Also off the main entrance lobby, by gosh, is an orientation film.

Inside a smallish, but luxurious room with comfortable leather clad, pew-like seating, a short 10-minute film is shown hosted by Museum Director Deborah Gribbon. Well paced and beautifully shot, this introductory film gives a terrific overview of the museum grounds, the art collection, the intent of the center, and how visitors might want to tackle getting around. It certainly takes the edge off, and allowed us to feel that we didn't have to see everything during this visit. The film is highly recommended.

An audio tour is available for a reasonable $3.00. We opted to go it alone. So with one more look at the map, [run your mouse over it to see the details] we were off.

'Getty Guide to Family Fun' is promoted heavily. [right] The specially printed guide book reminds visitors with children to check the schedule for storytelling, special kid-related tours, the Children's Bookstore and The Family Room -- a small section of the East pavilion with some interactive games, costumes, and computer kiosks.

We stepped into The Family Room and found it stuffy, hot, and over-crowded with very small kids and their parents. We lasted about 60 seconds.

I'm not sure the specific Family Fun guide is needed. Yes, it's nice to let families know that they can enjoy the museum, but it seems that in order for a destination to be 'family friendly,' they feel pressured to provide maps, stickers, craft corners and special little things for youngsters.

It just seems out of place and tacked on here.

Most of our time was spent walking the grounds -- taking in the architecture, the vibe, and the people. People were here, for sure, but it never really felt crowded. Great photo opportunities abound too.

It is wonderful to see public areas being used by the public. At first our reaction to people sitting on the lawn was 'Hey, get out of there' but it seems to be encouraged. It was very relaxed here, and yet there is a palpable sense of pride and respect given to the center -- we didn't see any littering or vandalism or graffiti of any kind.

Along with the museum space, Getty Center also boasts a huge garden area. But what a garden it is.