The Getty Center was constructed on a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains, just off the San Diego Freeway 405. The original location of the collection was the Malibu Villa, a reconstruction of a Pompeian Villa. The Villa became too small to hold the ever growing collection, and was in need of an extensive renovation.

This museum is a classic must see to everybody interested in Arts and History.

Without a doubt, its the most famous and important art collection at the Pacific Coast, however it is currently under suspicion of displaying stolen art(!!). Several pieces were already returned to Italy, and the (former?) curator faces a trial. Very embarrassing. See BBC's news about this issue. Italian authorities slam wealthy US museums for years regarding their practice of cover-up shadowy art purchase transactions.