What the museum is
The Norton Simon Museum of Art, in Pasadena, California, brings together European masterpieces, Asian art, and modern works. It is also a center for education and cultural exchange, reflecting founder Norton Simon’s belief that great art should be accessible to the public. The museum’s history and collections are introduced in The Fascinating History of the Norton Simon Museum and Explore the Norton Simon Museum.
History
The museum’s origins trace to the early 20th century and the collecting interests of industrialist Norton Simon (1907–1993). In the 1950s, as his business empire—built on Hunt Food and Industries, later Norton Simon Inc.—flourished, Simon began collecting art. Initially drawn to Impressionism, he went on to collect works spanning many periods and styles.
In 1969, Simon’s growing collection found a public home in Pasadena. The financially struggling Pasadena Art Museum offered him the chance to provide financial support and loan his collection in exchange for control of the museum’s board. Simon accepted, and the institution was renamed the Norton Simon Museum in 1974.
Under Simon’s leadership, the building underwent significant renovations. The architectural firm Ladd & Kelsey, celebrated for its work on modern art spaces, redesigned it to combine elegance and functionality. During the 1970s and 1980s, Simon continued to expand the collection with works by Rembrandt, Degas, and Van Gogh.
After Simon’s death in 1993, the Norton Simon Foundation assumed responsibility for the museum’s operation. It continues to preserve, exhibit, and interpret the collection for future generations. The museum’s education programs and public initiatives reflect Simon’s belief that art can inspire and enlighten.
Collections and exhibitions
European art
Old Masters: 14th–17th centuries
The Italian Renaissance collection includes works by Fra Angelico, Botticelli, and Giovanni Bellini. Bellini’s Madonna and Child with Saints is a large-scale altarpiece noted for its vibrant colors and intricate details.
Works by Northern European artists include Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, and Lucas Cranach the Elder. Albrecht Dürer’s Madonna and Child is a small engraving that showcases the artist’s technical skill.
The Baroque collection includes Peter Paul Rubens, Frans Hals, and Rembrandt van Rijn. Rembrandt’s Portrait of a Boy demonstrates his use of light and shadow.
18th and 19th centuries
The 18th-century holdings include works by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, François Boucher, and Thomas Gainsborough. Fragonard’s The Meeting is a Rococo painting with delicate brushwork and a romantic subject.
The museum is known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including works by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Cézanne. Highlights include Van Gogh’s Portrait of Dr. Gachet and Cézanne’s Mont Sainte-Victoire Seen from the Bibemus Quarry.
Sculpture from this period includes works by Auguste Rodin, Edgar Degas, and Henri Matisse. Rodin’s The Thinker is a widely recognized work associated with contemplation.
Modern art: 20th century
The collection traces the development of modern art through works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, and Joan Miró. Picasso’s Woman with a Book is an example of his Cubist style.
Surrealist works include paintings and sculptures by Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and Max Ernst. Magritte’s The Blank Signature explores perception and reality.
The post-war collection includes Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman, and Jasper Johns. Pollock’s No. 1, 1949 is an example of his drip technique.
Asian art
The South Asian collection includes Indian sculptures spanning the 1st to the 19th century. Made from materials including stone and bronze, they represent different periods and styles of Indian art.
The Southeast Asian collection features artistic traditions from countries including Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its sculptures, textiles, and ritual objects reflect the region’s cultural heritage.
Special exhibitions and events
Alongside its permanent collection, the museum presents rotating special exhibitions throughout the year. These may include works on loan from other institutions and explore different artistic movements, themes, and historical periods. Lectures, workshops, and family programs are also held. Check the museum’s website for current exhibitions and events.
Practical visiting information
Hours and admission
The museum is open Wednesday through Monday. The hours are listed as 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM in one set of visitor information and 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM in another. It is closed on Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day; special holiday hours may apply.
Listed admission prices and eligibility are:
- Adults: $15
- Seniors: $12; one listing specifies ages 62+
- Students with valid ID: listed as free in one set of information and $12 in another
- Members: free
- Active military personnel: free
- Children under 18: free; another listing says visitors 18 and under are free
Free admission for all visitors is listed as every Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and also as the first Friday of every month from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance through the Norton Simon Museum website ([https - //www.nortonsimon.org/](https - //www.nortonsimon.org/)) or at the museum entrance.
Location and getting there
The museum is at 411 West Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91105 (also listed as 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105).
The museum is accessible by public transportation. The Metro L (Gold) Line’s Memorial Park Station is a short walk away. Ample free parking is available in the museum’s parking lot.
Accessibility
The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, with ramps and elevators. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the entrance and upon request. Accessible restrooms are on the main level, and assistive listening devices are available for use in the auditorium. Service animals are welcome throughout the museum.
Tours
Free docent-led public tours are offered daily at 1:00 PM and provide an overview of the collection and special exhibitions. Private group tours can be arranged in advance and tailored to specific interests and age groups. Audio guides are available to rent at the entrance, with commentary on selected works.
Dining and shopping
The on-site Garden Cafe offers light refreshments and beverages, as well as a seasonal menu of sandwiches, salads, and pastries. It overlooks the sculpture garden.
The museum store sells art books, prints, gifts, and other items inspired by the collection.
For families
Families can borrow a free Family Art Pack containing activities and games inspired by the collection. Family programs include art-making workshops, storytelling sessions, and family tours. Strollers are welcome throughout the museum.
Contact information
- Website [https - //www.nortonsimon.org/](https - //www.nortonsimon.org/)
- Phone (626) 449-6840
- Email [email protected]
Tips
- Allow at least two hours to explore the collection.
- Familiarize yourself with the museum layout and collection highlights before your visit.
- Check the website for current and upcoming special exhibitions and events.
- Free admission is listed for Friday evenings from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM; the museum’s information also specifies the first Friday of each month.
- Take time to observe the artworks and read the labels. Guided tours and audio guides offer additional insights.
- The sculpture garden offers a place to relax, with works by artists including Rodin and Henry Moore.
- Photography for personal use is permitted in the permanent collection galleries, but flash photography and selfie sticks are not allowed. Photography is also described as permitted only in certain areas; check the museum’s photography policy for details.
Nearby places
Pasadena attractions include the Gamble House, Pasadena Museum of History, and Arlington Garden, which offers a peaceful retreat. Old Pasadena has historic buildings, shops, and dining options.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a short drive away and includes art, literature, and landscaped gardens.
FAQ
What are the Norton Simon Museum’s visiting hours?
The museum is open Wednesday through Monday, with hours listed as either 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM or 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
How much are tickets?
General admission is $15 for adults and $12 for seniors. Student admission is listed as either free with valid ID or $12. Members, active military personnel, and children under 18 are listed as free; another listing says visitors 18 and under are free. Free admission for everyone is listed for every Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and for the first Friday of each month during those hours.
Is parking available?
Yes. Ample free parking is available in the museum’s parking lot.
Is the museum accessible?
Yes. The museum has ramps and elevators, free wheelchairs at the entrance, accessible restrooms on the main level, assistive listening devices in the auditorium, and welcomes service animals.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Free docent-led tours are offered daily at 1:00 PM. Private group tours can be arranged in advance, and audio guides are available to rent.
Are there dining facilities?
Yes. The Garden Cafe serves light refreshments and beverages, as well as sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
Can visitors take photographs inside?
Photography is permitted in certain areas, including the permanent collection galleries for personal use. Flash photography and selfie sticks are not allowed; check the museum’s photography policy for details.
For more information and to plan a visit, see Plan Your Visit to the Norton Simon Museum.
