Getty Celebrates National Public Gardens Day

Getty joins the annual celebration of National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 8, 2026. Sponsored by the American Public Gardens Association (APGA), National Public Gardens Day helps raise awareness of the botanic gardens, arboreta, conservatories, and public gardens across the country.

At the Getty Center, a special tour of the Central Garden will take place at 10:30 a.m. Led by Jackie Flor, horticulturist at Getty, the tour will guide visitors through the living work of art created by the late Robert Irwin and share the artist’s perspective of the garden while in full bloom. Visitors are also welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn next to the Central Garden.

The Museum Store will offer a special discount online on a curated collection of botanical-inspired gifts on May 8 only. All items featured in the National Public Gardens Day 2026 collection will have a 20% discount taken off automatically at checkout. To view the curated collection, visit the Getty Museum Store online. Every purchase benefits Getty programs.

At the Restaurant, celebrate the day with a selection of garden-fresh entrees and cheer with the Bougainvillea cocktail, named after the iconic bougainvillea at Getty and made using jalapeño-infused tequila with strawberry, orange cognac, lime and agave.

At the Getty Villa, visit the Herb Garden and peruse plants and fruit trees native to the Mediterranean region, along with familiar herbs such as mint, basil, thyme, oregano, marjoram and sage.

Visitors can visit the beautiful gardens at both the Getty Center and the Getty Villa through the Getty’s Pay Once, Park Twice program, in which same-day parking at both sites is available for $25. Parking is $15 after 3 p.m. and $10 after 6 p.m. Admission and tours are free, and requires a timed-entry reservation.

Learn more about the American Public Gardens Association and find public gardens near you at their website.