FAQs

Do schools need a reservation to visit the Getty?

Yes, all school groups, including those requesting a self-guided visit, must have a reservation.

Are Getty field trips free?

Yes, Getty school field trips booked specifically through School Group Reservations are free—this includes complimentary bus and vehicle parking for schools with approved School Group Reservations bookings.

Request a Free Visit

For assistance, contact School Group Reservations at (310) 440-7322.

How do I make changes to a reservation?

For assistance or to make changes to your reservation, including changes to group size, contact School Group Reservations at (310) 440-7322.

Can homeschools request a visit?

Homeschool groups and homeschool networks are welcome to visit both the Getty Center and Getty Villa Museum and register for guided tours. Homeschool groups must follow the same guidelines as other scheduled school groups.

To ensure a smooth experience:

• Minimum Homeschool Group Size: Each reservation must include at least 10 students.
• Group Organization: Large groups will be split into smaller groups of about 10 students each for guided tours.
• Chaperone Limit: Each tour group may only have two chaperones accompany the tour. Additional chaperones are welcome to enjoy the grounds, museum galleries, and café during the tour and may join their student or child after the tour.
• Arrival Time: Please ensure your entire group arrives 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Groups arriving late may be asked to explore the museum on a self-guided basis.
• Accurate Headcount: When submitting your reservation request, provide an accurate count of students and adults attending. We cannot accommodate groups larger than the number listed in your reservation request; if your group exceeds the confirmed size, adjustments may be required, including being asked to self-guide.
• Bringing Younger Children: If you plan to bring children younger than kindergarten age that are not part of the school or group, and additional adults who will not be serving as chaperones are present, we kindly ask that these participants enjoy other activities instead of joining the tour. This helps ensure the best experience for everyone.

Is there a maximum number of students allowed per reservation request?

During the school year, guided‑tour reservations may include up to 100 students in grades K–12 at the Getty Villa Museum and up to 60 students in grades K–12 at the Getty Center. High school groups in grades 9–12 that choose to self‑guide at the Getty Villa Museum may reserve up to 50 students. If your group exceeds these limits, please submit separate requests.

During the summer, guided‑tour reservations for grades K–12 at the Getty Villa Museum is 60 students and at the Getty Center it's 50 students. If your group exceeds these limits, please submit separate requests. If you do not want a guided-tour and prefer a self‑guided visit for K–12 aged groups during the summer, please refer to Group Visits Getty Center and Group Visits Getty Villa Museum for more information.

How do I know my reservation request has been approved?

School Group Reservations will call you to review your request. After review, it will be sent to the School Programs team for final approval. Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Confirmation emails are prioritized by visit date; if you haven’t received one within four weeks, please call to check your status.

For assistance, contact School Group Reservations at (310) 440-7322.

If I want to visit both museums, do I have to submit a request for each location?

Yes. Please complete the online registration request form for each site. The same group of students may visit both the Getty Center and the Getty Villa Museum within the same school year.

How will construction at the Getty Center during the 2026–2027 school year affect my school visit?

The Getty Center will temporarily reduce daily capacity for K–12 school visits during certain periods.

Schools unable to book a visit to the Getty Center are encouraged to explore our Online Field Trips or consider booking a visit to the Getty Villa Museum.

How are museum field trips structured?

During the school year, grades K–12 participate in 60-minute docent-led tours that feature three interactive stops, providing a student-centered exploration of the museum and its collections. High school groups in grades 9–12 have the option of exploring Getty at their own pace with a chaperone as a self-guided visit, or they may choose to receive a guided tour.

In the summer, K–12 aged students are led by Teen Gallery Guides, local high school students participating in Getty’s museum education and career exploration internship. These engaging 45-minute guided tours offer a fresh, peer-led perspective on the museum’s collections, enhancing the experience for young visitors. Teen Gallery Guide tours are available at both sites.

Who leads the guided tours?

During the school year, guided tours are led by trained Getty docents and Getty education staff. In the summer, tours are led by Teen Gallery Guides—local high school students participating in Getty’s museum education and career exploration internship. Both docents and Teen Gallery Guides receive specialized training in Getty’s activity-based teaching philosophy and collections content to foster meaningful, fun student experiences.

What if I want to guide my students through the galleries myself?

