There are almost more security guards than pictures. Years ago was arr a place where liberty and freedom had their home. Now security guards in the parking lot give you the feeling of "stay away from that place". They tell you how to park your car. If you go please park outside just to avoid a discussion with a prison camp parking guard. New security company would make this museum a more pleasant ecperiemce. read more

Great museum, full of masterpieces! Saw some great works of art from both established greats and local, contemporary artists that really made me appreciate museum-going. I forgot my jacket there and they were really nice about letting me back in and retrieving it even though I threw out my admission sticker. Loved the location, vibe, etc. and really liked my experience there. I'll be back! read more

Norton Simon Museum - I'm guessing you recognize this mug?? - Art Museums Near Me - Pasadena, California

Wow! I cant believe I haven't been here before! Came to visit unexpectedly (last minute plan) since I was in the area and was blown away by this museum. I was not anticipating to find a wealth of prominent collections displayed here. In my opinion It's just as good as The Getty but with less crowds. I can easily spend an entire day here roaming the galleries. Three hours flew by quickly for me and was not long enough. I was mesmerized by most of the paintings Lol! They carry a vast collection of European paintings and sculptures that spans from Renaissance to 20th century. Among many of the famous artists are Rembrandt, Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh just to name a few. Museum curates a fine collection of impressionist and still life art. I also enjoyed the South East Asia sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist deities. The intricate details carved on each sculpture is truly a work of art. The ancient history behind it is so fascinating to me , it deepens my appreciation for both beliefs. Everything is worth seeing! Museum is well organized, It has two floors. The galleries are spacious and tailored by different eras. They have a sculpture garden at the front entrance, an outdoor cafe and a zen garden that I did not get a chance to see. I suggest coming early as there's a lot to cover. Parking is free. Admission is $20 for adults. Planning my 2nd visit soon! read more

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Wonderful way to escape the cold outdoors. First know there is ample FREE parking. The modest entry fee is $15. If you think you would like to make future visits in a calendar year consider becoming a member. The cost is $85 and is good for 2 unlimited entries and is 100% tax deductible. There are many more benefits as well. The exhibits are nicely organized with ample room for viewing. Bring earbuds and listen to many descriptions on your phones. There is a nice sculpture garden and a quaint cafe with pastries, soups , sandwiches and some happy hour beverages as well. Check out the website for visitor information. This is an excellent museum for older children interested in art. The children's visitor guide gives them a tour plan with audio to follow along on selected art pieces. I hope you enjoy a visit very soon! read more

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So much to see! Ranging from post renaissance to Impressionism, an eye fest for sure! There were so many hidden treasure pieces that I definitely didn't expect. Way worth the ticket price! read more

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I feel so blessed to have such a high-quality museum in my neighborhood. The art collection includes art and sculptures from Claude Monet, Picasso, Renoir, Edgar DeGas, and Auguste Rodin just to name a few. Parking is free. Admission is free for Children under 18 years of age and students and teachers (not publicized on their website) with picture ID. I recently spent a beautiful afternoon here with my daughter. We enjoyed the history, art and culture this local museum provided, and the tranquility and elegance from the outdoor gardens. I highly recommend it! read more

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We came on a Sunday afternoon. Check in/ ticketing process was quick and easy. Lots of patrons but it didn't feel over crowded at all. The layout is amazing - between the museum and the outdoor sculpture garden, there's always something to explore/learn/admire. I like that it's not overwhelmingly large. My husband and I brought our 1 year old, and we had a great time. We also enjoyed a quick lunch at their cafe. All items tasted similar to food at Starbucks which was good enough. Service was excellent. Parking is free which is great. Totally recommend. read more

Norton Simon Museum - Cafe - Art Museums Near Me - Pasadena, California

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The Norton Simon Museum includes an extensive collection of European Art from different centuries, as well as modern art, and a lovely sculpture garden. During the time that we went there, there was also a temporary exhibit on Southeast Asian art that will be there until July 3rd, 2023. The painters whose artwork I especially enjoyed in the museum were: - Pierre Auguste Renoir -Edgar Degas - Van Gogh - Picasso - Éduard Viillard -Claude Monet - Paul Cézanne - Jean Frédéric Bazille - Louis Eugène - Henri de Toulouse Lautrec - Pierre Bonnard - Jean Baptiste Camille Corot - Gustave Courbet - Narcisse Virgile Diaz - Théodore Rousseau - Henri Rousseau - Paul Ganguin - Émile Benard -Diego Rivera - Louis Moillon - Giovanni Battista Tiepolo - Rafaello Sanzio - Peter Paul Rubens The museum is very spacious. It has two floors, one upstairs and one downstairs. I spent more than 4 hours just in the first floor. Unfortunately, the museum closed at 5pm and I didn't have the chance to visit downstairs. The museum was very busy although it was a weekday, but the parking lot is spacious. Parking is free. There is also a nice café in the museum. It has beer, wine, Italian sodas and other drinks, ice cream, pastries and a solid menu of soups, sandwiches, and salads. Overall, our visit was very enjoyable. For sure we will go back again read more

