The Getty

Costing 1.3 billion to build The Getty was designed by architect Richard Meier and includes gardens, ponds, and a focus on the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. It's the second museum installation of the J. Paul Getty Trust, the first being the gorgeous Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. Admission is free, although parking costs around $20 and must be reserved in advance. Many people get around this expense by using the free park and ride lots around Los Angeles.