During the school year, K–12 groups participating in guided tours are welcome to explore the museum with a chaperone after their tour concludes. Groups that prefer a self‑guided experience may select that option on their reservation request (grades 9–12) or note the request in the reservation form’s notes section (grades K–8). Chaperones must accompany self‑guided student groups and remain with them at all times, regardless of the students’ ages.

During the summer, guided tours are available for grades K–12, and groups are welcome to explore the museum with a chaperone after their tour concludes. If you prefer not to participate in a guided tour and would like a self‑guided visit for K–12 aged groups during the summer, please refer to Group Visits Getty Center and Group Visits Getty Villa Museum for more information.

Will drawing/writing materials be available for our visit?

Upon request, museum staff can provide clipboards, plain paper, and pencils to school groups. Please note your request ahead of time in the reservation request notes.

Can we visit the Museum Store during our visit?

Chaperoned groups of students are welcome to visit the museum stores during their field trip, and we ask that all groups help maintain a positive experience for all guests.

Please stagger student visits to the Museum Store. Only 10 students may enter at a time, and each group must be accompanied by an adult.

How can I determine the appropriateness of the artwork at the Getty?

The Getty displays works of art from a wide range of cultures and time periods. Some pieces may include nudity or other potentially sensitive subject matter. Because these works cannot be selectively removed or consistently avoided, you may wish to notify parents in advance. If you have concerns, we recommend reviewing the collection online or visiting the galleries ahead of your trip. For questions or support, please contact School Group Reservations at (310) 440-7322.

View Artwork On Display

Do your field trips meet school standards?

Visits to the Getty Center and the Getty Villa Museum align with the California Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects, and they support the National Core Arts Standards and the California Arts Standards for Public Schools in the areas of Presenting, Responding, and Connecting. Specific standards addressed vary by tour and by student grade level.

Who organizes transportation to and from the museum?

It is the field trip organizer's responsibility to schedule transportation either by car or bus to the museum. Please note that public transit is generally not recommended for traveling to either museum.

Schools that have been approved for bus funding will receive a request form along with contact information for a Getty-approved bus vendor. It is the responsibility of the field trip organizer to complete the form, submit it directly to the bus vendor, and coordinate pick-up and drop-off arrangements independently with the bus vendor.

Is parking included for all K–12 school visits?

Yes, parking is FREE for K–12 school groups booked through School Group Reservations who have an approved booking.

If chaperones want to arrive separately by car, when filling out your reservation request, make sure to use the notes field to indicate that additional chaperones will be arriving by car in order to receive accommodations.

At the Getty Villa Museum, chaperones can have their parking validated either at the Parking Office or the Information Desk. At the Getty Center, parking can be validated at the Parking Office.

For assistance, contact School Group Reservations at (310) 440-7322.

What happens if we arrive late?

Arriving late may result in a shortened guided tour or the cancellation of your guided tour, depending on your arrival time. In such cases, you will be self-guided during your visit. To ensure the best experience, please arrive on time.

If I’m organizing and funding my own bus transportation, is there anything I should share with the bus vendor or bus driver?

Please share the following information with your bus vendor or bus driver if you are organizing and funding your own bus transportation:

For Buses Visiting the Getty Center

• The parking structure at Getty Center is called the North Entry Parking (NEP) and is accessed via Sepulveda Blvd at Getty Center Drive. Getty Security will direct you to the school bus parking spots in the garage.
• After you park, Getty staff will approach the bus and give you a placard with the school’s name. Please place the placard in a visible place in the bus window.
• Be ready for departure at least 15 minutes before your designated departure time.

For Buses Visiting the Getty Villa Museum

• School bus parking at Getty Villa Museum can be accessed via the main entrance off Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) State Route 1.
• Check in at the Lower Kiosk archway. Please provide the school name and you will be asked for the number of students and adults present. Security will escort the bus to the drop-off/pick-up area.
• There is poor cellphone service at the Getty Villa Museum. Have an agreed pick-up time with the lead teacher and any drivers.
• All drop-offs and pick-ups must occur in the loading zone. Visitors are not permitted to cross the service road.
• Be ready for departure at least 15 minutes before your designated departure time.

Is bus funding available?

Yes, the Getty Center and Getty Villa Museum offer subsidized transportation to eligible Title I schools, and over the summer, to groups serving Title I students within Los Angeles. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If bus funding is available at the time you request a visit, the online request system will provide further instructions and information.