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I have visited this museum when the name was called the Art Institute or something similar. Since then, exhibits have changed, and the gift store has more to offer. The outdoor patio cafe has a limited menu. There is a theater inside with constant supervision from staff to deter mischief, especially with valuable displays within reach. read more

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What a wonderful museum. The Norton Simon museum in Pasadena is a place to visit if you are an artist or you like art. With artists like El Greco-Roman, Pablo Picasso, Van Gogh, Edouard Manet, Degas, Peter Paul Ruben, and their art work I was truly amazed. It is simply a wonderful place with history and a lot to explore. With indoor, as well as outdoor sculptures, rare paintings, and extensive collection of Southeast Asian art. I would highly recommend watching the 30 minute documentary of Norton Simon's life. Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is truly amazing. read more

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This museum was such a pleasant surprise. I try to visit museums when I travel and have been to the Rijks in Amsterdam (and stood in awe of Rembrandts magnificent Night Watch), toured both the Getty Museum and Getty Villa and fondly walked the Prado in Madrid Spain. Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate such glorious art under one roof as I did at the Norton Simon in Pasadena. Van Gough, Dega, Rennoir, Monet, Manet, Picasso and oh so much more. I particularly enjoyed the 30 minute film about Norton Simon and his passion that consumed him for art and how he amassed this collection. If you are in Los Angeles and appreciate art - go to this museum, you will treasure the visit for years to come! read more

My friend and I did not get to visit the sculpture garden because it was under renovation. However, we were pleasantly surprised to see many of our favorites of late19th Century Impressionist work in the collection. Incidentally, I left my wallet in the museum café and was grateful that an honorable person had turned it in. I am also indebted to the museum staff who were quite accommodating. My friend and I look forward to coming back and spend our whole day here. read more

This is my all-time favorite art museum in all of Los Angeles and I am so mad at myself for finding this a year ago. I have been going to a lot of the other larger museums like LACMA since I was young but for some reason I missed this one, possibly due to its location, but that was a big mistake on my part. The quality of work displayed here, the diversity of the artists, as well as the grounds surrounding the building are really next level and unbeatable in Los Angeles in my opinion (except both Getty locations). They have art on display from all over the world and it's hard to beat the lineup of artists. Parking is extremely easy and plentiful and honestly it's not ever as crowded as some of the other museums in Los Angeles like LACMA or the Getty. Some of the most beautiful paintings I have seen in Los Angeles are housed in this museum. I could not recommend it more honestly even if you hate art you should go here it's honestly one of the very best museums in Los Angeles in terms of the arts. It is really well designed and a real treat for anyone any age. read more

Norton Simon Museum - Van Gogh - Art Museums Near Me - Pasadena, California

Very good museum, and lovely sculpture garden, we've been going there for years, some wonderful art, it's really worth going here.

-HOURS: Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 12-5pm on all other days. -RESERVATIONS: Encouraged but not required. Their online calendar was really simple to use (showed you the # of tickets for each time slot). It was easy to get tickets without much advance notice. -PARKING: Large parking area with ample spots. -FEES: Entrance fees are pretty reasonable at $15, $12 for seniors. They also offer an extremely generous free admission (with ID) for: students, active military, museum colleagues, AAM or ICOM members, media, EBT card holders, legally blind visitors, and caregivers for disabled visitors. Fantastic museum with an amazing collection. It's divided into three general sections: Impressionist and Abstract Art, European Art (something like 14th through 18th centuries), and Southeast Asian Art. The collection was truly impressive with a lot of big names and wonderful pieces. Picasso, Degas (a massive collection with a focus on the artist's sculpture), Kandinsky, Modigliani, Gauguin, Matisse, Renoir, Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Cezanne. Goya, Rembrandt, El Greco, Rafael, Zurbarán, Bellini. Plus a large selection of stunning Asian artworks from many centuries ago. I was overjoyed at being surrounded by so much interesting and influential art. On top of all that, there is also a gorgeous outdoor sculpture garden with a pond. Highly recommended and totally worth the drive from afar! read more

