“My love of fine art increased – the more of it I saw, the more of it I wanted to see.” J. Paul Getty

Some of us old-timers remember Valentine Zorin’s (a prominent Soviet propagandist) blood-curdling stories about billionaire Paul Getty, whether it was his superhuman level of cunning or cupidity. There’s no reason to think, though, that there aren’t nuggets of truth in these tales. It is true, in fact, that after criminals kidnapped his grandson (Getty’s, not Zorin’s), they demanded a ransom of 3.2 million dollars, and Getty responded by saying, “I still have 14 grandchildren, and if I pay this ransom, it will put them in danger, as well.” He then received his grandson’s ear in an envelope, with a promise that he’d receive the rest of the bodyparts piecemeal if he didn’t send money within 10 days. The kidnappers finally reduced the ransom to 3 million, but Getty said that he would only pay 2.2 million (which was the maximum amount that was tax deductible), and then loaned the remaining money to his son with 4% interest. After his grandson Paul III was freed, he tried to call his grandfather to thank him, but Getty refused to answer the phone.

So the question is: was there any good in this man? Well, yes, there was.

Back in 1974, the oilman used his considerable wealth to amass many valuable items, but understanding that they would not follow him beyond death, he opened a museum in Malibu. There, he built a massive replica of the Villa dei Papiri. The ivory-white buildings are of such an eternal, solemn beauty that it reminds us of our own mortality. Most of the remains of the original “Villa of Papyri” were buried underneath the ashes of Vesuvius, so there is a good reason for their unsightly appearance at the Herculaneum, but some of its treasures are still even better than those in Pompeii.

In 1997, many of the more valuable paintings and ornamental pieces were moved from the old villa to the nearby Getty Center for display, and the Villa was closed for renovations and inventory. Fortunately, not all was taken, and many important pieces of ancient art remained. Then, ten years ago, it reopened. The pieces there range in age and origin from 6500 BC to 500 AD; none of them are more recent than that. Gods, goddesses, the Trojan War – they are all there, including a library. It’s better to study history in this setting, of course, rather than through Wikipedia, because you are able to employ your senses through the soul and spirit of a 2400-year-old medium.

The main thing for me, though, isn’t all the priceless relics or absolutely perfect layout. The most wonderful thing is that it rose from the ashes of the original Villa. Its sonorous rooms, filigree gardens, perfect cascades of water, and magical Paul Delvaux-esque atmosphere – it was all brought back, miraculously, through space and time, and it shines brightly against the oil-stained suit of the ruthless tycoon Paul Getty.

Tickets to the Villa are free, but you must reserve them in advance, and parking is $15. However, the experience is unparalleled, and it is something that in the future will be difficult for you to distinguish from a mere dream – one from which you will never escape.

Address: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, which is not far from Benjamin Eye Institute.

Text: Vadim Avrukin Translation: Richard Crenwelge Photo: Tatiana Minchenko, Irina Sokolova

Старожилы помнят леденящие кровь рассказы Валентина Зорина о миллиардере Поле Гетти. То ли о сверхчеловеческом его коварстве, то ли сверхъестественном скупердяйстве. Нет оснований думать, что в тех инсинуациях не было и макового зернышка истины. Как-то раз бандиты похитили у него (не у Зорина) внука с целью выкупа в $3.2млн. И Гетти сказал: «У меня еще 14 внуков, и если я заплачу, будут похищены все четырнадцать». Получив в конверте ухо внука с обещанием понемножку выслать остальное, он потребовал скидку до $3 млн, заплатил $2.2 млн (максимальная сумма, которую можно было списать с налогов) и дал сыну недостающие $800 тыс под хороший процент. Но с выкупленным внуком не пожелал разговаривать. Было ли в этом человеке и что-то хорошее? Было.

В далеком 1974 году потомственный нефтяной магнат, накопивший за жизнь множество ценных предметов и понимавший, что вряд ли они последуют за ним в лучший мир, открыл музей в Малибу. Он построил реплику Геркуланумской Villa dei Papiri.