School-Year Bus Funding Eligibility Requirements:

• Confirm your school is designated as a Title I school (according to the California Department of Education).
• Confirm your school is located within 30 miles of the Getty Center or Getty Villa Museum.
• Fill each requested bus with at least 45 students.
• Use our designated bus companies: TLC Luxury Transportation, American Transportation (ATS), or Lux Bus America for transportation.
• Unfortunately, district buses or buses from other transportation companies will not be funded.

Summer Bus Funding Eligibility Requirements:

• Confirm your school is designated as either a Title I school (according to the California Department of Education), or a nonprofit 501(c)3, or an organization serving lower-income communities (i.e. high percentage of families within the immediate service area are below the median income range, or within, or engaging with, a neighborhood that has been identified as having little to no arts programming).
• Confirm your school or organization is located within 30 miles of the Getty Center or Getty Villa Museum.
• Fill each requested bus with at least 30 students.
• Use our designated bus companies: TLC Luxury Transportation, American Transportation (ATS), or Lux Bus for transportation.
• Unfortunately, district buses or buses from other transportation companies will not be funded.

Additional Information:

• Standard buses seat up to 50 students plus five chaperones.
• To maximize access, funded buses require at least 45 students (during the school year) or 30 students (over the summer) and are limited to two buses per visit.
• Funding is limited and not guaranteed until confirmed in writing by the Getty Center or Getty Villa Museum.
• If authorized, you will receive an email with further instructions after we receive your school visit request.
• If not authorized, you will receive a denial email after we receive your school visit request.
• If you are not approved for a bus, your application will still be processed and a field trip will be scheduled for your group, unless you indicate otherwise on the Reservation Request Form.
• To verify the Title I status of your school, you may need to provide specific documentation.

Do you offer accommodations or support for students with disabilities or learning differences?

We welcome all learners, including students with disabilities and learning differences. To help us best support your group, please include any accommodation needs and relevant details in the reservation request notes.

Do you offer bilingual tours or language support for students or chaperones?

Guided tours are provided in English; however, schools are welcome to have a translator from their school support during the tour. We encourage groups to share any language support needs in the reservation request notes.

Can Student Support Aides or Direct Support Professionals join guided tours?

Yes. Student Support Aides and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are welcome to join guided tours to provide the individualized support their assigned student needs. However, they cannot serve as chaperones. Chaperones must be able to supervise and support all students in their assigned group, and aides or DSPs should remain focused on the one student they are responsible for.

How is lunch organized on a field trip?

Once your visit is confirmed, your school will receive a designated lunch time and location based on your arrival and tour schedule. These assignments cannot be changed due to the high volume of groups. Restaurant seating is not available for school groups.

Students may bring their own lunches or receive school-prepared meals, or teachers may pre-order box lunches from Bon Appétit Catering (available at both museums).

To order box lunches from Bon Appétit Catering

Call (310) 440-6213 or email bonappetit@getty.edu, and complete the Box Lunch Menu (PDF). Please only order lunches after your reservation has been approved.

At the Getty Center

Students should bring their lunches and water bottles when exiting the bus. After their tram ride, they’ll place their lunches into Getty-provided coolers, which museum staff will transport to the designated lunch area. Before returning to the bus, all items must be removed from the coolers; leftovers will be discarded or placed in Lost and Found.

At the Getty Villa

Students should exit the bus with their lunches and water bottles, then place them into color-coded boxes provided by museum staff upon arrival. Schools bringing their own coolers are responsible for handling leftovers, which may be taken back to school or disposed of in the Picnic Area.

Students should leave unnecessary items like backpacks on the bus whenever possible, as large or bulky items are not permitted in the museum. Accompanying adults may carry backpacks but they must wear them in front of their bodies. Please be prepared to check your items at the Coat Check if requested by museum staff.

