Norton Simon Museum, San Gabriel Valley Travel Guide

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Explore masterpieces from the Renaissance to the 20th century at Pasadena's renowned Norton Simon Museum, featuring European & Asian art.

The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California, houses an impressive collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, alongside a significant collection of South and Southeast Asian art. With works by masters like Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Degas, it's a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Norton Simon Museum

411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, North Arroyo, California, 91105, US
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Norton Simon Museum.

Visit on the first Friday of the month from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM for free admission.
Take advantage of the free parking available in the museum's lot or limited street parking.
Consider taking public transportation; Pasadena Transit and Metro bus lines stop in front of the museum.
Download the audio tour to your mobile device and bring headphones for a self-guided experience.

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Explore Norton Simon Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Norton Simon Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Memorial Park Station (Metro A Line), the museum is approximately a 15-minute walk. Exit the station and walk west on Holly Street, then turn left onto N Arroyo Parkway. Turn right onto W Colorado Boulevard; the museum will be on your right. A single Metro fare is $1.75.
Walking

If you are near Old Town Pasadena, walk west on Colorado Boulevard towards the intersection of Orange Grove Boulevard. The museum is located on the corner of Colorado and Orange Grove. The walk is approximately 20-30 minutes from the heart of Old Town.
Taxi/Ride-share

From anywhere in Pasadena, a taxi or ride-share to the Norton Simon Museum is a convenient option. The drop-off point is directly in front of the museum's entrance at 411 W Colorado Blvd. Expect to pay between $8 and $15 for a short ride within Pasadena.

Discover more about Norton Simon Museum

The Norton Simon Museum, located in Pasadena, California, is celebrated for its exceptional collection of European art spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century, as well as its remarkable holdings of South and Southeast Asian art. Industrialist Norton Simon amassed this collection over 30 years, creating one of the most significant private art collections ever assembled.The museum's European collection features works by masters such as Rembrandt, Raphael, and Zurbarán. The collection is particularly strong in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, with notable pieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin. Sculptures by Rodin are displayed in the museum's front garden.The South and Southeast Asian collection includes 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.Originally the Pasadena Art Institute, founded in 1922, the museum transformed significantly after Norton Simon assumed management in 1974. The building itself, designed by architects Thornton Ladd and John Kelsey, is an architectural landmark, intended to blend with Pasadena's urban surroundings. Frank Gehry contributed to renovations in 1999, adding skylights to bring natural light into the galleries.Visitors can explore rotating installations of artworks not on permanent display, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit. The museum also offers educational programs, lectures, workshops, and tours for visitors of all ages.