Private 90-Minute Getty Center Tour by a Museum-Trained Expert
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Los Angeles, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Immerse yourself in the world-class art collections of the J. Paul Getty Museum on a private, expertly guided tour tailored to your group’s interests. Skip the guesswork as your guide leads you to the museum’s greatest masterpieces—whether you want an overview of renowned highlights or a focused exploration of a specific period such as Renaissance, Baroque, Decorative Arts, or Impressionism. Enjoy in-depth commentary and learn the fascinating stories behind the works.
- Private tour of the J. Paul Getty Museum for a personalized experience
- See highlights or take a close look at special exhibits
- Gain insights into art history periods from your guide
- Small private groups for a tailored visit up to 6 people
What's Included
- Free admission, wheelchairs, strollers and sanitized, assisted listening devices for 6+ people
- Fees apply to languages other than English and Russian. Please inquire.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA
We meet all travelers at the entrance to the Museum
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
The Getty Center
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- All children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Parking is $25 per car or motorcycle; $15 after 3pm; Saturdays after 6pm, parking is free.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 32 reviews
Douglas_B, Feb 2026
The experience was marked by 2 things: 1) Beautiful art in an exceptional architectural setting and 2) a knowledgable, intelligent, friendly and educational tour guide - Ellen. Her discussion of the art expanded our appreciation of what we were seeing and added an element of insight not otherwise obtained.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and taking the time to leave it. I enjoyed touring you. Your comments and insights were fantastic! Come back soon for more art experiences!
Warmly,
Ellen
Shoreh_S, Feb 2026
The tour guide never showed up. We took the free tour provided by Getty Center. I will stop payment on my credit card charge. Looked like a scam.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
I am so sorry. The guide had a family emergency and had no time to call. I told Viator to give you a full refund and offered you a free tour and complimentary lunch at The Getty Restaurant for you or you could gift it. We are not a scam. Look at all our 5-star reviews. In 20 years this is the first time this has happened. The guide, Sasha, is very upset and was only thinking of her mother who was rushed to the hospital. I'm surprised, however, that when she didn't show, that you didn't call her to see where she was.
I apologize but am glad that you were able to go on a public tour and see The Getty's collection, although our private tours are more in-depth and personalized. Again, my apologies.
Tracy_S, Jan 2026
The Getty is an amazing place to visit and if you have a short amount of time or really want to understand what you are looking at this is the tour for you. Sacha also has a unique insight into the workings of the Getty and the history behind its being so has many interesting stories to tell. we were there on a busy rainy day and would never have seen or learnt so much on our own.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much! I'm glad the rain didn't "dampen" your enthusiasm! Next time, visit The Getty Villa!
James_G, Jan 2026
Sasha promised my 14 y.o. son a tour of the Getty that would not be boring and she delivered! She shared the true stories and “inside information” about the museum, its patrons, and the artists. The tour was a cohesive lesson of European art tailored to our knowledge and interest. Sasha made the art and the artists come to life, as stories of painters, movements, and philosophies flowed together from room to room and period to period. So much more fun, engaging, and immersive than a college course or stroll through the museum on your own. Her story about van Gogh’s life and relationship with his brother meant so much more to my boy than his pic in front of the Irises. Sasha, thank you for a memorable tour that was much more than just "not boring"!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for the review. I enjoyed giving you and your son the tour of Getty's collection! Next time, see The Getty Villa with me!
Kind regards,
Sasha
Don_S, Dec 2025
This tour of The Getty was very special, and so much of that was because of our guide. Ellen Greenberg is a delight. She was immediately warm, welcoming, and engaged. Her enthusiasm and vast amount of knowledge was infectious. Ellen shared many wonderful and inciteful anecdotes about each of the artists and the art that they created, making the art come alive. I highly recommend this tour, which true to its name, demystified the art and The Getty for me and my family. Thank you Ellen!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much Don! I enjoyed sharing my knowledge with you and your family. Your thoughts and feelings about the art were infectious! I look forward to seeing you again!
Happy New Year!