Field Trip Checklist

1. Organize your transportation: Schedule transportation either by car or bus to the museum. Please note that public transit is generally not recommended for traveling to either museum. Review the Transportation section above.
2. Recruit chaperones: Bring one adult chaperone age 18 or older for every 10 students. Up to two chaperones per 10 students may participate in the guided tour.
3. Meet with your team: Before the trip, meet with all chaperones and attending staff to review the agenda and clarify roles and expectations.
4. Divide students into groups: Plan student groups based on the number of chaperones attending. Getty staff may adjust groups upon arrival. Review Group Organization Guidelines, see below.
5. Organize lunch: Either have students pack lunches in individual bags that can be stored easily, arrange for lunch through your school, or order lunch from the Getty. See the Lunch FAQ section for details.
6. Set expectations with students: Review the schedule in advance, including tour length, lunch time, and any additional activities. Review Visitor Guidelines, see below.
7. Prepare name tags: Name tags help docents personalize the tour experience.
8. Plan your departure: Identify a clear meeting time and location for all groups before leaving the site.

Group Organization Guidelines

• Each guided or self-guided tour group must have one chaperone. The required minimum supervision ratio is one chaperone for every 10 students.
• Chaperones must be able to supervise all students in their assigned group. Student aides and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) cannot serve as chaperones because they provide one-on-one support to a specific student.
• Students must be divided evenly among the available chaperones. Please remain flexible when placing students in pre-assigned chaperone groups. Groups may be adjusted based on the needs of the guided tour.

Visitor Guidelines

Please ensure all guests follow these guidelines throughout their visit:

• Leave all backpacks, large bags, and oversized purses on the bus, in cars, or in Getty-provided storage before entering the site.
• Refrain from eating, drinking, or chewing gum indoors.
• When taking pictures, make sure your camera's flash is off.
• No ink pens or markers should be used in the galleries.
• Do not touch the artwork, walk calmly at all times while on site, keep voices low.
• Be considerate of other visitors by not blocking passageways and making room for other groups.

What should I expect upon arrival?

At the Getty Villa Museum

Stay on the bus until greeted by a School Program Coordinator. If arriving by car, a School Program Coordinator will meet your group in the Outdoor Classical Theater. Please bring student lunches, water bottles and any parking tickets requiring validation.

At the Getty Center

When arriving by bus, teachers should exit the bus and check in with a Visitor Services Associate in the garage. All students, whether arriving by car or bus, must bring their lunches and water bottles with them.

Both Locations

• Before entering the museum, please leave lunches and water bottles in Getty-provided coolers or boxes.
• Please leave the following items in your vehicle:
  -Backpacks (except teacher/chaperone backpacks with emergency supplies)
  -Umbrellas
• Communicate with your bus driver(s): Ensure your bus driver knows what time your group expects to depart. It’s best to do this when you’re deboarding the bus in case you lose cell service.
• Be flexible: Group sizes for docent tours may vary. Your flexibility is appreciated.

Chaperones are essential to making field trips successful

This document of chaperone guidelines in English and Spanish contains key information to share with all adults accompanying your group. Please feel free to print a copy and distribute it to every chaperone before your trip.

How many chaperones do we need for our field trip?

A minimum of one chaperone (non-student over age 18) per 10 students is required. A maximum of two chaperones per 10 students may accompany the guided tour through the galleries. Chaperones must accompany self-guided groups at all times.

What are the responsibilities of a chaperone?

• Supervise your assigned group of students at all times. Stay with them throughout the visit, regardless of their age.
• Accompany students into the restroom area and remain nearby until everyone has finished. In multi-stall restrooms, stay just outside the stall area while remaining inside the restroom, so you are available if needed. If another school group is using the restroom, please wait until they have exited before entering with your students.
• Accompany students inside the Museum Store and help monitor their behavior.
• Help maintain a positive learning environment. Encourage respectful behavior and engagement.
• Follow the schedule provided by the teacher or trip leader. Arrive on time for all activities.
• Assist with safety. Report any concerns to the trip leader immediately.
• Carry backpacks if needed, but note that all adults may be asked to wear backpacks on the front of their bodies.
• Coordinate with the teacher or trip leader about where and when to meet for departure.

How can my school participate in an Online Field Trip?

Online Field Trips are free, asynchronous experiences designed for participation with the entire classroom or for individual students. They do not require registration and can be accessed anytime and anywhere with an internet connection.

To learn more, visit our Online Field Trips page.

Are Online School Field Trips the same as the Virtual Art Explorations program?

No. The Online Field Trips are asynchronous interactive videos designed to support flexible learning and engagement with Getty’s collections. The Virtual Art Explorations (VAE) program offers live, synchronous sessions that connect students directly with museum educators.

To request a VAE program during the 2025–26 School Year, contact School Group Reservations at (310) 440-7322.