The Getty Villa, Malibu, California

Playing Statues:

DSC_5899, originally uploaded by Chez VH.

The Getty Villa, in Malibu, California, is a replica of the Villa of the Papyri, uncovered in the excavations at Herculaneum (a lesser-known neighbor to Pompeii, also buried in the same volcanic eruption). It's a museum that specializes in antiquities from Greece and Rome and also features an amphitheatre (we had some fun playing with the acoustics there), a lovely children's program and beautiful gardens. There is no admission fee, but you have to make reservations ahead of time and they do charge for parking. Not a bad deal on the whole! We were only able to take the four younger kids as Ria was visiting Thomas Aquinas College and Gus was golfing with his cousin. We had a lovely visit and especially enjoyed the "Family Forum". Shadow Art:

DSC_5949, originally uploaded by Chez VH.

This is a picture of Frank posing for a neat shadow art thing in the "Family Forum". There were lots of different backdrops and foam props to play with. Treasure Hunt!

DSC_6022, originally uploaded by Chez VH.

Everyone loved the Treasure Hunt of artwork that included neat little trading cards. It made them want to absorb every detail of the pieces that were included in the kids' materials. What a great concept! Color-Your-Own Greek Vases:

DSC_5958, originally uploaded by Chez VH.

This was a clever project from the Family Forum at the Getty Villa using dry-erase markers. One More from the Getty Villa...

DSC_5909, originally uploaded by Chez VH.

because we found him so amusing. The inscription below this bust reads:

Bust of a Ruler This may be a portrait of Seleukos I Nikator (ruled 312-280 BC), founder of the Seleukid dynasty in Syria. Reproduction of a Roman bronze sculpture from the first century AD found at the Villa dei Papiri, Herculaneum.