В силу напоминания о бренности этому белоснежному зданию присущ флер вечности.  Останки самой «Виллы Папирусов», погребенной под пеплом Везувия, имеют довольно 

, зато некоторые из ее 

Когда все ценное перекочевало в 1997 из старой новой виллы в солидный, похожий издалека на дачу ЦК (даже названием), Getty Center, виллу закрыли на переучет. К счастью, увезли не все. Лет десять назад ее снова открыли. Любители арифметики насчитают в ней около 1200 экспонатов возрастом от 6500 лет до н.э. и до 500 года эры нашей. Боги, богини, Троянская война… найдется все, включая библиотеку. Изучать там историю приятнее, чем в википедии: разве в последней ты сможешь понюхать глазами импозантный сосуд из-под духов, которому 2400 лет? А ощупать (тоже глазами) вазы с изображением ваз? А обнять взором статую шестипалой киприотской богини?

Но главное – даже не все эти бесценные реликвии и отменные выставки, а сама восставшая из пепла вилла. Ее гулкие комнаты, ее филигранные сады, ее полная небес вода, ее 

 в духе Поля Дельво атмосфера, – все то, что каким-то чудом перенеслось сюда через пространство и время, и на фоне чего темные пятна на костюме нефтяного барона немного светлеют.

Бесплатность билетов слегка омрачена необходимостью позаботиться о них заранее и ценою паркинга $15. Но сумма эта – ничто рядом с будущим воспоминанием, которое трудно отличить от сновидения и которое вас уже никогда не покинет.

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getty villa

Turning to art, let's consider morality and ethics while admiring the Getty Villa's splendor.

Вы знаете что хорошего оставил после себя сверхкаварный нефтяной магнат Поль Гетти? Применимо ли здесь: «Добро, граничащее со злом?»


Getty Villa

GETTY VILLA

Staff was very personable and accommodated my needs.  Dr Benjamin was very professional and great bedside manner.  I would highly recommend the office to friend and family

An awesome experience as is the norm for our visits to Dr Benjamin. We have trusted him and his office with our multiple surgeries and care for many years, and plan to continue forward. Thank you Dr Benjamin, and your staff.

Great front desk and tech staff. The doctor was super nice and I’m so pleased I found this eye institute! Everyone was great and happy to finally have taken care of an appointment I had been putting off for a while. Great check-in process also for first time patients.

⭐️ My review of LASIK after one year ⭐️I told Dr. Benjamin I would do this a while ago, but I kind of feel like it says a lot I have kept this on my checklist for a year. I feel like a year is a good amount of time to review a procedure like this and give my honest thoughts and recommendation.So, let me tell you about my journey to getting LASIK and how I ended up in the amazing care of Dr. Benjamin. After going to an optometrist for years and him advising against LASIK because of my genetically dry eyes, I finally got a second opinion from an ophthalmologist (Dr. Benjamin). I didn’t know the difference between an optometrist vs. opthalmologist, but once I learned it kind of made sense why my optometrist didn’t want me getting LASIK lol. Because he couldn’t sell me on contact lenses or glasses for the foreseeable future if I got my vision corrected :) I mean, who knows, but I am glad I got a second opinion.I figured being in Los Angeles with some of the best doctors in the world… if anyone is going to touch my big, blue eyeballs, might as well get it done while I’m here. I found this business due to the reviews and they seemed to really know what they were doing and how to talk to clients.Upon meeting Dr. Benjamin he told me that I wasn’t a candidate for LASIK with my dry eyes, but he could put me through treatments for dry eyes and reevaluate after; and that these treatments had a good success rate for most.So, I started doing two treatments every other week for about 2.5 months - IPL laser treatment and Lipiflow. Lipiflow, especially, was a weird painless experience but highly recommend anyone with dry eyes to ask about it regardless of LASIK. I could tell my eyes felt way less dry a couple days after each treatment. There are videos on YouTube that talk about this treatment… Who knew this stuff existed. I’m not gonna lie, it’s an investment to do all these treatments on top of LASIK, but my eyes rarely feel dry anymore so if you’re going to get it done - do it right.Finally, I was approved for LASIK. I ended up waiting until the end of year to make sure I saved up the funds to do it and had some time to heal. I also took advantage of an end of year deal they were offering. $1000 off was a pretty nice forcing function to get me to finally do it after prepping my eyes with the treatments. The procedure itself I couldn’t feel anything even though I was awake the entire time (medicated). Even the scary part when bubbles form on your eyes Dr. Benjamin let me know about in advance so when it happened I just went with the flow. I think the worst part was the recovery the few days after and coming home drugged up lol. I remember day 1 thinking omg what did I do to my eyes. My eyes just hurt and felt weird, but omg I could see 20/15 immediately. And then, day by day it gradually got better. It took a few weeks for my eyes to heal, but after 1 month you couldn’t even tell I had surgery. One eye was a bit more bloodshot than the other.I can see 20/15. It’s been life changing for the past year not having to worry about contacts or glasses. I just got married and was able to walk down the aisle with clear vision. I only wish I had the means to have done this earlier in life. If you’re considering it - do it! And definitely consider Dr. Benjamin to do it right.Lastly, to continue treating my dry eyes, Dr. Benjamin gave me an extra LipiFlow treatment, and also recommended I try punctal plugs (painless plugs inserted into your lids that help your tears last longer). He placed the plugs in my eyes under 5 mins. Wild.I heard from people during the LASIK process they have been nervous to get the procedure so I wrote this to help and because I think highly of this business for changing my life. And, some of the dry eye treatments I would’ve never known about had it not been for them. Again, I wish I would have had been able to do this years ago. It is so, so worth it!Thank you, Dr. Benjamin (and staff!)

