California
Art Collectors and Their Collections
Program No. 1183RJ
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Art Collectors and Their Collections
Art Collectors and Their Collections
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Participant Reviews
Based on 51 Reviews
SHOWING
The Los Angeles museum tour was terrific: well-organized, well-run, well-lead, educational and enjoyable.
— Review left February 15, 2026
Nice intro to art collections and the art pieces in several excellent Los Angeles area museums.
— Review left January 21, 2026
So much Art to see and enjoy in LA! The Biltmore hotel is in a great location. Don't miss a swim in the saltwater Greco-Roman tiles pool. Lots of nice restaurants nearby including a lovely French patisserie right around the corner. The entire week was well organized. A variety of museums and gardens for all tastes. Great to sit back during the bus ride and check out the neighborhoods, mountains and palm trees - and the traffic. Highly recommend.
— Review left January 19, 2026
Good trip, Good experience, but room for improvement
— Review left January 19, 2026
I went on this trip because I wanted to see the Getty museum before it burned down. Unfortunately the Getty we went to see was not the threatened Villa but the newer campus, which was interesting but did not meet my expectations. The morning lectures were all excellent and were strong introductions to what we saw each day. Several of us had to leave on Friday morning before the final lecture, which was disappointing. It occurred to me that if the program was one day longer, we could have had the morning lecture and gone to the Getty Villa in the afternoon and left the morning of the next day. It would make the trip a little more expensive, but I think the extra cost would be worth it. It is unfortunate that the MOCA that we visited was not the one with the Monuments exhibit, which I would really like to see. If I had known earlier that the MOCA we visited was not the MOCA with that exhibit, I would have skipped the MOCA we saw and taken an UBER to the Geffen museum. The Biltmore is still lovely but the dinners there were mediocre. When several of us asked for coffee after dinner, the waitstaff responded "No." Not "Sorry, we don't serve coffee in the evening." Just "No." The shower in our room was awful. I presume it is a water conservation strategy to make the experience uncomfortable and thus short. Thirty-two people is too large. It made everything take longer and it makes it difficult to get the group to coalesce. A big complaint is RS not sending participants a list of who is in the group and where they are from. This is helpful in remembering who people are, another reason that it was difficult for the group to come together. Kudos to Nadine for keeping track of everyone and getting us to where we should be when we should be there. Overall I am glad that I went but on a scale of 1 to 10, this trip would be a 7, not quite the level that I would usually rate an RS trip.
— Review left January 18, 2026
Fabulous in-depth exploration of all the movers and shakers that brought art to the West Coast and made it a cultural destination
— Review left November 23, 2025
The Art Collectors and their Collections tour in Los Angeles provided wonderful exposure to a variety of art styles whether you have developed art knowledge or are a beginner. The presenters were knowledgeable, engaging and entertaining.
— Review left November 21, 2025
I really enjoyed all of the museums in this program. I had never been to Los Angeles so it was great to have such wonderful presentations and the opportunity to visit these treasures. I was glad I brought hard soled shoes rather than sneakers. We walked alot and many paths were uphill and uneven. One day we walked over 5 miles (no bus that day) and then walked to dinner that night. I think the trip should be rated “Keep the Pace” not “On Your Feet” because it could be challenging for some.
— Review left October 17, 2025
A wonderful trip with varied and interesting people. Our leader, Nadine, was great and made sure the lectures tied into the museums and galleries we were to visit each day. I can't wait for my next adventure!
— Review left October 16, 2025
Wonderful lectures and museums, I especially loved the Broad!
— Review left October 6, 2025
An intense learning experience that took me to museums and artwork I otherwise would not have had the chance to explore. The guides and lecturers were outstanding, enriching our visits with history and insights that made the artwork and museums more meaningful.
— Review left June 30, 2025
yes
— Review left June 29, 2025
This was a good trip. The talks by the experts were informative and helpful. The visits to the museums were great, although there was never enough time, which probably could not be helped. The trip was a great way to see the museums since it would have been difficult to navigate to and from each museum on your own.
— Review left June 21, 2025
I consider myself an experienced museum visitor, but was very pleasantly surprised by the value of the lectures offered throughout the "Art Collectors and their Collections" program. We were given information about the origins of each museum we visited, enabling us to appreciate the originators of each setting and the amazing collections contained therein. Everything we did and learned was of value, adding up to a full and fulfilling week.
— Review left April 4, 2025
This program delivered everything promised plus a few welcome additions! I learned so much about art collections and the collectors, I will be spending the next few weeks reading books and watching recommended movies to expand my knowledge.
