Late last March, while our students were
on Spring break, a group of Student Affairs
staff members had the chance to spend an
afternoon in our own student world, courtesy
of a special field trip to the Getty Center.
More than 40 staff members were able to
make the visit, including many who were
“first-timers.”
The highlight of the trip
was a guided tour provided by a Getty Center
staff member. We learned about art from the
Napoleonic period, Van Gogh’s “Irises,”
Louis XVIth furniture, illuminated manuscripts,
classical Greek sculpture, and much more.
The mass of information that was available
turned the hour into a real “Art History
101,” and the guide was willing to answer
every question. As one participant noted,
“Although I’ve visited before,
I’ve never gone on a guided tour, and
this was definitely a highlight! Thanks to
our wonderful tour guide, Elizabeth, I was
able to gain new insights and will now see
the exhibits through more knowledgeable eyes
when I visit again.”
But a close second to the
art is the Getty Center itself. We had a chance
to tour the grounds for about an hour before
the tour was scheduled, and the day couldn’t
have been better.
Comments from some of the
trip participants help to sum up the afternoon.
“The trip yesterday
was terrific. It was my first time there and
I was really looking forward to it. I wasn’t
disappointed.”
“It was my first trip
to the Getty and there were so many things
to see and do...that they couldn't all be
fit into a 2 1/2 hour time block. That means
I have to go back.”
“ The exhibition of
Napoleon era art by Jacques-Louis David was
fascinating both in terms of portraiture but
also with respect to late 18th century history.
I also loved the Impressionist paintings gallery.”
“I enjoyed the trip
to the museum very much. It was my first time
going there and now I know I have to come
back to see the rest of it.”
“It was my first trip
to the Getty and I discovered you could see
it all in 2 hours or 10 hours, depending on
what your interests are. I plan to bring my
kids there soon.”
“The weather allowed
us all to enjoy the art inside and the majesty
of the architecture outside. What a superior
place to visit. Thanks to UCLA for allowing
us the privilege of attendance!”
“The day couldn’t
have been more perfect – the weather
was beautiful, the skies clear, the views
were spectacular, and the company of our fellow
Student Affairs colleagues was great. I felt
like a kid again, going on a school field
trip!”
One thought may stand out
above the rest: If you’ve never been
to the Getty, give yourself a treat. Do it.
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