Visitors arrive at the Getty Villa as if they were approaching the excavated site of the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum, descending from this scenic overlook to the entrance of the museum. Recent excavations have revealed the archaeological and geological levels at the Villa dei Papiri. The strata wall at the Getty Villa suggests the layers that archaeologists uncover at an excavated site. — ok.. me here.. for all things holy, this place is amazing! You really feel like you are entering a grand estate, because you are!
The Villa itself is a recreation of the Roman Villa dei Papiri, a grand country residence on the Bay of Naples that was buried by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in ad 79. Most of the Villa is still underground, but Getty’s architects adapted a plan of the exposed part drawn by 18th-century excavators and incorporated details from other ancient houses in nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum to realize his vision.
Atrium
The Atrium was the main public room in a Roman house. The open ceiling let in light and air and allowed rainwater to fall into the sunken impluvium, where it was channeled to an underground cistern.
Inner Peristyle
Decorative motifs are often drawn from nature. The capitals of the Corinthian columns on the south side are inspired by the curling leaves of the acanthus plant, which can be seen growing in the Inner Peristyle and East Garden.
East Garden
In the East Garden, the colorful fountain with shells and theater masks is a replica of one found in the House of the Large Fountain at Pompeii.
Dining Room Magnificent space and ceilings. The Dining room leads to the Outer Peristyle.
Outer Peristyle
Formal gardens like the Outer Peristyle offered a peaceful place for conversation and contemplation. Bronze replicas of statues found at the Villa dei Papiri are placed near their ancient findspots
Herb Garden
Most Roman houses had both formal and household gardens. The Herb Garden is planted with species from the Mediterranean— fruit trees, flowering shrubs, and herbs used by the Romans for cooking and medicine.
