Norton Simon Museum

The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California, offers a remarkable art experience that captivates both casual visitors and art enthusiasts. Its diverse collection spans centuries and continents, featuring European masterpieces from the Renaissance to the 20th century, The museum also houses an impressive array of Asian art, with sculptures and artifacts that provide insight into various cultures Visitors often praise the museum’s manageable size, allowing for an intimate and unhurried exploration of its treasures. The thoughtfully designed galleries are complemented by a serene sculpture garden, offering a tranquil space to reflect amidst beautiful landscaping. Admission is reasonably priced, with adults at $20 and seniors (62+) at $15. Students and visitors 18 and under enjoy free entry, making it accessible for families and students. Additionally, the museum offers free admission for all visitors on the first Friday of every month from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m

Amazing experience! Prob one the best Los Angeles county area museums we have been too. The layout works very well, and even though the parking lot is full, you do not feel crowded or rushed inside. There are essentially four long corridors of European centric art/sculptures on the entry floor; two more modern works/eras (Van Gough, Picasso, Monet, etc.), and the other two corridors filled with earlier period artist and works. On the lower floor a pretty amazing SE Asian exhibit. Also below is the outdoor cafe! Sculpture garden is amazing, but was closed when we were there for renovations. Despite the construction work, no real issue or impact on our time there. Parking lot is free, and even when busy seems to do the trick well! Highly recommend this spot! It is very close to the Pasadena Colorado hub (great food, shopping, etc.).

The Norton Simon Museum is such a gem, it’s intimate, and incredibly well curated. The collection is fabulous, with an impressive range that includes European masterpieces, modern works, and stunning South and Southeast Asian art. Each gallery is thoughtfully arranged, allowing the art to really shine without feeling overwhelming. The sculpture garden is also a highlight—lush, serene, and the perfect place to pause and reflect. Whether you’re a casual visitor or a serious art lover, this museum offers a truly enriching experience. A must-visit in Pasadena!

What a gem! I’m taking a class on Van Gogh at Stanford and the professor raved about this collection, I was in the neighborhood and was so happy to discover it. Gorgeous collection. Found a few new favorite paintings and left feeling inspired. Great gift shop. And great booklet for kids to take around to engage with the work.

totally in love with the art museum… art pieces of Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir, Edgar, Monet, Manet and more can be found here! such an amazing experience and we will definitely visit again when we pass by the area :) recommended 🌟🌟🌟

The GOATs of art are here. Renoir, Cezanne, Degas, Monet, Manet, Picasso, Pissarro, Courbet, Corot, Matisse, Van Gogh, and so on. The best of modern art is also here. I’ve been to several museums both here and in Europe and this is my favorite one. I loved it. And this year they are celebrating their 50th anniversary! Beautiful grounds and lovely outdoor cafe.

This museum is free for Pasadena City College students, and I’m really glad I checked it out. I’m not a huge art connoisseur, but seeing the pieces in person definitely makes you appreciate them more. Some of the lighting is a bit bright, so a few paintings had glare, but that didn’t take away from the experience. I was surprised by how many artists I actually recognized—Van Gogh, Picasso, all the Frenchy’s (Monet, Manet, Degas, Cézanne), and of course Diego Rivera’s Girl with Lilies. Don’t skip the downstairs! It holds an incredible collection of beautifully preserved Hindu and Buddhist art, including statues, carvings, and relics. It’s a great collection, and honestly, I highly recommend it—even if you’re not an art lover. It’s worth the visit.

This is a beautiful art museum with Western art from the late Middle Ages to very modern art. There is an outstanding collection of art from South and Southeast Asia in the basement galleries, don't miss it. The sculpture garden is under renovation but that is also quite nice. You've probably seen the outside of you ever watch the Rose Parade, But visit and enjoy the great art inside.

