Turning to art, let's consider morality and ethics while admiring the Getty Villa's splendor.
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
Well, we continue our question-answer column with Dr. Arthur Benjamin about high-science and pseudoscientific myths in the treatment of stye. By the way, what is stye, and how dangerous could be a quick kiss on the infected eyelid. Read on!
Can you please articulate what constitutes good medical treatment? It requires an entire infrastructure, consisting of reliable staff of experienced and well trained workers, as well as, having accessible office with proper diagnostic equipment, which will allow to diagnose various medical conditions. Last but not least, is having a well-educated, experienced Doctor, who loves what he does and he is always in the process of self-improvement.
We’re thrilled to share this Fairmont Post feature on Dr. Arthur Benjamin, highlighting his expertise in LASIK, cataract surgery, and advanced vision correction. At Benjamin Eye Institute, our commitment to precision, innovation, and personalized care makes us a trusted destination for world-class eye treatment.
At Benjamin Eye Institute, your vision is our priority. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll experience a warm, welcoming environment designed to make you feel comfortable and confident in your care.
We’re delighted to welcome Dr. Tamar Kaloustian to our Benjamin Eye Institute family! Dr. Tamar brings a unique blend of expertise, warmth, and dedication to patient care, making her a wonderful addition to our team.
At Benjamin Eye Institute, we believe in providing more than just eye care—we deliver life-changing experiences. Our mission is to blend expert medical treatment with personalized care, ensuring that every patient feels valued and receives the best results possible. From advanced diagnostic tools to cutting-edge surgery techniques, our clinic is designed to offer world-class eye care for every individual. But don’t take our word for it! Hear directly from our patients who have experienced firsthand what makes our practice stand out.
Interview with Dr. Arthur Benjamin: My journey into ophthalmology began with a fascination for how the eye works and the profound impact vision has on our daily lives. The opportunity to help restore and improve vision for my patients has been incredibly rewarding. Over the years, I’ve seen the field evolve with new technologies and treatments, and it’s been exciting to be at the forefront of these advancements. I spare no expense, time, or effort to stay relevant in the field, constantly investing in new surgical techniques, materials, and equipment. It’s not just about my own training; my entire staff, from technicians to surgical coordinators and front desk personnel, undergo continuous training to ensure we provide the best care possible.
Explore genuine patient testimonials that highlight the exceptional care at Benjamin Eye Institute. From state-of-the-art technology to personalized treatments, find out why our clinic is highly recommended for comprehensive eye care.
