Have you ever stood in a place that feels like a window to another time — where the whispers of ancient cultures seem to linger in the air, mingling with the present? The Getty Villa Museum in Malibu does exactly that. Nestled on the California coast, this re-creation of a Roman villa, turning 50 this year, invites visitors to explore the richness of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities while surrounded by breathtaking ocean views and carefully curated gardens. 

As you step through its doors, the Getty Villa transports you back in time. The museum, designed to mimic the ancient Villa dei Papiri, is an architectural gem in itself. Built in the early 1970s, the architects worked closely with founder J. Paul Getty to replicate the scale and elegance of ancient Roman homes. The villa’s layout, inspired by archaeological finds, mirrors the grandeur of the original — complete with marble sculptures, colourful mosaics, and stone pavements. As you stroll through its courtyards, you can almost feel the presence of Roman aristocrats who might have lounged in such spaces, surrounded by the same herbs and plants you see today in the Villa's lush gardens. 

What makes this space even more remarkable is its commitment to preserving the context of the art. The museum doesn't just display objects; it tells their stories, offering glimpses into the lives of ancient peoples. One particular object that caught my eye was a simple yet profound seated figure, delicately holding a harp. Its quiet grace in the dimly lit gallery evokes a sense of stillness — a moment frozen in time. You can imagine the music that might have filled the air in some ancient gathering. As I stood before it, I found myself reflecting: have we, in our busy modern lives, lost touch with the stillness that was so deeply embedded in the ancient world? We are constantly overwhelmed with distractions, but how often do we take the time to find that inner calm within ourselves? 

In a world that moves faster every day, finding stillness feels like a luxury, yet it’s something available to all of us if we choose to seek it. The ancient people, we glimpse through art like this, lived in rhythms of life so different from ours. Without the endless flow of information and constant notifications, they embraced moments of contemplation and simple presence. Perhaps this is a reminder that stillness is not something we have lost entirely, but something we have forgotten how to embrace. What can we do to reclaim it? 

We might start by carving out small moments of focused practice in our daily lives—turning off our devices, stepping outside, or simply being in the moment. It isn’t a difficult path. The quiet moments of reflection that the ancient world held sacred can also become part of our modern lives. Whether it’s through a focused practice or simply allowing ourselves to be present, we can create space for that inner calm. 

As I walked through the galleries, I couldn't help but feel a deep reverence for the civilisations that created these works. They had their own stories, dreams, and struggles. The museum does a beautiful job of conveying this, but the real magic happens when you connect with a piece on a personal level. The gallery created a sense of peace, inviting me to question my own ability to be still in a fast-paced world. It made me realise that this sense of timelessness — the ability to pause and reflect — was as important to the ancients as it is to us today.  

So, did the Getty Villa’s exhibition achieve its goal of connecting visitors to the ancient world? Absolutely. Its thoughtful curation and stunning setting make it a place where the past isn’t just preserved but brought to life. 

—Arts Editor