Norton Simon in Pasadena is a hidden gem museum that is absolutely beautiful, it is filled with hundreds of historical artworks from European art to Asian art. Walk inside to the garden and take a walk across the pond. Such a serene place and quiet spot to relax. Have fun exploring everything it has to offer and go back in time to see the classic pieces of art that will leave you intrigued to learn more about the history of it. It’s such a colorful place and I’m in love with it!

Hands down my favorite museum. So many gorgeous, iconic works of art and sculpture, as well as a beautiful and relaxing garden. I absolutely love this place.

The online videos about art exhibits are delicately constructed. This museum is overall very well maintained and is a must-go in the old town area. Content is rich. The garden is extraordinarily beautiful and zen.

Gorgeous museum with so many pieces to study, even the outdoor resting area is lovely to look at. I came here for my best friends birthday back in January and there was so much to look at on the first floor that we didnt even have time to make it to the second floor before we had to leave for dinner plans. Would love to visit again! And they have student discounts, but none of us had to pay! Super cool!

Quite a popular museum to visit, because we ended up spending 2 hours waiting to get in. Granted, the entry is the same for both museums - the illusions side and upside down city side. Anyways, its a cheaper price if you do both attractions, but you can choose to pay for one museum or the other. I ended up using a groupon deal, which involved standing in line and waiting to get in, but it might be worth it to purchase through their website to get a selected time-slot instead of waiting 2 hours in line. To each their own as well as what people desire in their day.

It was the first time visiting this beautiful place. The atmosphere was so nice. I really enjoyed observing the art. A lot of great artwork from different period of time. Free tickets for students and no parking fee. What a wonderful day! I’ll recommend this place to my friends.

An amazing display of art, culture and history from around the world. The paintings are not just beautiful they are works of some of the worlds most historic artist. The detail in the sculptures from Southeast Asia were some of my favorite pieces to photograph and sketch. Give yourselve time to walk the grounds and appreciate everything the Norton Simon Museum has to offer.

Great museum with thorough collection of art! Free audio tour with your own WiFi & headset. Very detailed explanation in writing or audio!

Fantastic Art Museum. Widest and most diverse art of the world. A personal collection shared for Anerica and Americans.

Spectacular, gorgeous grounds, green, shady, lots of trees. Wonderful collection of European and American paintings from the 1700, and 1800s among other works. Beautiful statuary. Clean and plentiful restrooms. Great little cafe outdoors on the main level with a good selection of beverages and food at fair prices. (Just dont dare bring a bottle of water or wrapped food into the museum itself, the sullen and stern museum watchers will have you immediately dispose of it or check it, neither option really fair in my opinion)Ample parking, much of it shaded by trees.Admission is a modest price.This is just a lovely place to visit.

This museum is a precious gem maintaining a permanent collection of important and famous artworks from different periods, schools and movements. It is also hosting very interesting and informative visiting exhibitions of unique art pieces from far away. The breathtaking garden and all the grounds around the main building are adorned with statues stimulating an environment of tranquility and joy for the creative soul. I am so happy having the opportunity going there frequently.

I was so close to so many revered works of art which I found to be interesting. Picasso, Monet and others were literally at my finger tips and the museum monitors remind you of that with an unprecedented hawkishness. The interior space flowed nicely and I enjoyed the lighting and spaciousness while exploring the works. I loved the outdoor garden/pond area with the mix of trees, plants and sculptures. Lastly, there are interesting sculptures and landscape on the buildings outer grounds. Overall a great experience!

Very interesting museum with paintings and statues. They have a lot of Europeans artists (French, Italian, German, Dutch, Spanish etc...). I recommend it.

My favorite museum, hands down. Sometimes I go just to enjoy the quiet, peaceful sculpture garden.

I love art of various sorts, Norton Simon is a great place to indulge my artistic side.

The Norton Simon is a pleasant surprise being a museum with such a robust collection found in a relatively low-key suburb. Right on Colorado Blvd, people drive past this hidden gem everyday and never know it’s there. One of my favorites is one of Rodin’s original Thinkers right outside along the street for the community to see. But it’s definitely worth a trip inside to see some really iconic artists in a uniquely intimate setting such as the Norton Simon.

Absolutely “must visit” place for all art lovers. Outstanding collection of European art of 14-20 centuries. Interesting Indian/Asian part (even though I’m not a fan of that kind of art it was really curious and educating). Also there is a lovely peaceful garden with lots of sculptures of Rodin and other masters. The price is reasonable - $15 for adults. Free parking. And yes, you’re gonna spend some money in that gift shop.

