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Norton Simon Museum: A Pasadena Treasure Trove

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Discover masterpieces from around the world at the Norton Simon Museum, home to an impressive collection of European, Asian, and American art.

The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California, houses an impressive collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, as well as a significant collection of South and Southeast Asian art. With works by masters such as Rembrandt, Goya, and Van Gogh, the museum offers a rich and diverse artistic experience.

A brief summary to Norton Simon Museum

  • Monday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-7 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-7 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on the first Friday of the month from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM for free admission.
  • Take advantage of the free docent-led tours offered daily at 1:00 PM for an overview of the museum's collection.
  • Explore the sculpture garden and enjoy the outdoor setting.
  • Check the museum's website for special events, lectures, and film screenings.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Norton Simon Museum is accessible via public transportation. The Metro A Line (formerly Gold Line) has a station at Memorial Park, about a 15-minute walk away. Pasadena Transit bus lines #10 and #33, and Metro bus line #180 stop in front of the museum. A single Metro or Pasadena Transit fare costs $1.75. From the Memorial Park Station, walk south on Holly Street, then turn right onto N Arroyo Parkway. Turn left onto W Colorado Boulevard, and the museum will be on your right.

  • Walking

    If you are in the Old Pasadena area, the Norton Simon Museum is a pleasant walk along Colorado Boulevard. From the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue in Old Pasadena, walk east on Colorado Boulevard for approximately 0.7 miles. The museum will be on your left, at the corner of Orange Grove Boulevard. Be mindful of the construction impacting pedestrian paths. There are many shops and restaurants along the way.

  • Driving

    The Norton Simon Museum is located at 411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105. It is located at the intersection of the Foothill (210) and Ventura (134) freeways. The museum offers free parking in its on-site lot. However, parking may be limited due to construction. There is also limited free parking on adjacent streets. If the museum lot is full, paid parking is available in nearby lots and garages, with rates varying. Expect to pay around $10-$15 for a few hours.

Discover more about Norton Simon Museum

The Norton Simon Museum, located in Pasadena, California, is renowned for its exceptional collection of European, American, and Asian art. Industrialist Norton Simon amassed an impressive array of works over three decades, creating a museum that bridges diverse cultures and artistic periods. The museum's European collection spans from the Renaissance to the 20th century, featuring paintings, sculptures, and tapestries. Visitors can admire masterpieces by artists such as Raphael, Rembrandt, Goya, and Fragonard. The museum also boasts an outstanding collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, and Van Gogh. Auguste Rodin's monumental bronze sculptures grace the museum's front garden. The South and Southeast Asian collection showcases sculptures and paintings from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, Cambodia, and Thailand, spanning over 2,000 years. Highlights include sculptures from the Kushan and Gupta periods and Chola bronzes from southern India. In 1974, Norton Simon took over the Pasadena Art Museum, merging its collection of 20th-century European and American art with his own. This addition brought works by artists such as Lyonel Feininger, Ellsworth Kelly, and Frank Stella to the museum. The museum also features a photography collection with works by Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and others. The museum building itself, designed by architects Thornton Ladd and John Kelsey, is a blend of modern and traditional styles, intended to complement its Pasadena surroundings. The Norton Simon Museum offers a comprehensive art experience, with a diverse collection, educational programs, and a serene garden setting.

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