It’s a back door into the villa

THE January reopening of the Getty Villa -- closed since 1997 for what has to be the most expensive face-lift even in Malibu at $275 million -- sparked reports of record crowds and the news that the villa, which offers free admission but requires a timed ticket, was booked through July 31 (parking is $7). Getty officials pleaded with patrons not to show up without a reservation, only to be turned away.

How is it, then, that you just heard your neighbor was able to snag a Getty Villa ticket only yesterday?

Free tickets are indeed “sold out” through July 31, a villa spokeswoman says. However, via the Getty website, www.getty.edu, as well as at the information desk at the front entrance to the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center in Brentwood, the museum has periodically been offering a certain number of villa tickets for that day only, based on availability. There is no guarantee there will be tickets available for a given day.

Although advance reservations may be made by phone ([310] 440-7300), same-day reservations may be made only at the information desk and online. Those making their reservations online also need access to a printer to print out a ticket, as they will not be admitted without one in hand. Parties of nine or more must reserve their tickets by phone.

The Getty says it will continue to evaluate its villa reservation policies throughout its first year. For now, the museum is making tickets available only for the current month and the one following.

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Diane Haithman