Concerned about a reoccurring virus, I text Dr Benjamin’s office first thing in the morning seeking immediate advice and an appointment. In quick time I received both sage advice and a same day appointment. Dr B takes a personal interest in his patients well being and has diligent, competent and attentive staff to support the care and support needed. Can’t speak highly enough.

Been going to Dr B for nearly a decade after trying many other eye doctors in LA.  Beyond solving my chronic dry eye and being the most knowledgeable, he is an all-around great guy and spends time educating. The staff is wonderful as well.

The ophthalmologist that performed my surgery, Dr. Benjamin, was extremely skilled and knowledgeable. He took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure and answer all of my questions. I felt confident in his abilities and knew that I was in good hands.

Dr Benjamin and his team are extremely professional. I had Lasik surgery performed by him and his team and everything to date has gone exactly as described to me. Front office is very friendly and scheduling appointments is easy.

The office staff were kind and considerate. The technician that assisted me explained everything she was doing. The Doctor was very nice and explained everything. He was definitely knowledgeable about my condition.

Dr Benjamin has been the “go to” eye specialist for 3 generations of my family, starting with my father and now grown children. Simply put, he’s an exceptionally capable, trustworthy, and cutting edge doctor with a courteous and professional staff.Without any reservations, I recommend him to anyone seeking an exceptional eye doctor.

The surgeons at Benjamin Eye Institute are true experts in their field - they were able to explain the procedure in detail and answer all of my questions and concerns. The surgery itself was quick and painless, and the recovery was much faster than I had anticipated.

I just completed my first visit and can say that this office deserves every high ranking it gets. The staff are efficient, friendly but highly professional.  The office is modern and sparkling clean. The examination was smooth and thorough. The doctor saw me on time.  He listened closely to the background of my problem, and he clearly communicated his treatment plan and the rationale for it. I absolutely trust him and highly recommend him.

Dr. Benjamin is always personable and thoughtful and very much an expert.  He has been my eye doctor for many years.  Now that I am older I am very grateful that he is still my ophthalmologist. Everyone in the office is very helpful. I, of course, highly recommend Dr. Benjamin.

One of the things that sets the Benjamin Eye Institute apart from other ophthalmology practices is their team of experienced and highly trained surgeons. The surgeons at the Benjamin Eye Institute have performed thousands of cataract and LASIK surgeries, and have a wealth of experience in these procedures. They are committed to providing the best possible care for their patients and strive to achieve excellent outcomes.

No exaggeration, this was the best visit with any doctor I've ever had. The facility is very nice, the staff is exceptionally thorough, professional, and efficient and Dr Arthur had by far the best bed side manner I've ever encountered. I 100% recommend him and his team

My experience at Benjamin Eye Institute was exceptional.  I’m not sure if I’ve ever encountered such an efficient and professional staff in a doctor’s office.  The front desk was communicative and everyone up to the doctor was beyond detailed in their care.  I would recommend this place to anyone who has eye problems because they have the most advanced equipment and Dr. Benjamin is caring, thorough and knowledgeable.