This museum is free for Pasadena City College students, and I'm really glad I checked it out. I'm not a huge art connoisseur, but seeing the pieces in person definitely makes you appreciate them more. Some of the lighting is a bit bright, so a few paintings had glare, but that didn't take away from the experience. I was surprised by how many artists I actually recognized--Van Gogh, Picasso, all the Frenchy's (Monet, Manet, Degas, Cézanne), and of course Diego Rivera's Girl with Lilies. Don't skip the downstairs! It holds an incredible collection of beautifully preserved Hindu and Buddhist art, including statues, carvings, and relics. It's a great collection, and honestly, I highly recommend it--even if you're not an art lover. It's worth the visit.

I had an identical experience to a patron who left a review expressing frustration that the Norton Simon Museum is not kid-friendly. Forget kid-friendly, however. This place is kid-hostile. I was accosted by a security person while I was paying - the credit card hadn't even gone through, and I was being questioned about snacks and water being in my bag. I didn't even know where to look - sign the receipt or reply to this person who blocked our entrance until we checked in a child's sippy cup. Two minutes later, another security person descended on us, telling us that we needed to carry our backpack (a small diaper bag clearly for a child) on our front. These interactions completely tainted our visit. I understand and champion the fact that museums have rules. There's precious artwork and many members of the public to deal with. But please consider how you're treating people who have children with them, who are clearly carrying snacks/water and bags because that's what you have to do when you have a little human with you. The staff's treatment was so hostile, I'm wondering why they don't just put a sign on the door that says "no children allowed." I would have preferred that over the interactions I had. There are so many security personel swarming the place both inside and out that it kills the atmosphere. In addition to seeing and being inspired by art, part of going to a museum is the overall experience, and Norton Simon does not pass the vibe check for the more than 2 million children (or their parents) who live in LA County. Other notes: The cafe is embarrassing for an institution like this. It's basically a farmer's market stall with limited options food and drinks options placed in a dark corner of the garden. I expect much better for a museum in Pasadena with that impressive of a collection. Reduce your massive, and comical investment in security personnel and put some of that budget towards a decent cafe.

This museum has a really nice collection of paintings and sculptures. I am a big museum nerd and love coming here when I am visiting Pasadena. Norton Simon Museum is located on Colorado Blvd in Old Town Pasadena. It is named after Norton Simon because a lot of the art that he collected during his life is housed here. Admission price is reasonable for a smaller museum. They have over ten thousand works of art here and occasionally host temporary exhibitions that focus on a particular artist. Norton Simon Museum has paintings from artists like Rembrandt, Raphael, Matisse, Monet and Picasso. Outside is a Rodin sculpture at the entrance. Norton Simon shows films and hosts lectures and performances year-round. I enjoy taking a day to walk around here. I took a few a classes on art history back in college and appreciate many of the paintings in their collection. "Madonna and Child with the Book" by Raphael and "Self-Portrait Wearing a Beret" by Rembrandt are a couple of my favorite ones. They once displayed "The Scream" by Edvard Munch and I was in town to see it.

This is a HUGE museum and we were lucky enough to come in for a free Friday night. I was so impressed that they were open again despite the recent fires. There is plenty of art and even a downstairs portion of the gallery as well as a sculpture garden outside

I stumbled upon this museum with intentions of spending an hour or two but the collections were surprisingly large. Thankfully students received free admission and I like how they closed at 7PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Personally I would arrive before sundown to observe the outside sculptures in natural lighting but they were still sufficiently illuminated during the night. There were two floors, with the top focusing on portraits and the bottom on sculptures and modern art. *Plugged In: electrical art. My least favorite exhibit as it felt sparse and unexplained. A bit too isolated for my taste. *Look Alive A Still Comparison: a bit limited but it was interesting having a small section focused on the comparison of similar inspirations. Would have like to see other artwork opposed with each other too. *European Painting and Sculptures: such an expansive collection that was grouped appropriately into the respective themes. There were multiple rooms that would satisfy anyone regarding natural, nautical, religious, and familial inspirations. *South and Southeast Asian Painting and Sculptures: gorgeous and ancient sculptures surrounded the bottom floor. I wished there were more placards explaining the overall themes and meanings as they weren't grouped as cleanly or neatly. Even so, I found this floor to be the most impressive in number and craftsmanship. They also had a nice sculpture park outdoors with a cafe. Everything was well maintained and it was peaceful enough despite the bustling traffic outside. Lovely museum that incentivizes students to stay cultured and study. Otherwise, I would still recommend this to adults who want to spend a few hours admiring historic art.