— Review left March 8, 2025
This program was wonderful! From the classy accommodations, wonderful food and excellent group leader and speakers - it was a delight!
— Review left March 8, 2025
While I've been to San Francisco and San Diego this was my first trip to LA.
Due to personal issues relating to having my cellphone and passport stolen after landing in LA, I was only able to participate in a limited part of the tour.
The tour organizers were amazing and very helpful.
— Review left December 2, 2024
I have told all my friends that I loved this trip and would love to go on another Road Scholar trip. I loved the subject matter, the lectures, the pacing and the hotel and of course, our wonderful group leader, Nadine. Nadine is so accomplished and a wonderful conversationalist. it was a true delight having her at our table. You Go Nadine !
— Review left September 19, 2024
This is an excellent program for those interested in learning about art history, and about who collects art, why, and how art and wealth are related. There is a good mix of contemporary art as well as European art from the 1500s - 1900s, plus some ancient Asian art at the Norton Simon. You might want to extend your trip a few days on either end to see other of LA's amazing art museums, or return to one of the museums visited on this tour.
— Review left July 8, 2024
It is a wonderful program and the only way to see these four museums that are each unique and have very interesting histories. I'm very well-traveled but I don't think I could have ever done this trip on my own--plus the lecturers added so much to the understanding and enjoyment of this trip.
— Review left June 29, 2024
This was a fun and easy way to see many of LA's wonderful museums and learn more about the art, the collectors, and the history of the city.
— Review left March 12, 2024
Excellent tour. Lectures especially enlightening. Recommend fewer docent-led museum tours, as they often replicated the morning lectures.
— Review left February 29, 2024
Imagine traveling around the globe and across time in 5 days, while enjoying comfortable lodging and delicious meals. This program gave me access to the world's great art treasures and background information that made the experience even more meaningful. I could not have been more pleased, inspired, or satisfied.
— Review left February 14, 2024
Overall a pleasant and informative trip. Lecturers were good, yet one contracted COVID so could not deliver two lectures, but adequate substitutions were made. Trip leader was organized and kept everyone in order. Hotel (Westin Bonaventure) was excellent & contributed to the overall tenor of the trip.
— Review left February 5, 2024
There is much fascinating art of all types to see in Los Angeles! This program introduced much of it to me. I had not thought of visiting LA to see art, but the program sounded attractive and I am so glad that I attended!
— Review left February 5, 2024
The Road Scholar art trip to Los Angeles is a must for those that appreciate fine art
— Review left January 29, 2024
I really enjoyed Road Scholar's LA's Art Collectors and Their Collections. The program was well organzied and the leader was excellent. All of the presenters were informative and contributed to my limited knowledge of art.
I booked this trip because I wanted to get out of town for Thanksgiving and this trip fit my schedule so I was lukewarm about the topic but I really am glad now I chose this trip. It expanded my knowledge of art and especially how art collectors view their collections. The trip also renewed my interest in the repatriation of art taken from its original source and sold and held by collectors and museums far removed from its origin.
This was my first visit to Los Angeles and I got a good overview of its history from the lectures. I stayed several more days in LA after the tour was over and enjoyed several other museums and the touristy Hollywood area, which I would strongly recommend for anyone who has not been to LA before. I got recommendations of what else to see by the leader and other participants of the tour.
— Review left December 11, 2023
I found this program to be exactly what I was looking for because I knew nothing about LA. The museums were very good, and the leader was an asset to the experience. I would recommend this program to anyone who loves art!
— Review left November 13, 2023
The Art Collectors and Their Collections tour is wonderful--the only problem is that you could spend another week and still not get enough.
— Review left October 28, 2023
This was a wonderful program that more than exceeded my expectations. It was very well organized and the speakers were awesome. The museums in Los Angeles are world-class and we enjoyed every one. The food was good and the Westin Bonaventure has a phenomenal breakfast buffet. It was a fun place to stay with it's interesting architecture. I would recommend this trip to anyone who loves art and art museums.
— Review left July 3, 2023
Excellent trip. Westin Bonavanture Hotel is well located. Worth flying into LA a couple of days early. I had time to go to several nearby museums not included on our tour-- Broad Museum, Disney Hall (free phone app tour), LA Library- walked to Central Market--sorry not to see the Norton Simon Museum--no time to visit privately . Wish this was part of the RS program. Least favorite was the Getty Villa--great view but not worth the long drive and time there. Loved the Getty Museum--(the following day). Plan on doing lots of walking every day. I would highly recommend this trip. Manuel, our guide, was outstanding.
