Getty’s New Year’s Gift: No Reservations Required

Thanks to worries about Y2K, the Getty Center is starting the New Year with a gift to visitors who have difficulty planning ahead. Today only, parking reservations are not required at the hilltop complex in Brentwood, which offers an art museum, gardens and fabulous views.

Securing a parking place at prime vacation time, when the popular cultural center packs in 10,000 people a day, can mean planning months in advance. But no reservations were taken for today because of fear that a computer malfunction could prevent opening the high-tech facility the day after New Year’s. Getty officials decided to offer a no-reservations day if no problems arose, rather than risk having to turn away visitors with reservations.

A complete check of computer-driven equipment determined that all systems are fully operational, said Lori Starr, Getty public affairs director.

The Getty will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free, as always, but visitors must pay the usual $5 parking fee. Parking on surrounding streets is restricted, but visitors may arrive by taxi, bus, shuttle, motorcycle or bicycle without paying the parking fee.