Well first things first... don't back into a parking space! Now on with my review. Since I went to the Huntington Library the previous day it was easy to compare both experiences. Norton Simon is by far the best between the two for Impressionist art and accessible restrooms too. The food options are far better at the Library and so is the Gift shop but the grounds here are compact and it makes for a very relaxing day. There are a lot of nooks and crannies here with art tucked away so be sure you are making your way down every corridor. They have some of the most treasured and sought after pieces here in their collection so worth seeing. I confess I did not explore the lower level art exhibit, which holds the Asian Sculpture Garden as well as the South and South East Asia works of art. Perhaps another day. Great thing here is you don't necessarily need sunscreen or be concerned about a heat stroke while you enjoy the artwork - especially because this place is much smaller and unless you are going to see the Sculptures outside your time is spent indoors. Parking lot security seemed 'grumpy' but the staff indoors were pleasant enough. Respectfully Reviewed.

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.

Was pleasantly surprised to find this museum not far from downtown Pasadena. The Norton Simon Museum houses an impressive private art collections. The industrialist Norton Simon collected European as well as Asian art. Some of my favorite artists were here including Frank Stella, Diebenkorn (Bay Area Figurative Artist) and Warhol. The outside is beautiful as well with a gorgeous lily pond, sculpture garden and a reasonably-priced cafe. Adult entry prices are $20 each but the first Friday of the month it is free from 4:00 - 7:00. If you are in the area, I would check this place out!

One of my absolute favorite museums in so cal. It's not the largest museum but there's so many beautiful pieces and love how the museum is organized. The sculpture garden outside is also such a nice area. There's also a small cafe with a seating area outside. We took our time and it took us about 2 hours to walk through and see everything. Also free parking!!

Whenever we travel, we look for and enjoy discovering the rich community and historical cultural tapestries, cuisines, and sights at that destination. When we visit my relatives in Los Angeles, I credit my brother-in-law for coordinating our activities and dining experiences. So, on a sunny and hot (95° F) day, we escaped to Pasadena's Norton Simon Museum to view 14th to 20th Century European art, 20th Century American Art, South and Southeast Asian Art, and the special exhibit featuring Spanish painter, Francisco Goya, who many consider the last of the Old Masters. While walking along the entrance path, we were treated to several bronze sculptures by Auguste Rodin, who many regard as "the founder of modern sculpture." Being somewhat of a francophile, I sought the original sculpture of Rodin's Le Penseur at Paris' Musée Rodin. I took several weeks visiting the galleries in the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Musée de l'Armée, Musée Picasso, Centre Pompidou- Musée National d'Art Moderne and the Château de Versailles et de Trianon while staying in Paris, France, in my twenties. The Norton Simon museum also includes an outdoor sculpture garden behind the museum. We took our time touring the galleries by starting with the 14th - 16th C European collection, then moving onto next gallery containing 17th - 18th C European art work before taking a break downstairs to the South and Southeast Asian Art collection. After returning upstairs to the main floor, we dipped into the special exhibit of Francisco Goya and completed the tour with the 19th and 20th Century collections. I prefer artwork by the Old Masters to modern art as I think I can see and feel what the artist is conveying. This museum doesn't overwhelm your senses with its various collections, and we're thankful to the late American industrialist and philanthropist Norton Simon for sharing his interest and passion for the arts.