— Review left April 2, 2023
Another wonderful Road Scholar trip, filled with fabulous locations and fascinating presentations. I signed up for this program because I wanted to return to the Getty Center -- I had been there briefly on a different RS program several years ago and I've wanted to go back ever since. As expected, I loved the place, but I was equally blown away by the Getty Villa and the Huntington complex. I recommend this program to anyone interested in art, architecture, gardens, history and catching a glimpse of LA vibes.
— Review left January 23, 2023
It was a wonderful tour! Very well done from tour guide, lectures, field trips, transportation to accommodations.
Bring comfortable shoes.
— Review left March 19, 2022
This was an outstanding program for art lovers and museum fans. We explored gardens at the various venues, and had a few extras as well. Highly recommend this one.
— Review left February 28, 2022
This is a first-rate program.
— Review left February 26, 2022
This was my 2nd Road Scholar program. I would go on another immediately if I could.
— Review left February 25, 2022
The instructors for the "Art Collectors and Their Collections" program were outstanding in my opinion. They provided in-depth and detailed information which increased my knowledge of the art collections.
— Review left February 8, 2022
This was a very well-conceived and executed program. Gail, our leader, was excellent; preparation for our visit to each museum or venue was also excellent, with an art historian discussing each one, and showing very well-selected videos. Probably in the top-three of my dozen RS programs.
— Review left December 14, 2021
I submitted this already but it could have not gone through .Trip was great .Group Leader ,Gail was the best .Museums and art collections well chosen .Bonaventure Hotel good .If I mulled over this a bit longer there would be a negative fact but can't think of any right now.
— Review left December 7, 2021
This program offers diversity of venues, artists and interests. Good value for the cost.
— Review left September 20, 2021
If you love art, the program called Art Collectors and Their Collections is for you. I wouldn't have missed it for the world!
— Review left February 15, 2020
This was my 75 Road Scholar experience. Always excellent. Be sure to read the information sent by Road
Scholar before registering so you won't be disappointed - especially when it comes to "activity level".
— Review left January 22, 2020
Definitely art-centered but lots of local history included. I loved the program, and I am not an art scholar by any means - it is very accessible to the average art lover. Bus rides weren't long and were very comfortable, plus we saw lots of local sites going to and from the museums.
— Review left April 25, 2019
A great opportunity to enjoy some outstanding museums which are spread out from LA and would not be easy to get to by car. We had a comfortable bus and terrific driver (Donna) and enthusiastic leader, Nadine, who had all the logistics worked out. Excellent accommodations at LA Grand Hotel. Lecturers and docents gave fascinating background information.
— Review left April 20, 2019
great informative fun trip. Our leader Gail was helpful and friendly and knowledgeable.
— Review left April 10, 2019
I liked this trip. John C. was an excellent group leader, very organized, and usually clear (except when he held up a map he was pointing to and didn't make sure everyone could see where he was pointing). The hotel and its food were a cut about what I have come to expect from RoadScholar, which pleased me.
All the lecturers were very good. Their background on the collectors enhanced my visits to the museums. The museums were great, of course, and I appreciated the mixture of free time and docent-led tours. I was happy we were able to visit The Broad in addition.
I have a nit to pick about the ear phone symbol on the yellow itinerary sheet. The symbol was placed in the margin next to the description of the morning lecture. I assumed it meant the ear phone was needed for the lecture, and consequently I didn't always have it with me for the museum docents' lectures. John could have been more clear about specifying when it was to be needed.
— Review left April 2, 2019
Each of the museums visited had something different to offer. We were well prepared to appreciate all we saw by the knowledgeable lecturers. As a couch potato I was glad to have brought a walker with a seat. The exhaustion at the end of each 5 hour museum visit was well worth the fabulous experience. The hotel was the nicest in all of my 14 Road Scholar trips. We were offered chicken, fish or pasta at every dinner.
— Review left March 23, 2019
Fine until end when I couldn’t submit completed survey unless I filled in friend fields so filled in my own.
— Review left February 17, 2019
An excellent program in every respect, with particularly good speakers.
— Review left February 5, 2019
This was a great program with lots of art and art history. Be prepared to stand a long time. Time is limited so you'll want to see as much art as possible, but it's tiring.
— Review left February 5, 2019
We loved this program, the speakers were excellent and it was wonderful to see the great LA museums without having to drive to them. The hotel is in a great location downtown for walking to other venues.
— Review left February 2, 2019