Nov 18 2009
Cultured
Southern California offers some world-class museums and cultural institutions. Since my own career is very closely aligned to these museums, libraries, and such, they are often at the top of my list. I often have to entice Kris with architecture and gardens (in other words, photographic opportunities) for him to go along with my plan. Luckily, that wasn’t too hard to do with the amazing weather that we had while we were in the LA area…
The Getty Center, Los Angeles
We took a docent-lead tour of the gardens and heard all about the architects and how they designed the buildings along with the adjacent gardens. It was fascinating. We got there a little later in the afternoon and didn’t have a full day to enjoy the galleries, but we made the most of it – I particularly enjoyed the photography exhibit on the Irving Penn’s “Small Trades” photographs of workers in three cities. You can see many of the photographs online (click link above). Kris and I had some very interesting discussions about it as we browsed the gallery. We also enjoyed some of the modern galleries, the sculpture, and a quick peek into the other galleries. This amazing painting by Lawrence Alma-Tadema was a highlight I loved the detail and the emotions on the faces:
It is entitled “Spring”, and you can see the full painting here.
The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, San Marino
Living in the DC area provides many opportunities to see amazing exhibits (I am excited to see the terra cotta warriors at NGS this year!) but I never turn down the chance to go to more in new cities that I visit. We spent the majority of our time at The Huntington in the gardens – it was a beautiful sunny day and there was so much ground to cover.
[See more photos from the trip...]
Reading through your peaceful memories and moments made me feel at peace! thank you so much for sharing with me. I encourage you all to think about those peaceful moments and invite new peaceful times into your daily life!
Thank you also for the birthday wishes!
Next stop on the roadtrip: Kris and Lolly are hockey fanatics 
(but you already knew that, right?)
I am loving these pictures! They’re a good antidote for the cloudy days I’ve been having.
Great photos! I love the Getty and have been there but have to make sure I visit Huntington Gardens next time. I also recommend LACMA — LA County Museum of Art. Great place!
Oh! I love the Getty. It is so beautiful. I also love “Spring”; it’s one of my favorite pieces. I purchased a print of it when I was last there.
I love the Getty – the grounds alone are worth the visit. I like the Greek works, too. The Irving Penn exhibit looks amazing!
I’m especially glad you made it to the Huntington – it’s so beautiful there, and I think it’s one of the most amazing yet not-so-widely known places in LA. I was lucky to nanny for a family and the mom worked there, so I could get in free – I’d take the little cutie-pie I was watching, stroll the gardens, go check out the ducks, and meet the mom for tea. It’s an incredible place! I can see you made it to the Japanese Garden – it’s a lovely spot of this Earth.
I’m so excited to see your central coast, Big Sur, and Monterey pictures – my mom lives in the Monterey Bay (in Capitola) and it’s just amazing there! So much fun to see you visit some of my favorite spots in my home state.
Loving the pictures!
That pic of the trees, with the woman and the stroller is just GORGEOUS.
Also, you guys are hockey fans? What?! Newsflash! Just kidding
So glad you got to the HUntington. I feel it gets looked over much too often. It’s a favorite spot for me and my husband, and it’s especially magic in the rain.
I love the Getty too and the painting you mentioned spoke to me as well. I must have spent 20 minutes just taking it all in.
Such awesome buildings and gorgeous scenery, too! Looks like a very fun trip.
I love the painting of Spring. So lovely! I love galleries… XX00
I love, love, love the Getty! Do you watch Project Runway – they went there this season for inspration for one of their designs. : )
Gorgeous pictures! I’ve been to San Francisco, but never further South in California. Those are some truly amazing photos, Lolly!
Wonderful looking place!