Very nice art museum. Lots of galleries and famous painters' artwork. However, minus 1 star because this older lady employee at the front doors near the front desks was condescending when she told me to check in my Hydro Flask. Like chill with the attitude geez lol. Other than that, it was nice to stroll through here and enjoy the art pieces. The outside garden is always a pretty walk through, nice leisurely walk and very picturesque. Definitely worth it to take advantage of the free first Friday each month.

The Norton Simon Museum is one of my favorite Los Angeles museums. And certainly my favorite museum in Pasadena. Located at 411 Colorado Blvd, the Norton Simon seems deceptively small. But when you start to really explore, you realize that the campus and collection are quite vast. As you approach the museum you're immediately confronted with castings of two of Rodin's most famous sculptures: The Thinker and the Burghers of Calais. Entering through the glass door, you have three options: left, right or straight through into the garden. If you take the front path you will enter one of the sculpture gardens. A small lake studded with lotuses and pretty garden provide the back drop for a number of large sculptures by Henry Moore and Henri Laurens. By the lake there is also a cafe where food and beverages are for sale. The left route (i.e. the left from where you entered the museum) will take you to the European collection, which is rather good. However, I almost always take the right. You'll see the gift shop and the stairs to the lower floor. This is where the South and Southeast Asian collection is housed. And it is pretty spectacular. On display you will find an enormous range of sculptures of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain statues. Being something of a connoisseur of the art of this region, I definitely think it is one of the best collections I've seen. You will encounter images of divine figures in stone, bronze, gilt and virtually every other medium. You can easily get lost in the midst of all of these divine images. But if you pay attention you'll also notice that there is an exit that takes to a second sculpture garden (or third if you count the Rodins), featuring large Hindu and Buddhist images. It is quite a serene little path of art pieces. I like the fact that the room from which you enter this sculpture garden has a wall of glass, bringing that outdoors inside and the inside out of doors. Do keep in mind that Tuesdays and Wednesdays the Museum is closed. Adult admissions are twenty dollars. However, students with ID and those 18 and under get in for free. So make sure you keep your ID on you post-graduation! Definitely a lovely place to spend an afternoon.

This museum is insane, with so many exhibits and various artwork from different time periods! If you are a museum person, this place is a must-visit! If you have a student ID, admission is free but normally adults are $20! Navigating the museum is simple and smooth, with six total sections. Explore their 14th-15th century, 17th-18th century, 19th century, 20th century, South and Southeast Asia, and a sculpture garden! Some artists that caught my eye are Monet, Picasso, and Van Gough! We spent an hour and a half here and took some memorable pictures! The museum also offers free parking, a cafe with outside seating, and a shop with souvenirs to take home.

My friend and I came here to enjoy some art. The European and American art were located in the upper level while the South and Southeast Asian art were located on the bottom level. It was fascinating to see the different styles of paintings and sculptures. And some of them had newer frames. I enjoyed the older art and landscape paintings more.

RUN!!! DON'T WALK TO GET THERE!!! A definite must see and mist do if you are in the Pasadena area. Gorgeous statues dawn the entrance of the Museum with Rodin at his best. They have European art Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh and the list goes on. There is a movie theater which will play features of their exhibits and while I didn't see it because it wasn't playing is a short clip on Norton Simon himself. The surrounding exterior gardens were beautiful. During my visit, there was a mommy goose sitting on her goose egg and the daddy goose protecting the mommy goose! Go figure A few tips- you can walk if you're in downtown Pasadena. It's a short walk up Colorado Blvd. (ok, no so short maybe 15 minutes by foot) but if you go during the right times, it's a comfortable walk (not so hot...) Admission fee= Children, Students, Adults and Seniors. I should have taken a snapshot of the Admission Fee Schedule.. I didn't think fast enough But Suffice to say, I will go back. There is much to see there. I wonder? would I be able to pack a lunch or snack and eat outside in the patio which overlooks a beautiful pond and garden?

