Norton Simon Museum Of Art

626-449-6840

411 W Colorado Blvd Pasadena, CA 91105

nortonsimon.org

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Reviews for Norton Simon Museum Of Art

Ratings_icons very popular and good museum

Luke L. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 3,552

This museum is a very popular museum in Los Angeles. The museum has a huge collection of famous artwork from throughout the world. Much of the mUseum concentrates in the finest European art in the world. There is a collection of Van Gogh paintings, including one of his self-portraits.

There is usually one exhibit that is constantly changing; however, all the artwork housed is simply extraordinary.

The museum has free parking and students go for free if you show a proper id.

The more well-known museum in Los Angeles is the Getty Museum but the Norton Simon is one of the best.

Please visit! You should not miss this!

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David K. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 6,949

The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is known for it's private collections of art from various parts of the world such as Europe, America, and Asia. They have different art pieces and exhibits such as sculptures and paintings.

Right now they have exhibits such as Frank Lloyd Wright's Japanese Woodblock prints.

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Ratings_icons Lots to SEE

Michelle U. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 11,642

I went to Norton Simon Museum a couple of times already but mostly for a school assignment. However, each time I have been there I still admire all the great paintings and sculpture. My favorite paintings are those with Jesus and the 12 apostles theme. I never tire of admiring the symbolism and the interpretations I could get out of the paintings. If you are a student and have a valid ID, you can get in free.

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jennifer j. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,018

I really enjoy art museums, and I recently visited this one for the first time. This museum has a very nice collection of paintings, drawings, sculpture, and other forms of art. They have alot of European pieces, but also some American and Asian, ranging from the 14th century to current times. They do guided tours of exhibitions, have family programs so you can bring the kids, and they also have art-related films. They also have free admission in the evening on the first Friday of each month, which is cool.

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Ratings_icons Interesting museum for the art lovers

Anonymous

This art museum is perfect for parents wanting their kids to experience great art in a relaxed setting. It has a collection full of important masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens, Monet, Picasso , Asian art, and some 20th century pieces that children will find interesting, if not downright funny.
Part of the renovation is a huge and wonderful sculpture garden, the Museum Bookshop is full of children's books and art supplies; it's a great place for unusual gifts and stocking stuffers.

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Ratings_icons What better way to spend an afternoon?

amanda s. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,296

This is such a lovely museum-- and it is not so grand in size so as to be overwhelming. You really can spend one day here and see everything. They have an incredible selection of Degas-- paintings, chalks and statues, but my favorite pieces are the Modigliani (of his wife, who commited suicide upon his death, even tho pregnant with his child, as she couldn't bear to imagine life without him), Picasso's Woman with Book, which is just divine, and a Kandinsky which literally seems to orbit off the wall if you look long enough. (Sigh!)

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Ratings_icons Great art

Carleen K. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,757

Although this museum is housed in an ordinary facility and not as well known as the Getty Museum, the Norton Simon has much better art. They have many famous artists' works displayed, including those by Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Degas, just to name a few. They also offer special exhibits throughout the year that are very cool. One of my favorite museums in the US!

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Ratings_icons Good for the feet

Robin G. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 11,643

This is a relatively small museum, so it's easy on your feet and knees! This is the building with the big rose on it during the Rose Parade, also. They have lots of interesting art here...especially good for art critics/lovers.

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Ratings_icons GO to NORTON-SIMON!!!

Katie D. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 10,106

This place is fabulous. I went on a whim with some family in town and was so glad that I did. First of all and most importantly it is the perfect size. If you're like me and you've been to a world-class widely popular museum and felt the urge to run just out of sheer overload, this museum is for you. There is plenty to see and the quality is amazing. They usually have some sort of temporary exhibit. When I was there, it was a collection of art collages. Also, from what I can recall it was fairly reasonable price wise and great for older people that have trouble walking around large expanses and steps, like at the Getty.

PROS: the size & the art
CONS:

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M. F. | insider Insider | Rank: 23,855

The Norton Simon houses a lot the finest European art, and (I think) puts the Getty to shame. To avoid the crowd, skip saturday morning through afternoon, when deep thoughts are interrupted by the hustle and bussle of groups passing by.

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Ratings_icons we liked it...

daniel f. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,470

we liked it a lot, the collection of painting is great, a lot of European paintings. The garden is so neat in the back and the bookstore sells art book for cheaper prices than anywhere else in LA. The stock is superb with books on artists in the museum's collection.

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Melissa M. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,335

The Norton Simon is top notch! If you live in LA, you probably already know about the Getty Center and LACMA but I suggest you check the Norton SImon out! It's got all types of art, especially Impressionists and early 20th century stuff. The grounds are exquisite, the staff is friendly, and I highly recommend you get the headset. It's worth the extra money. Students get in for free with IDs. In the middle of Pasadena bustle, the Norton Simon is a nice getaway! Located on the corner of Orange Grove and Colorado.

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Ratings_icons An Impressionist Haven

Suzanne V. | insider Insider | Rank: 16,990

The Norton Simon has many wonderful works of art, but I love the impressionist collection. It's filled with works by Degas, Van Gogh, Fantin-Latour, Gauguin, Czanne and more. Posters/pictures never do these works of art justice. They need to be seen in person. If you want to just rest and breathe in nature, sit for a spell in the water lilly garden. The museum may be small, but the collection is good and the rotating exhibitions are always enjoyable.