After experiencing many museums that Los Angeles had to offer, I realized that the Norton Simon Museum is greatly underrated. I was able to see some of the most celebrated and captivating works of art by many masters over many periods. Particularly some of the most detailed architectural paintings Ive ever seen. The lesser known works by masters like Degas, Picasso and Giovanni Antonio Canal draw you in and show you something unexpected. Careful consideration and meticulous planning show in spades as you flow from room to room gradually navigating through time. Not to mention it has the best museum store around. Imagine a Degas painting of lilies, now that is what greets you as you enter the sculpture garden. The trees provide ample strolling shade making it very peaceful. Grab a snack or coffee and sketch some of the beautiful scenery.

The beauty of the Norton Simon, is it it can be seen in a roughly three hour. And you wont feel like youre missing anything at all. They have a beautiful collection of Eastern art in the basement, Western and Dutch Masters above, and a wing of modern art. With an impressive collection of impressionist artists. A three hour visit is my recommendation, that gives you an idea of of what the collection is about and gives you time to enjoy a rest in the garden and a glass of wine. Ching ching

Awesome exhibits. Lots of information. Reasonable price for entrance.

The Academy of Sciences has always been one of my favorite museums in the city. Since its reopening Ive visited many times during the day, and finally I had the chance to check out nightlife this past summer. Its basically the same museum plus alcohol, a DJ, and no kids running around. Awesome.

A quaint museum with impressive collection especially if you’re a fan of Degas. They have a little of something from other great artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir ... but their most prized artwork is perhaps Van Gogh’s “The Mulberry Tree.” Add some oriental treasures too.There is a cafe overlooking the sculpture garden with a pond and some wandering ducks which the kids will like.Currently, some of their reserved French collection are on display.

Went twice each a year apart and both times it was a great experience. The art works are stunning and wonderful to study. It is quiet and respectful. I spent hours there just look and studying the amazing art this museum has to offer. Would definitely recommend to an art lover.

A nice experience in the Pasadena area. I very much enjoyed the impressionist art section and the outdoor sculptures

Felt so good to spend whole day at this museum in Pasadena. Has insane number of exhibits. We got so tired, covering all the items.. for full day... and our excitement helped us overcome the leg pain !

The last time I stepped foot inside this building, I was probably wearing a school uniform, scared by the two-headed snake, enchanted by the gem room, and transfixed by the African room. Needless to say, there was no DJ, cocktails, or even an albino alligator then. And I have to admit, these things make an already cool experience even cooler! Plus, Im a grownup now and I can spend as much time in the African room as I want without being shooed along by the teacher.

The collection is very nice but probably the most pretentious museum staff I have come across. Dont dare have lunch on their property or the guards will shoo you off. Once inside you have to check your back pack quickly or they will be on you about that.The photos show a variety of brushwork.

Great museum, excellent work of Frank Gehry... incredible art collection...must see 7 stars!!!

Great museum! Lots of art from famous and not so famous.

Friendly staff and great pieces. Great for students as with ID it’s free - free parking as well, and nice walking area in the sculpture garden. Highly recommend!

Great collect of Dutch paiting. Headphone narration of select paintings helpful. Very organize and knowledge staffa and docents. Must have lunch at the garden cafe.

Its like my history textbook came alive here! So many wonderful pieces & exhibits to see! One thing Id like to suggest is mentioning to your security staff that its ok to smile & enjoy where you work :) I should would!

Love this museum! Excellent collection. We went to see the Titian Portrait of a Lady in White.

A wonderful, tranquile museum with beautiful exhibitions. Neatly tucked away in Old Town Pasadena, with a beautiful little garden to accompany it. Highly recommend!

Hidden Gem in the open and easily accessible. This museum is the perfect size with art from all the most famous painters of their time. Go enjoy yourself and have a bite to eat or drink in the outside cafe.

I had never heard about this museum until recently and I was surprised at the art collection they house. The building is beautiful and you cant beat the entrance fee to see such masterpieces. Will definitely visit again.

The Norton Simon Museum houses Rembrandts, Picassos, and Van Goghs in a beautiful and serene environment. The exterior garden is a fabulous place to hang out during the warmer spring/summer evenings.