Such an awesome Museum! Its been a long time since I've been here and my recent visit just reminded me how great this place is. It was busy but the flow of people, seemed to be manageable. The art is so beautiful. And they have awesome collections. Theres so much to look at but what I really loved experiencing were the drawings of Francisco De Goya. WOW! One of my favorite artists but this was my first time seeing his drawings in person. So grateful for the experience. Everything is perfectly lit. I love the garden. Its a nice walk around a large pond with different art pieces along the path. Nicely maintained. Theres a small cafe outside as well with plenty of tables. The line was pretty long and the food looked good from what I could see. The gift shop is really nice and has a lot of great books. The staff working there were sincere and really helpful. The employees are respectful and great at their job. There were a lot of children but they managed to warn the kids of getting too close to the artwork but in a way that shows they still understand that they're kids. That can be challenging and the employees handled it extremely well. I really appreciate that. Looking forward to returning with the fam!

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.

I absolutely adore this place! Having spent some time in the Pasadena area, I can't believe I hadn't discovered it until now. It's truly a hidden gem that I'm thrilled to have found!

I visited this museum over a decade ago to fulfill a college arts history class requirement and now I visit frequently! This museum ignited my love for European art (particularly 16th century). I love their permanent collections along with their rotating exhibits. I try to get in the habit of checking their site regularly for their classes since they offer family, youth, and adult workshops. -- Ticket prices (most recent) $20.00 for adults $15.00 for seniors -- Free admission: For Museum members, students with I.D., active military personnel, and those age 18 and under. The first Friday of every month from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m is free admission for all visitors*

Norton Simon Museum is a must visit when you're in the area! There is a private parking lot and it is free to park. Admission for adults is $20, for seniors it's $15, and admission is free for anyone under 18 or adults with student IDs. The museum itself is 2 stories and they have an extensive selection of European, Impressionist, South and Southeast Asian, and modern art from different eras and time periods. They also have a gift store here which is an awesome place to snag some art prints, books, and other art supplies. One of the best parts about this museum to me is their outdoor garden and cafe. On a nice sunny day, you can take such a wonderful stroll in the garden to admire all the statues and greenery they have. Be on the lookout on their website and social media to keep tabs on when they'll have new exhibitions!

No one is getting lost at the Norton Simon Museum and I mean that in the best possible way! I really like the layout and entry fee and free parking, seriously! I wish that I had started at the lower level because the collection of Asian art is awesome, but I was running out of steam by the time I made my way down there.

The Norton Simon Museum is a great art museum with pieces ranging from Medieval European to Picasso to Degas to South East Asian. There is something here for every art lover. There's a café and lovely little garden outside, but the garden is closed when it rains. This was a great date spot. The art sparked interesting conversation and my date asked me to be his girlfriend here! If you're someone like me who really stops to look at every piece and reads all the signs, it will probably take you more than one trip to take in everything. The few times I've spoken to the docents, they have been really knowledgeable, engaged, and excited to answer questions about the art. There are benches in just about every room so you can take a pause to sit down and look. Parking in the lot is easy and free. Admission is free with a student ID. Admission is free during the Pasadena Art Walk and at other times as well. I recommend checking on their website.

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!!!!!

On a quiet stretch on Colorado Blvd in Old Pasadena I've appreciated the NSM since college; it's a serene, modern space and the latest show (ending February 2024) Benevolent Beings is its latest exhibit. The show enumerates a comprehensive collection of Buddhist and Hindu benevocons. Super cool and super informative. I appreciate how the curators at the Norton Simon create a space for works of art that showcases its history and placement in such a way that a visitor is not overwhelmed. I've not experienced many museums that do this. There is a free parking lot. Docents and museum workers are alert and helpful. There are many Rodin sculptures outside that welcome you in. Always enlightened happy whenever I visit the NSM. EOY.

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!

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.

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

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!

