The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena brings European paintings and sculpture together with art from South and Southeast Asia spanning about 2,000 years. Its collection includes works by Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso and Degas, alongside Asian sculptures and paintings. The curved building, remodeled by Frank Gehry in the late 1990s, leads to a sculpture garden with a pond and outdoor paths. The museum is compact enough to explore in a few hours, with Western and Asian collections to see and a garden cafe for a pause.
A compact museum with a wide-ranging collection
The Norton Simon Museum grew from the art collection assembled by industrialist and philanthropist Norton Simon over more than three decades. Its holdings span European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, as well as South and Southeast Asian art dating back about 2,000 years. The museum also holds modern and contemporary works from the United States and Europe.
The scale makes it possible to see a substantial range of art in a few hours. The European galleries include paintings by Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso and Renoir. Look for the museum’s strong selection of Degas paintings and sculpture, as well as works by Goya and Rodin. The collection includes both familiar names and pieces that may be less familiar to visitors.
The South and Southeast Asian galleries add a different range of materials and traditions. Works include monumental stone sculptures, Chola bronzes from southern India and Rajput paintings. Some objects are on permanent view in the South and Southeast Asian wing. Set aside time for this section rather than spending the whole visit among European paintings.
The building and its sculpture garden
The museum opened in 1969 in a building designed by architects Ladd and Kelsey. Frank Gehry later led a renovation in the late 1990s. Its curved exterior and bright interior lighting give the galleries a calm, straightforward feel.
Outside, the sculpture garden combines artworks with paths, plants and water. Inspired by Monet’s garden at Giverny, it includes a pond with water lilies and bronze sculptures. The garden is a useful change of pace between galleries, and the outdoor cafe gives you a place to stop for a refreshment. Allow time to walk the paths as well as look at the sculptures from the museum’s interior.
Planning your visit
The museum is at 411 W Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. On-site parking is available, and arriving early can help on busy days such as weekends. Street parking is another option, though availability can be limited.
Students and visitors 18 and under receive free admission. The museum also has free admission for everyone on the first Friday of each month from 4 to 7 p.m. The entrance fee for other visitors is not included here, so check the museum’s website for current details before setting out.
The museum has a cafe, restrooms, a gift shop and a theater. Accessibility services include an assistive hearing loop, listening devices and tours for visitors with visual impairments. Wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, seating and restrooms are also listed among its facilities.
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How long should you spend at the Norton Simon Museum?
Plan for about two to three hours to explore the galleries and sculpture garden. The manageable size makes it possible to see a range of collections in a single visit.
Is admission to the Norton Simon Museum free?
Students and visitors 18 and under enter free. Admission is free for everyone on the first Friday of each month from 4 to 7 p.m.; check the museum’s website for current prices on other days.
What can you see at the Norton Simon Museum?
The collection includes European paintings and sculpture, modern and contemporary art, and South and Southeast Asian art spanning about 2,000 years. The grounds also have a sculpture garden with a pond.
Is there parking at the Norton Simon Museum?
On-site parking is available. Arriving early is a practical choice, particularly on weekends, when parking can be harder to find.
