the display of Impressionist paintings, truckloads of glimmering French furnitures and decorative arts, fine illuminated manuscripts, contemporary photography, and previously over-looked graphic arts. The area that is open to this public consists of 5 2-story pavilions set around an open courtyard, and each gallery within is specially designed to complement the works on display. A sophisticated system of programmable window louvers allows many works to be displayed in the natural light they were created in, for the first time in the modern era.

Visitors park at the base of the hill and ascend via a cable-driven electric tram. On clear days, the sensation is of being in the clouds, gazing across Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. You get can your GettyGuides – a hand held multimedia system that looks like an iPod – at the information desk. The device tracks your location and provides various ready-to-go tours. You can get more in-depth info on specific works. The 45-minute human-led architectural tours are also worth looking into. Dining options include several espresso/snack carts, a cafeteria, a self-service cafe, and the elegant restaurant, with table service for lunch (Tues-Sun) and dinner (Fri-Sat) and breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains (reservations recommended, though walk-ins are accepted; 310/440-6810)

The Center also runs clever programs for kids, including a family room filled with puzzles, computers, picture books, and games; weekend family workshops and self-guided audio tours made specifically for families.

Entrance to the Getty Center is free. Cameras and video cams are permitted, but no flash.