Came here for a short children's tour and was thoroughly impressed! I couldn't believe this wonderful museum was right under my nose the whole time! Shout out to the children's education program leaders there! They really know how to spark children's interest in art and I am so thankful for the opportunity to tag along on the tour with my child. There are also really nice works of art to examine. I highly suggest allotting more than 1 hour to take take your time enjoying all of the pieces. Parking is free! Water bottles are not allowed but can be coat checked for free if you accidentally bring one, like me! They'll give you a numbered ticket and you can exchange it for your personal item at the end of you visit.

Norton Simon Museum is one of the well-known museums in the Pasadena area. My first visit here was back in high school and the purpose was very intellectual. It's nice coming back here on a date where I can just enjoy the art at my own leisure and make my own interpretations and commentary on things without being graded. Or maybe it was a different kind of test ;) Admission is $15/adult. The museum is divided into 6 sections: 14th-16th centuries, 17-18th centuries, 19th centuries, 20th centuries, south and southeast Asian and sculpture garden. On my latest visit we were there for over 2 hours and we were only able to fully cover the 19th century, 20th century and sculpture garden. Attempted to go over the 17th-18th centuries area before the museum started closing down. Definitely have to go back for the other half. As a collection, I enjoyed the majority of the pieces here. As things were closing down, the staff was telling us fun facts and hidden things about some of these paintings. We had a special moment with one of the artwork. It was the Happy Lovers by Jean-Honore Fragonard. I jokingly said the woman was trying to trap the man, because she's holding a cage. Apparently I'm right! And there was another cage on the bottom left of the painting with a string leading back to the woman. Symbolizing the man getting trapped. I just thought this was HILARIOUS! Cause... you know... *wink* I had a great time. My date is so intelligent and witty (and handsome). I think exploring museums is definitely something we'll like to do more of together. Next time we come back to Norton Simon Museum, we'll be mindful to some earlier in the day to have more time to enjoy the art.

Let's start with free parking on-site! My walking buddies and I came here on a quiet Friday night. Admission is $20 and $15 for Modern Elders 62 and above. I live this place because of the iconic artwork, nice guards and it's not so big that it takes a whole day to get through.

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!

Fabulous. Fabulous. Fabulous. First Class Museum. I've been here a few times over the years and it is always a treat for me. Norton Simon had an excellent eye for art and his collection is amazing. He also was a superb businessman, who collected undervalued companies as well. When I first started reading the business page, it seemed he was in it every week. A gifted, Buffett like investor. There are Gauguin's and Van Gogh's. There are Matisses and Picassos. There are Diego Riveras and of course Frida Kahlos. There are Monets and lots and lots of Renoirs and Rembrandts. If the Getty is crowded, come here. You will not be disappointed.

What an incredible hidden gem this museum is! I've lived here 12 years now and never knew it existed until this past weekend! I've traveled the world and been to almost all of the "major" art museums and never have I seen such an extensive collection - especially of all the Old Masters like Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Rubens, Raphael - the list goes on and on! So many pieces by all these amazing artists. They even have one of Boticelli's Madonna and Child paintings! Did you know Picasso also did sculpture work?? I didn't until I came here! So many varied pieces from so many famous artists - it's mind blowing! And there are rooms full of incredible statues too - mostly found in the South/Southeast Asian art wing. Amazing pieces of antiquity- I even found a sculpture as old as the year 200 (as in two HUNDRED)!! The museum is a great size too - perfect to fit it all in within a couple of hours or less. And everything is so well organized and the lighting is beautifully placed - thoroughly enjoyable experience! There is a small cafe outside and beautiful gardens to sit in and digest your food and all the art you just observed. They have a movie theater as well, currently showing a movie on Norton Simon himself. There are two large galleries upstairs and two downstairs. The flow of the rooms lends itself so that large groups can move around and not feel too crowded and still see everything nicely. There's plenty of free parking - and though it was absolutely packed on a busy Sunday, we still found a spot! Entry fee is $15 but free for students. And if you don't have your student ID, don't worry - they'll honor it if you can show you're able to log in to Canvas or a famous email. They make it so easy. I have no doubt I'll be back - it's a wonderful space to contemplate art and I imagine it's so peaceful on a less busy weekday as well. Highly recommend!