Ellen
Josh_P, Dec 2025
Great experience. We learned a lot about the Getty (museum and the man). Long enough to get a great exposure to the various art they've collected. Short enough that we weren't exhausted or overwhelmed.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you! Happy holidays!
Laura_C, Nov 2025
Our tour of the Getty was excellent. Our guide, Ellen, was engaging and interesting. She made it memorable. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much! Your comments and insights added made it interesting for me as well!
Glenn_H, Nov 2025
Ellen is very knowledgeable and great storyteller. Well educated on the Getty museum and the arts . Thank you for educating us, on the paintings.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you !
Julie_T, Nov 2025
Ellen was a very knowledgeable and engaging tour guide. She knows her art and takes time to answer questions. A highlight of the day.
Lee_P, Sep 2025
Terrific art knowledge, one of the best tours ever. Ellen is extremely knowledgeable and well prepared.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Sorry for the delayed thank you! Your review is much appreciated!
Leah_H, Jul 2025
I set my elderly parents and 14 year old nephew up for this tour. The guide was really great with my parents (dad has hearing issues, mom has mobility issues) and a teen boy who isn’t always the most responsive. I also really loved how she texted me before to connect so that we could communicate if issues. It came in handy when my parents were running late due to traffic and needed to get clarity on exactly where to find her. My mom said she really enjoyed the tour and that the guide was wonderful.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks so much! Sorry for the delayed response!
Mark_Z, Jun 2025
Ellen kept our family engaged and even entertained. Well done. Two twenty something sons more into sports than art were into it.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thanks so much for the review! Your family was a joy to tour! Come back soon for The Getty Billa and LACMA !
JoAnn_V, May 2025
The Getty museum was so huge and could have been overwhelming. Ellen's private tour gave us an overview of each of the art periods and then pointed us to the most significant pieces of art. She made the tour interesting and conversational. We learned a lot and had a great time. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much! On your next trip to LA, I'd love to show you the art at The Getty Villa and LACMA!
Bruce_S, May 2025
We did the private tour that was very informative of Paul Gettys life, the museum is gorgeous and beyond really stunning structures, and the amazing location with spectacular views. We loved it and our tour guide was full of knowledge!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you! Next time, I'd love to show you the art and architecture of The Getty Vila and LACMA!
Anne_S, May 2025
Great tour, helpful. Lots of information and good stories on the art and Getty. Also very engaging with tour guide
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you very much! Please come to my other tours at the Getty Villa and LACMA!
Ruth_R, May 2025
I love to surprise my husband with birthday adventures and this was just perfect. Shasha was a great guide and so knowledgeable. She was so engaging and answered all our questions and made this experience so enjoyable. It was fun learning about the art and some of the history behind them... things I never knew about. Which made the art even that much more special. I highly recommend this activity for folks of all ages.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you very much! Please come to my other tours at the Getty Villa and LACMA!
anne_b, Mar 2025
Ellen was masterful. She had so much knowledge we were amazed and transfixed by her stories and enthusiasm. We had a 1.5 hour tour and she was so excited she kept going for another hour. Really top-notch!!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for your review! Your enthusiasm was contagious and the time flew by!
Tim_H, Mar 2025
An in-depth overview of the Getty with detailed explanation of a few Getty "don't miss" pieces. Ellen was well prepared and knowelgable.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much! Hope to see you again when The Getty Villa reopens!
Kevin_C, Dec 2024
Ellen did a great tour! Her insights and knowledge was very enjoyable. Would recommend Elem G to anyone .
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you so much!
Gena_B, Nov 2024
The Tour was wonderful! Ellen was super informative! Funny, direct, spoke very clear and patient. I am in Art and was very impressed with Ellen’s knowledge! She was well prepared with laminated phots and props! The surprise was an ancient bread recipe she gave us!!!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
It was a pleasure to tour you through the different periods of art! Loved your comments and observations. Hope you enjoy the scones from Pontormo!
Christina_R, Oct 2024
Ellen from Quick Culture truly exceeded my expectations. On a bucket list trip with my dad, sister and son and just enjoyed an exceptional private tour of the Getty Center.