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Ratings_icons Nice Small Museum

M A. | top100 Top100 | Rank: 71

I enjoyed the current art exhibit they were showing and the gardens were enjoyable as well. Conveniently located near Old Town Pasadena - great place to take a date and then go for coffee in Old Town afterwards.

PROS: Good art collection, rotating exhibits
CONS: none

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Ratings_icons Museum that will grease your griddle

Noah A. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 12,775

Come to this museum of art if you are in the Valley near Glendale. Other than the Getty, this is the only other museum that I have been to. It does cost money but has its own private exhibits and a nice exterior garden to chill and contemplate the world. I have been there and wanted to stay overnight because I was mesmorized, but their hours are until 6. Call to be sure. If you are a student you can get in for free. This is a nice place to stroll through with your date.

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Ratings_icons Nice (but small) collection

Michael B. | insider Insider | Rank: 23,510

Came here last weekend with my son. Didn't think we'd last too long, but we both really enjoyed the ancient Indian sculpture on the lower level. Great Impressionist collection as well, if you like that sort of thing.

Good idea to get here early on a weekend or holiday. On a holiday (in the rain), we got there right at opening time and had no trouble parking, but by the time we left in mid-afternoon, there was a line of cars waiting for a spot.

PROS: Good Impressionist collection.
Well-displayed Indian sculpture
CONS: Small museum.

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Gabriel P. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 2,014

This is a top quality museum. I would rate it one of the best in Southern California. If you haven't been here you need to check out the permanent collection and the beautiful "zen" garden. This is very easy to get to in Pasadena and there is always plenty of parking. The museum is wide and open and there is plenty of viewing space. You never feel rushed or stared at by the guards. Beautiful collection of modern art and some ancient artifacts as well. Don't miss this museum.

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Patrice E. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 993

I have only been to this museum once but loved it. Free Parking, near freeways in Pasadena. This small museum is rather nice, quiet and elegant. Beautiful Gardens filled with Rodin sculpture and more. Small gift shop packed with cool books and stuff. I couldn't tear myself away from looking at the Degas Dancer statue in the museum so I wound up buying a small replica in gift shop to take home. Brought my sketchbook and would up sketching here and there, even sitting on floor near some artwork and no guards bothering me. Even let me use gel pens. MOCA wont allow anything but pencils!

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Leslie F. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 848

I really enjoyed the Norton Simon. It's a great little museum located near Old Town Pasadena. That have a variety of paintings, Degas and Van Gogh. They also had a wide selection of Asian statues. The sculpture garden is a nice place to sit outside and reflect. It's usually not very crowded and parking is free.

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eteresa l. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,930

I've been here once. I had never really been to Pasadena before so I went on a "city tour" with my cousin. This is a really nice museum, especially for people who can only handle so much museum in one day. I thoroughly enjoyed what I saw and the outside patio area was great. It's a great place to get cultured and learn more about art.

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ray l. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,450

Wonderful museum with a beautiful permanant collection and one of the most relaxing gardens around. Lots and lots of Picasso, Degas, Monet and more. With spacious galleries for easy viewing and stations to sit and experience the art. One of my favorite all time museums.

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Ericka P. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,255

Wonderful museum. In the beautiful city of Pasadena with a gorgeous and tranquil setting. This museum houses one of the most enjoyable permanent collections from modern artists. The garden is a true delight and it's a perfect date spot or an educational adventure. It's a wonder that this museum isn't more busy, but it's a "real work of art".

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Matt S. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 2,884

An eclectic mishmash of a museum with select pockets of world-class exhibits, right in the middle of Pasadena. The impressionist (especially the Degas) and ancient Indian displays stood out.

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Kimberly N. | insider Insider | Rank: 15,730

The Norton Simon has a great collection of permanent and changing art pieces. I really enjoy their sculptures and impressionistic art. They had an excellent collection of Japanese art i found quite fascinating. i like that you can enjoy the Norton Simonis a day's time and feel like you got to experience it all.

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Teresa P. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 4,067

This is a great museum for a couple of hours. The Norton Simon doesn't have an overwhelmingly large collection, but it does have a good comprehensive spread of art, primarily Western European, but also compact Asian and African collections. Also, don',

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Linda H. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 4,719

The Norton Simon Museum is one of those places if was dragged to as a kid...hated it...and delayed returning as an adult. Too bad. I went back a few years ago and realized what a gem we have here in Los Angeles.

One of few places in L.A. you can park for free and within easy walking distance of the attraction, the museum is easily accessible from major freeways. The locale is beautiful Pasadena, complete with gardens inside the core of the museum where reading, studying, and frolicking is permitted. There is even a Lily water garden...an homage to Van Gogh, perhaps?

Van Gogh, by the way, is the highlight of the gallery. Norton Simon features several of his works including a self-portrait that is stunning. You won't feel at all out of place if you spend an hour remarking at how Van Gogh in person is nothing like in the books (duh).

Several other well-known classics are on display as well as some modern pieces. I recommend the small cafe offering tea and goodies in a quiet, peaceful env

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Jen B. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 306

Nice place to visit on the weekend. They have a variety of lecture, musical and family events throughout the year. Free admission the first Friday of each month from 6pm - 9pm. www.nortonsimon.org

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