I am someone who has trained himself to attend places and see how the experience goes. I stopped writing this Yelp to check my fridge cause I recently purchased a fridge magnet that says: Live, Laugh and Lower Your Expectations. It is a notion that is echoed in religious sentiments, coffee mugs, and, although the notion might sound trite, I have purchased the belief and internalized it within my heart--- so I practiced in a real way, it is not a cliche to me. And thus I went to the Norton, without not knowing much about it and that allowed me to be exceedingly pleased. It also helps that the Norton, in general is a place of wonder and inspiration. And when I went the place offered me what I needed, without me knowing what waited for me. I was on vacation when I went- Winter Break. And, as you all know, the Norton is in Pasadena. I drove down Colorado and passed the Tournament of Roses Parade stands. I felt like I was the star vehicle of my own parade. The achievements of my life-- although small and negligible- were celebrated by the crowds of my imagination. A plump woman stood up and clapped and in these actions she dropped her milkshake. She was saddened because the salted caramel chocolate milkshake she was enjoying was heaven-sent. She regretted getting so caught up in celebrating the minutia of my life. I have this idea- or I had this idea- that in order to see the great works of life, one must travel to Europe, or to museums that I do not have access to. The Norton proved me wrong-- in a hard way. Within the museum I saw a Picasso and a Van Gogh. I know I did not see starry night-- maybe I have, I have been to the Louvre- and some other museums, but this is the first time that I visited a museum where I can concretely say I saw the brushwork of a master. To be honest, I also developed my eye sight through out years and maturity to be able to appreciate this type of place. They have a garden--- which is quite a beautiful treat. Kind of Zen. When I went to the place, they had an exhibition on deities from Asia- maybe the South East of Asia. They had statues honoring different deities. One room gave temple vibes. It only had one Buddha statue. In that room, I meditated and ask the universe to help me forgive someone who had wronged me in a significant way. And the space helped me do just that. It was grand honor to write about this place. I felt tingles of pleasure and joy when I wrote this place. Go to this place is an experience if you allow yourself to experience it in that way.

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.

It had been about 10 years since I had visited and I forgot how large this place is. The $20 entrance is a bit much. Love the outside garden area too!

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!

Been here 3 times. It is my favorite place to be at peace . Savoring the beautiful paintings exhibit. Degas, Matisse, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Picasso. The place has a beautiful garden and so classy . The entrance fee is very reasonable. Be back again Parking free

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.

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.

Visiting the Norton Simon is always a treat with its fantastic collection, but this visit was vastly improved by Security Officer Kahlil who opened the doors when the museum opened at noon. Kahlil came out to speak to the waiting visitors and was so charming and funny, he immediately set the tone for an amazing afternoon. I've worked in museums for 35 years and an officer like this is very rare jewel!

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.

Beautiful collection! This is one of my favorite museums to take my kids and my students. It's small enough, you can see the whole collection in a couple of hours.

This museum far exceeded my expectations. It also educated me about who Norton Simon was, and how he built his art collection. Some truly amazing paintings that I never expected to see. Rembrandt's Self Portrait and Portrait of a Boy. A number of Monet's, Renoir's, Pissaro's, and Van Gogh's. Do not miss the movie which gives you a great background on Mr. Simon. The Cafe and Gardens are worth your time too. Don't miss the Rodin's as you walk in!

Visiting the Norton Simon Museum is always a fun outing and a great way to beat the heat. The price is$15 for adults, but free for children and students. This museum also has a beautifully decorated Sculpture Garden. This Pasadena gem has a remarkable collection with masterpieces by Degas, Monet, Picasso and so much more. Definitely one of my favorite museums in the greater LA area. They also offer art activities and drawing events. Just check their events calendar online. The outside Garden Cafe has plenty of refreshments Parking is free

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!

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!

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.