Ellen Greenberg has extensive art knowledge, guest lectures at UCLA, and hosted notables such as Merrick Garland and Getty’s great grandson.
I knew none of this when I booked her through Viator and she exceeded all expectations. Maybe I’ve just never done a private tour before, but holy cow, she knows her stuff and is a remarkable storyteller.
Happy travels!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you so much Christie~ I enjoyed touring the 4 of you ---it was enlightening to hear all your input and thoughts about the art. Especially enriching for me was to have your dad and your son ---vastly different in age but enjoying it together! Art does that!
James_W, Jun 2024
Ellen from Quick Culture (310) 800-6710 was a fabulous tour guide whom we highly recommend. The museum was beautiful.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thanks so much! I enjoyed touring the 3 of you!
karen_s, May 2024
Excellent and we really appreciated your knowledge and presentation. Thanks.
We will recommend you,
All good!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thanks so much!
Emily_S, Nov 2023
Sasha was absolutely fantatic. She brought the artwork to life with detailed and interesting stories. We got so much more out of the museum than we would have on our own. Absolutely worth it!
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Dear Emily~
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad that you (and especially your Mom) enjoyed the tour since it was part of her birthday gift! Having an art adventure is a great and memorable activity for a family get-together! :) Hope to see you at The Getty Villa the next time you visit your Mom here in LA!
All best,
Sasha
Katie_C, Mar 2023
Ellen was so patient with our group and so much fun to talk to. It was such an amazing way to see the Getty!!! We learned so much and got to ask so many questions, would go to any museum with Ellen!
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I enjoyed taking your group through the collection and hearing your very insightful questions and comments!
brian_b, Feb 2023
Ellen (our guide) was informative, knowledgeable, and engaging. We felt that after our 90 minute tour we were now much more informed and educated on the art and structure and life of John Paul Getty !
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Thank you for your wonderful review. I enjoyed making the art come alive for you and hearing your insightful comments!
Amanda_T, Jan 2023
This was a very informative and thorough tour. I learned a great deal more than if I had just visited without a guide. She had a good sense of humor and related things to modern behavior which I enjoyed. Went through a large timeline of art quickly.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Thank you, Amanda! It was inspiring for me to hear all the comments and exchange perspectives and thoughts on the art. You and your group added to the experience!
Nicole_H, Dec 2022
I organized a private tour with Ellen for my three other work colleagues as a team bonding activity and we all truly enjoyed it.
Ellen provided clear instruction, was communicative, and professional. Her tour provided education around art that worked for the novices in the group like myself, and taught the more knowledgeable something new too.
Ellen encouraged discussion, brought her own additional tools to help interpret, and created a very interactive experience vs. your typical scripted tour.
Bonus was catching the sunset from the best view of LA I’ve ever seen - Ellen knows the exact spot to see this.
I’d recommend a boxed lunch picnic and Quick Culture tour at the Getty Center for any group - business or otherwise.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Thank you, Nicole, for the wonderful review and opportunity to enjoy the art experience with you and your team! I hope to see you again!
tony_h, Feb 2020
My wife and I had a private tour of the Getty Centre Collection with Ellen in February.In short it was fabulous.Ellen is passionate about art and it shows.Her tour was informative,interactive,well researched and entertaining.Her verbal dialogue is supported by photoboards and other props which enhanced the tour.At one stage we were testing our drumming skills and the Getty acoustics with drumsticks on the stonework!
We particularly enjoyed the stories behind the paintings and the stories behind the artists.
As a holder of a Getty Docent Certificate and former guide at the Getty for many years she knows the Collection back to front so we were able to see and enjoy the highlights of the Collection without feeling rushed.
We were left wanting more.
Ellen is witty,intelligent and blessed with an engaging sense of humour.
This tour is ideal for anyone irrespective of their level of artistic knowledge.
Done miss it
Response from Host, Feb 2020
Thank you Tony and Sharon! It was a delight meeting you and hearing your observations about the art. I hope to see you again when you visit Los Angeles!
From $225.00
per group (up to 8)up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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