On the same stretch of the Santa Monica Mountains as the Getty Center, the Skirball Cultural Center almost defies description. A museum, archaeology center, venue for music, dance, theater, readings and family events all at the same time, its philosophy is to showcase the variety of ethnic experiences that compose American life. Although rabbi, businessman and philanthropist Jack Skirball wanted a gathering place to explore Jewish heritage, you’re as likely to hear a spoken word presentation titled “The Langston Hughes Project” as you are to tour a Women in Jewish History retrospective. A recent outdoor painting and dance performance by the Cambodian Reyum Painting Collective drew rave reviews, Erica Jong interviewed “Permanent Midnight” author Jerry Stahl, a comedy night brought in Margaret Cho, and chef Roberto Santibanez presented a Mexican Passover. The permanent exhibition “Visions and Values: Jewish Life from Antiquity to America” traces 4,000 years of the Jewish journey. The sumptuous indoor/outdoor space designed by architect Moshe Safdie makes the most of its hilltop location; glass-paneled interiors give way to sunny terraces, gardens and courtyards. Zeidler’s Café offers both meals, and snacks, and the Skirball Cultural Center’s Discovery Center gives kids hands-on fun.