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Worth a visit to this modern, yet comfortable and traditional style museum. It feels very private and up scale. The art varies from very contemporary to hundreds of years prior. Had big name artists if you are looking for very famous paintings. read more

Norton Simon Museum - Plenty of seating to enjoy the art at your leisure - Art Museums Near Me - Pasadena, California

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One of best museums in Los Angeles, California. I've been coming here for 40 years and have always loved it ever since I was a kid. Being 50 years old now still coming back here it's never a disappointment to see the art display ever since I was younger. Norton Simon is one of best museums in Southern California to say the least hands down. read more

Norton Simon Museum - Flamenco Dancers. - Art Museums Near Me - Pasadena, California

Wonderful museum!! They have a lot of different kinds of beautiful artworks that I can see them!!!! They even have a gift shop and a cafe as well!!! I definitely will be coming back over there again in Pasadena, California when I get the chance to!!! Five stars is exactly my total rating!!! Thank you guys so much for everything!!!!! read more

Norton Simon Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Pasadena, California

A stunning museum with an incredible collection. If you have not done so, watc h the history behind Norton Simon as that will give you an understanding as to how this all came together. And now a shout out to Mitch the security guard outside by the front entrance. Calling Mitch a security guard does him a disservice. His knowledge of the museum, the art pieces inside and out are frankly astounding! He was more docent than the docents! Also his advice as to what order to view the pieces was excellent. You'll meet Mitch if you are looking at the sculptures out front and seem to have a question. Come for Mitch, stay for the museum! read more

An incredible museum with such amazing art. I've been on my own, to their summer parties, and on docent led tours. I prefer a docent led tour myself. Beautiful Asian art, and a stellar European art collection. The sculpture garden outside is quite beautiful. If you've ever read Gardener's Art History for AP Art History, you'll find some of the pieces at this museum. read more

Always a great experience but especially wonderful to visit the Velazquez portrait on loan.

We'd been here many times before having a kid and always had a positive experience, but this place is NOT kid friendly. I don't expect places to cater to my kid. I don't mind following stupid, arbitrary rules. I am a pretty agreeable person. As soon as we walked in, a security person descended on us and questioned me about what was in my bag. Yes, I have snacks and a water bottle for my three year old. No, I don't mind checking my bag because, despite having what seemed like 50 security guards in each room, people can't be trusted to have unopened water inside their closed bags, and so that's your rule. Fine. That's all ok. But I don't need that security guard to hover over us while we paid admission and then block us from moving anywhere but towards the bag check area as soon as we paid the incredibly unfriendly admission guys. I was going to check my bag. I said I would. The whole exchange kind of tainted the rest of the experience. We didn't stay long (it wasn't very welcoming in general, aside from one very lovely woman), and I regret giving this place any of my money. read more

COVID-19: Social distancing is enforced at this establishment. All of the staff wears a mask. All guests are expected to wear a mask too. Some of the staff also wears gloves. There are some hand sanitizers available for guests to use. This place is open and available with advance online reservation, and it has some outdoor seating with limited capacity. They are not sanitizing in between customers. They are limiting the amount of guests in the museum, so you must book a reservation online before entering. No walk ins accepted. If you don't have a reservation, you will be turned away. COVID-19 Vaccination Proof: This establishment currently does not require proof of vaccination. They also do not allow pets in their establishment. However, they will make an exception if you have a service dog. Parking: The parking lot for this establishment is moderate sized. Parking is super easy to find. Parking spots are also pretty big. Museum & Staff: The museum itself is pretty big. There are two stories. They also have an outdoor cafe for guests and outdoor dining. No food is allowed in the museum, so you must finish eating your food before going back into the museum. The museum is very clean, neat, and tidy. The bathrooms are also very clean. The staff here are very friendly and courteous. They accept only credit cards. There is no credit card minimum. read more

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Peaceful, classic yet modern museum with a great mix of old masters and newer, avant-garde paintings and sculptures. Lovely grounds in back with more sculptures in a garden setting with a shimmering pond in the middle. Also a nice outdoor cafeteria. Part of our event here included a short, informative tour of art appreciation. The guides here know their stuff! A good amount of parking, but this place is well-regarded and popular so it fills up fast. read more

