Why visit
Few places let you stand close to Old Master and Impressionist masterpieces and world-class Asian sculpture in such an unhurried, uncrowded setting. The Norton Simon rewards travelers who want serious art without the scale and lines of a mega-museum, all just steps from Old Pasadena.
Tucked at the edge of Old Pasadena, the Norton Simon Museum punches far above its size, with masterworks by Rembrandt, Raphael, Goya, Degas, Van Gogh, and Picasso hung in galleries that feel personal rather than overwhelming. Its renowned collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings sits alongside one of the most important assemblages of Asian art in the United States, including Buddhist and Hindu sculpture spanning some 2,000 years. Because the galleries are navigable in a couple of hours, visitors leave having genuinely seen the collection rather than rushing past it.
Outside, a lush sculpture garden inspired by Monet's Giverny features bronzes by Rodin, Maillol, and Henry Moore set among ponds and California greenery, offering a tranquil counterpoint to the indoor galleries. The museum's thoughtful lighting and rotating special exhibitions reward repeat visits, and its location steps from Pasadena's shops and restaurants makes it easy to fold into a wider day. It's the kind of museum that art lovers rave about and casual visitors find surprisingly approachable.
History
The museum grew out of the extraordinary private collection of industrialist Norton Simon, who reorganized the former Pasadena Art Museum in the 1970s to house his holdings of European Old Masters, Impressionist works, and South and Southeast Asian art. Over decades he assembled an exceptional European and Asian collection through landmark acquisitions, and the institution remains celebrated for the depth and quality of those works.
Insider Tips
- ✦Budget about two hours to see the highlights without rushing.
- ✦Save time for the sculpture garden, which many visitors overlook.
- ✦Pair your visit with a stroll through nearby Old Pasadena.
Photo Tips
- 📸Photograph the sculpture garden's Rodin bronzes reflected in the ponds.
- 📸Use the garden's natural light for portraits among the greenery.
- 📸Check posted rules, since flash and some galleries may restrict photography.
Before You Go
- ✓Check which weekdays the museum is closed, a common mistake that catches visitors off guard.
- ✓Confirm current admission prices and any free-admission times on the website.
- ✓Verify photography rules for specific galleries before snapping away.
Visiting with family
The compact galleries and outdoor sculpture garden suit shorter attention spans, making it manageable for families. Ask at the desk about any family guides or activities currently offered.
Where to Eat Nearby
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Norton Simon Museum FAQ
How much time should I plan?
Most visitors comfortably see the highlights and garden in about two hours thanks to the museum's intimate scale.
Is parking free?
The museum offers a free on-site lot, though it can fill on busy weekends; confirm details before visiting.
What is the collection known for?
It is celebrated for European Old Master and Impressionist paintings plus an exceptional South and Southeast Asian sculpture collection.
Nearby Neighborhoods
San Fernando ValleyGlendale
Glendale is a clean, prosperous foothill city known for premier shopping at the Americana and Galleria, a vibrant Armenian community, and the historic Forest Lawn cemetery. It blends suburban polish with rich cultural diversity at the edge of the San Gabriel foothills.
DowntownDowntown LA
Downtown LA is the dense, dynamic heart of the city, blending historic architecture, world-class museums, sports arenas, and a revitalized dining and arts scene. It's where you'll find cultural landmarks, rooftop bars, and some of LA's best food, all in a walkable grid. A wave of redevelopment has turned it into one of the city's most exciting districts.
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Helpful Guides
MuseumsThe Best Museums in Los Angeles
LA's museums span Old Master paintings, dinosaurs, movie history, and contemporary art, and several of the best are free to enter.
PlanningFirst-Time Visitor's Guide to Los Angeles
Everything a first-timer needs to know before landing in LA: how the city is laid out, when to go, how to get around, and how to avoid rookie mistakes.
Norton Simon Museum on the map
See Norton Simon Museum and what's nearby in pasadena.
Map pins are approximate and for visitor planning only — they may not mark the exact entrance or parking. Please check official directions before visiting.
Places shown on this map (9)
- Norton Simon Museum — Museums
- Old Pasadena — Shopping
- Pasadena City Hall — Architecture
- Rose Bowl Stadium — Sports
- Eaton Canyon — Hiking
- The Gamble House — Architecture
- Colorado Street Bridge — Architecture
- Glendale — Neighborhood
- Downtown LA — Neighborhood