Dr Benjamin and his staff are excellent! 3/5 members of my family are patients from senior to adult to teen. Great care and professionalism. Highly recommend!

Immediately after  cataract surgery, I can see my husband’s face accross the room for the first time in 40 years! No more glasses since childhood, both distance and close up. If you are thinking, should you spend the big bucks to see everything both near and far?  I can tell you it’s so worth it! Thank you Dr. Benjamin and all the wonderful people in your office! I appreciate your efficiency, attentiveness, professionalism and welcoming space! Please feel free to use me as a reference any time!

I can’t ever express my deep gratitude for Dr . Benjamin and his entire extraordinary team at the Benjamin Eye Institute.I was nervous as eyes are so sensitive,  but his incredibly kind receptionists and nurses make you feel at ease and diminish all fears right away . He offers impeccable medical knowledge and state of the art technology to heal . My son and I have both experienced his phenomenal treatment and have had all our eye issues resolved . I am so thankful and can’t recommend him and the Benjamin Eye Institute highly enough 🙏

Dr.Benjamin is the best of the best.Very personable, knowledgeable and kind.I had a stye and in a bad shape.He  took me right in.His staff polite , kind and very professional.Highly recommended.

My 18-year-old son has been under Dr. Benjamin's care, and we were truly impressed by the level of service we received at Benjamin Eye Institute. From the moment we stepped into the clinic, the staff was incredibly helpful and accommodating.Dr. Benjamin conducted a comprehensive eye exam for my son, and his expertise and professionalism were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to explain everything clearly, making sure my son understood his eye health and any potential concerns. His patience and attentiveness were truly appreciated.We highly recommend Dr. Benjamin to anyone seeking exceptional eye care. He and his team exceeded our expectations, and we are grateful for the outstanding service we received. Thank you, Dr. Benjamin!

Dr Benjamin and Alba were great. He is very professional, kind and with clear explanations. I had an eyelid quick surgery and I’m just missing the glasses prescription, I left the office and forgot to ask for it. But he and his team were amazing!

I was referred to Dr. Benjamin from both my eye doctor and a very close friend of mine who also had her LASIK performed there. My experience was exceptional. Every single person that you meet in the office is a joy to work with. Whether it was the constant and clear communication, or the fact that they were always listening to feedback and answering my questions and concerns, they went out of their way to make me feel comfortable trusting my vision to them. They were very kind and never once pressured me into anything (including when I had to push my surgery back after I broke my leg).I would recommend this place to anyone who has eye problems because they have the most advanced equipment and Dr. Benjamin is caring, thorough and knowledgeable.

Top notch service and staff! By far the best experience I’ve had at a doctors office in 20 years. I wish every office was as well trained, friendly, and professional as Benjamin Eye Institute. Seriously if you have eye problems you won’t find a better doctor.

More than everything I value professional people. Dr. Arthur Benjamin is one of them. He is taking care of me and my husband for pretty long time. All I can say we are very thankful to the doctor and people who work as a team to make us healthy and happy !

LASIK Eye Surgery- The short is go see Dr. Benjamin!I visited Dr. Benjamin Eye Institute after deciding I wanted to learn more about Lasik eye surgery and what the process would look like. I stare at computer screens for very long periods of time so I was nervous to make this life change but ready to ditch my glasses for good! The entire team from day 1 of my consultation made me feel very comfortable. The office is clean the staff are extremely welcoming, friendly and all took the time to answer any questions I had about the procedure - which was very quick and painless the day of. They also have awesome social content for educational purposes and just to make you laugh!I am about a month post procedure and it has been life changing and a freedom restored. Your eyes are important so make sure you consult with the best.Thank you Dr. Benjamin and team!!!

Dr. Benjamin is an exceptional doctor and eye surgeon. He is innovative, and anticipates a patient’s needs. Above all Dr. Benjamin is kind and caring. My results are outstanding. I can thank him for changing my life. Thank you.

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