LOS ANGELES—Despite yesterday's news that the J. Paul Getty Trust has suffered investment losses of roughly $1.5 billion since last July and will reduce its operating budget by almost 25 percent next year, the Los Angeles Times blog Culture Monster is reporting that the institution's two outposts are seeing more visitors than ever before.

Attendance totaled 1.6 million in 2008 at the Getty Center in Brentwood and the Getty Villa near Malibu, according to trust spokesman Ron Hartwig, and this year is running ahead of last year's pace in both places — 3 percent at the center and 19 percent at the villa — despite recent cost-saving measures. Hours at the Getty Center were reduced last September, and parking fees at both locations were increased to $10.

Hartwig attributes the increase to a new marketing strategy that emphasizes the gardens, graceful architecture, and striking views at the two museums. Admission is also free in both locations, a policy that Getty president James Wood called a "terribly important priority" in discussing the recent budget cuts.