A shimmering white temple of art, this is one of the world's most celebrated museums.

A huge travertine marble complex perched in the hills above Brentwood, The Getty Center houses only part of oil magnate J. Paul Getty's legacy (the other half is on show in Malibu at the Getty Villa). Just a short tram ride away from 405 traffic, the center is an oasis of culture, entertainment and spectacular views (granted the smog index is low enough.) Five pavilions house the museum's priceless collection of paintings, decorative art, sculpture and photography, but the panoramic center also includes an auditorium, gift shop, plenty of places to eat (including the high-tone Getty Restaurant) and a research institute, which is open to people with a government-issued photo ID.

In addition to its permanent collection, which includes illuminated manuscripts, portraits by Rembrandt and photos by Man Ray, the Getty usually has several special exhibitions on view. Photos by Weegee, paintings by Titian, Parisian caricatures and Gothic stained glass are just a few of the many temporary exhibits that have graced the museum's walls. The center also puts on a wide array of events: Free Friday-night concerts (hip acts like Petra Hayden, Earlimart, The Watson Twins and The Books are not out of the ordinary), the after-work deejayed happy hour "Fridays Off the 405" and the annual world music series "Summer Sessions" are just a few of the free gems the museum has to offer. And if the impressive artwork and programming weren't enough, Richard Meier's groundbreaking architecture and Robert Irwin's spectacular Central Garden are worth trips themselves.