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Norton Simon Museum
- Museum
- In Pasadena, California
- 0.5 mi from Route 66
The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, CA, is a major art museum on Colorado Boulevard, only about 0.2 miles from the Route 66 corridor. Its collections span European paintings, sculpture and tapestries along with Asian sculpture, paintings and woodblock prints. Sculpture by Rodin greets visitors near the entrance, and the brown tile building is familiar to TV viewers of the Rose Parade, which passes right in front of it.
What is Norton Simon Museum?
Inside, the galleries cover European painting, sculpture and tapestry, plus Asian sculpture, painting and woodblock prints. Outside, sculptures are spread across the grounds: Rodin works near the front door, more pieces along Colorado Boulevard, and others placed in a landscaped garden that wraps around a large pond.
There is also a theater named for Norton Simon, which shows films and hosts talks, symposia, dance and music throughout the year. Frank Gehry is listed among the architects connected with the museum. With art indoors, sculpture outdoors and a busy program of events, it can easily fill a long morning or afternoon.
History of Norton Simon Museum
The museum has worn several names. It started out as an art institute named for Pasadena, then became the Pasadena Art Museum, and now carries the name of Norton Simon. Its inception under the current identity is recorded as 1969.
Because it stands on the Rose Parade route along Colorado Boulevard, its distinctive brown tile exterior often appears in the background of the parade's television coverage. Seeing it in person, many visitors recognize the building before they read the name on it.
Visiting Norton Simon Museum: tips
Allow at least two hours; the collection is large and the sculpture garden deserves time of its own. The Finnish Folk Art Museum and the Pasadena Museum of History are both about 0.2 miles away, and the Armory Center for the Arts is about 0.6 miles away, so several stops can be combined on foot.
Practical info
- Address
- 411 West Colorado Boulevard
- Phone
- +1 626-449-6840
- Website
- nortonsimon.org
- Hours
- Mon, Thu, Sun 12–5 · Fri, Sat 12–7
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
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Questions about Norton Simon Museum
What was the Norton Simon Museum called before?
It was first an art institute bearing Pasadena's name and then the Pasadena Art Museum.
Why does the Norton Simon Museum look familiar?
It stands on Colorado Boulevard along the Rose Parade route, so its brown tile exterior shows up in the background of the parade's TV broadcasts.
Own or run Norton Simon Museum? Send us a photo or a correction.