I came here with my mom on a Monday afternoon. It's such a pleasant space and we thoroughly enjoy the Impressionist collection and the outdoor grounds. read more

Norton Simon Museum - Duck family on the grounds - Art Museums Near Me - Pasadena, California

On par with the Getty and Louvre for me. I had the pleasure of going to Norton Simon for the very first time recently and left in awe. From the start, you'll find free and ample parking in a dedicated lot next to a string of neighboring luxury supercar dealerships, which only amplifies the high-end nature of the artwork found within Norton Simon. Thanks to history lesson by one of the friendliest and most helpful staff members I've come across, I learned of Norton's ambitious upbringing leading to his fortune of $10 billion dollars+. For the man who has it all, what else is there left to buy? Fine art of course. And that's what he did. Similar to other museums, you can find sections tailored towards different eras in history, dating all the way back to 100-150 C! There are a wealth of prolific artists whose work is displayed here including Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Warhol, Matisse, Manet, Degas, and more. As a fan of sculptures and history, the exhibit for Hindu and Buddhist culture, which showcased precious ancient artwork and the stories behind them had won me over amongst the rest. I was slowly going back and forth between each descriptive plaque, pairing narratives with each inspiring stone pillar and statue, really capturing these scenes in my mind. Be sure to come here early if you plan on getting the chance to browse and truly appreciate everything before it closes as there is a lot to cover that you won't want to miss. read more

Covid is history (and/or permanent presence), but it is unquestionably time to hit the museums again. The Norton Simon is not the largest museum but I am always very positively surprised about the wealth of high quality items. At this time, there was a special exhibit about the intertwining of works by Picasso and Ingres face to face. Also interesting among many wonderful pieces in the durable section was the Modernism in Miniature exhibit. read more

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I freaking love this museum! It may be one of my new favorites and I almost didn't even discover it! I was in Pasadena to see a friend and was on Yelp checking what I should do while I was in the neighborhood. For me, the best museums are ones like Norton Simon: top notch collection, tightly curated, and a manageable size such that you can take everything in in 2-3 hours. They also had a wonderful women lithographers exhibit going on when we came by. It's also free for students. read more

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So many benefits being a member; always included in lectures, musical performances, and teachings that will fulfill your curiosity and imagination. All the staff are knowledgeable and receptive to questions, which is likely one of their interview questions. The leaders like Maggie Bell heading this lecture is humble and endearing, never boasting that she has her PhD in fine Arts from university of Santa Barbara.... She's so kind and love hearing her incredible knowledge base! Annual passes are just over $100 each, which is such a benefit if you're a local Pasadena resident! Come and enjoy! read more

Wow just amazing art condensed into two stories that include Vincent Van Gogh's mother - Monet, Manet, Renoir, Rembrandts, Raphael, Degas, Fragonard, and much more. Cafe was disappointing so try to eat lunch before coming. Gift store is underwhelming. Highly recommended! Come early to beat crowds. read more

Simply, Norton Simon is one of the best museums in Los Angeles or even in California. The museum contains huge collection of late 1800s french paintings. In the first floor you can find French paintings and classic paintings from 15 and 16 centuries while lower level contains south west Asia artifacts and sculptures. There are a sculptures garden at the back of museum which highly recommended. There are huge parking space but can get full early on weekends. If you are in Los Angeles, make time to visit this precious collection. read more

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While the museum has an interesting collection with some notable pieces, coming here is always problematic. I have managed to convince my husband to visit the Norton Simon twice in 20 years. Every time he is harassed by the security guards. The most recent time he wasn't even in the building more than a minute before he was accosted by some overly eager septuagenarian security guard. While we regularly attend museums in So Cal, this is the only one that gives him difficulty. read more

Beautiful museum. Questionable operations. I was overcharged for food at the cafe. When I pointed it out, the cashier claimed they weren't able to provide a receipt. I asked for a refund but was told they couldn't do that either. I guess if you're good with overpaying or other shady practices then enjoy the Cafe; otherwise, you might want to skip it altogether. read more

Great collection, could spend all day just walking around and reading the descriptions of each painting. Cafe is under construction, but still has good snacks to recharge after browsing for a few hours. read more

