The Getty Center - Los Angeles, CA
I visited The Getty for a school fieldtrip during my sophomore year of high school, and I remember being absolutely struck by the beauty of the museum. It doesn’t hurt that the weather was pretty perfect that day, but even on a cloudy or rainy day, I think its marvel is undeniable.
First, focusing on the physical. The space flows seamlessly with the hill that it resides upon, mimicking the nature of its apex and declines. Its narrow entrance opens up into different exhibition halls and outdoor spaces the branch out from the “mouth” of this giant. The building materials of travertine and aluminum facades are visually stunning and produce a clean, simple look that blends ancient and industrial. The views that can be seen from The Getty are beautiful, rolling scenes of Los Angeles and all its wonders. The best part of the space, in my opinion, are the green spaces. They are so meticulously upkept and the water features create serene and relaxing spaces for thoughtful reflection.
The exhibits are equally as impressive. The Getty boasts famous artworks and robust collections stretching form the Middle Ages to today. Its exhibition rotations are engaging and lend to reviving the space with new thought. There is also a plus in that there are several eatery and grab-and-go options available throughout The Getty should a visitor get peckish or parched. Guests also have the opportunity to bring their own food and picnic on the beautiful lawns and enjoy great views. Conveniently located on the way out lies the museum store where you can get a souvenir or a book to brush up on art history.
You can spend an entire day at the Getty Center and still not have enough time to enjoy everything it has to offer. It is an ideal destination for a fieldtrip, family outing, date, or just for sightseeing.
The Children’s Museum - La Habra, CA
I volunteered at my town’s children’s museum for several years, and I have returned as a guest with my nephews on occasion. Simply put, the space is a 4 year-old’s dream.
Firstly, the museum is made from the bones of an old train station, which is a great example of repurposing and revitalizing structures. In fact, there are still train cars on the tracks next the museum, and guests can even take a tour of a 1942 caboose.
The caboose is just one of several engaging exhibits in the children’s museum. There are so many to describe that it is easier to list them all at once
- Art Center
- Play Grocery Store and Kitchen
- Mini Metropolis
- Kids’ Theater
- Science Center (kid-friendly experiments, toy excavations, lightboard, etc.)
- Carousel Room (a real carousel that runs every hour on the hour)
- 20’ Fully Functional Train Set
- Nature Room (plants, animal replicas, live insects)
- Rotating Exhibit (changes with the seasons)
As in demonstrated from the list above, there is something for every kid that visits the museum to enjoy. The diverse offerings make it a strong attraction for families with young kids.
The floor plan of the museum is also used well to create marked differences between exhibits, whether they be different rooms or separated by small partitions. This helps prevent confusion from kids’ about where is appropriate to do what and where props and toys belong. Additionally, all rooms are very spacious, providing more than enough room for parents to be able to watch their children.