A veritable cultural treasure! For accessibility and the content of the house collections the Norton Simon is a wonderful place to while away a sunny or rainy day. Students can enter for free but I argued that many students have more money than their adjuncts so they let me in for free and I promised not to wear it out. After viewing the wonderful art though $15 is a small price to ask. Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Cezanne oh my! Actually, their collection of famous artists is mighty impressive and I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the galleries. The lighting and climate controls are essential for historic works to survive and they do it right. The gardens outside are nicely groomed and it's funny that they effectively create an atmosphere that seems far away from anything despite being mere blocks away from Old Town Pasadena. After viewing everything and realizing that I'd definitely return for another chance to see the masterpieces, I'd recommend bringing families and friends here to experience this incredible collection. read more

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We in Los Angeles are pretty lucky to have many museums. The Norton Simon in Pasadena is a wonderful place to visit. It surprises some that they have some world-famous pieces from Van Gogh, Manet, Renoir, and Degas. You'll surely recognize them. They even have a sizeable collection of sour and southeast Asian art. The location is beautiful as well, being in historic Pasadena. An outdoor pond and sitting area let's visitors admire the views. There's even a nice cafe, which I have yet to try. I spent about half an hour in the museum shop just to browse the cool stuff. The size of the space and layout isn't too daunting; it's doable in one or two hours depending on your pace. It's very close to the starting point of the Rose Parade, so you can visit if you're in the area (be sure to check holiday hours). Prices are reasonable at $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, while students and children get in free. Don't forget the $3 audio. I figure that it offers insightful commentary beyond the posted placards and is well worth getting to kick the visit up a notch read more

Beautiful museum that's a lot bigger than it looks. Has a massive downstairs and the cafe outside has some good options and you're sitting near some pants and greenery. They put on a lot of events and first Monday of the month is free admittance Will say the parking situation can be pretty rough at times. They have a decent lot but for the special events you're parking several blocks away read more

I you've ever watched the Rose Parade on TV then you've definitely seen this museum in the background as it's located directly across the street from the broadcast cameras. I've known about it for a couple decades and finally got around to visiting. It's smaller than the Getty but has a very well rounded representation of European art from the 14th to 20th centuries. Parking is free and the entrance fee is reasonable ($15 per adult at the time of this writing). A coat check can be found near the front desk; large bags are not permitted. Audio headsets are available for more detailed info on the paintings. Staff at the main entrance as well as security were very friendly and helpful. Different wings of the museum display art from different time periods and you'll definitely recognize some of the masterpieces. Artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, Renoir, Degas, van Gogh, Goya, Picasso, Matisse....the list goes on and on...are represented. You'll also find some sculptures both inside and out, including Rodin's famous The Thinker. The placards for the paintings are very informative. I found myself reading most of them while gazing at the paintings. After five hours I had covered the main floor but was too weary to go downstairs to the Asian art exhibits. I was surprised I was here that long as I usually have had enough museum time after a couple hours. Highly recommended if you enjoy viewing European art as you'll see over 500 years of some of the best of it within a few hours. read more

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An absolute gem in my back yard! The quality of the artwork is incredible. Not only would you recognize the artists' names, but you'd know the works, too. The Degas collection brings tears to my eyes. Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Picasso, Kandinsky, and so many more, plus a rotating set of additional exhibits on the bottom floor, together with important historical pieces from around the globe. I can't imagine how hard it had to have been to amass this collection, but I'm grateful for Norton Simon and his family for doing so. And I'm grateful for free first Fridays, so I can pop in for an hour without feeling guilty that I've wasted admission to just look at a Degas and have a glass of wine in the courtyard with some friends. Speaking of which, the cafe in the courtyard is charming and a perfect place for a snack or a drink. If you have children with you, you can fuel them up and stave off hanger there. Bring a sketchbook and sketch the pond while you sip a cup of coffee if you're up for it. The gift shop is also not to be missed. I bought the most charming music box there! It brings me great joy. read more

Likely the best Impressionist collection in Southern California! If you love paintings, especially impressionist works, this mid sized museum is not to be missed. Besides the western paintings, they have a great collection of south Asian religions art works and artifacts. There's also nice outdoor gardens and landscaped grounds so you can mix the indoor and outdoor experiences. A small onsite cafe offers refreshments and coffee/teas. Parking is very easy in their own lot. No charge. There's an entry fee of $15 but students with ID and youths under 18 are FREE. First Friday of the month from 5-8pm is free for all. Close to the wonderful Pasadena old town where great eateries abound so you can spend 1/2 day walking around and then get a nice meal - great combo for a day's outing! read more

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