This New Yorker thoroughly enjoyed the Norton Simon museum. Their permanent exhibit of South East Asian sculpture is wonderful and like nothin I’ve seen before.The grounds are beautiful which adds the to outdoor exhibit. The staff from security to the gift shop person were so incredibly helpful in offering information about the temporary exhibit, rare showing in the low light room to finding the bathroom.Monet’s The Artist’s Garden at Vetheuil surprisingly brought me to tears. Can Gogh’s The Mulberry Tree perfectly placed next to Van Gogh’s Portrait of a Peasant left me gazing for for quite a bit.I highly recommend an afternoon here with friends, family, children or solo.

Great time! I spent 2 hours and could have stayed 3. Beautiful grounds and sculpture gardens. I also had tomato bisque at their little cafe which was actually very good! Picaso, van Gough, degas were some of my favorites of course. But great temporary exhibit too. Would go back with visitors. Really enjoyed my visit

The Norton Simon offers an impressive variety of art. They try to underscore the transition of European art from the Late Middle Ages to the Contemporary World, include sculptures of Buddhist and Hindu icons primarily from South Asia, and their garden includes many exotic looking plants which glimmer at sunset.

I was very impressed with the documentary of Norton Simon in the in-house theater. This man was a remarkable human being and contributed beyond measure to the people of Pasadena greater Los Angeles and the world! The world class art collection that he amassed in his lifetime is formidable. I was also surprised to hear from one of the staff that this was only about a 3rd of the total Norton Simon collection that was on display at the time that I visited. The grounds are serene peaceful and inviting. I will definitely be back to spend more time in this beautiful place called the Norton Simon museum.

Beautiful museum with amazing gardens. Well worth the visit with an incredible collection of paintings. Loved it!

One of my favorite museums. I’ve visited for college projects and for pleasure. This place never disappoints. If you have a student ID you get in for free. Also, be aware that if you visit during a rainy day, you won’t be able to walk through the entire garden.

It is really nice museum in Pasadena.

One of the best museums around. Beautiful grounds with a very nice garden area. The art selection and quality is top of the line. There are world renown masterpieces here. Lots to see from different periods. Hard to see everything in one visit. Highly recommended.

Wonderful museum with a great collection of mainly Western art, especially Dutch golden age paintings, but also has a nice selection of Asian sculptural pieces. The sculpture garden is beautiful as well. highly recommend.

One of my favorite museums. There is a beautiful garden/cafe area that has lawns to sit on and a lily pond.Don’t miss the Asian collection downstairs which has a huge collection of religious artefacts from Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and more.Free student tickets too!

Love this museum. Has some incredible art collection. Wish they had more choices of food areas. There is just one. Nice outdoor patio sitting area.

Amazing collection of paintings, sculptures and Asian artifacts. The setting is a beautiful building in a lush garden. The museum rooms are spacious with seating to let you gaze and take in the paintings. There is a nice cafe in the garden. Parking is easy. Well worth a visit.

Amazing museum! They have a soothing nice cafe in the back where you can have great drinks and snacks. Its an excellent place for escape and admire breathtaking artworks by the old masters. Security is very tight here and with good reason. They are protecting and preserving millions worth of artwork from legendary artists from centuries ago. However, they are a very friendly staff. This is indeed one of the best museums in the nation.

The Norton Simon Museum is a must-see stop in Pasadena. Fine arts by the masters, exhibits on loan from other museums, and items from different periods are wonderfully displayed. See the video to learn about Norton Simon and how it all came to be. An audio tour is available, and visitors can sit outside after ordering from the restaurant.

Enjoyed spending few hours in galleries and a very nice light lunch in the Cafe which is outside by a lovely pond. Delightful day. Due to holiday, they were out of the free guide/map in English.

Lovely museum in Pasadena with a very good selection of artwork. We went on a Friday afternoon, it was pretty busy, but no issues seeing what we wanted. We made a dinner reservation at Union afterwards, nearby and a great way to end our visit.

The best kept secret in Pasadena....simply amazing!!!, Incredible collection on superb masterpieces.

Price for adult admission is $15. Well worth the price. So much to see and explore. It has two floors and many artifacts on both. Theres a beautiful garden outside and its amazing in the fall. The leave colors look beautiful on the waters reflection as well. Wish I had more time. Reading the descriptions on the art is so worth it to get additional understanding. I usually do if its a piece that really catches my eye.

This museum is a must for anyone who loves art. It was surprising to discover all the treasures in this museum. There are works from Picasso, van Gogh, Cezanne, Warhol, and many other well-known artists. The works span periods from ancient to modern. There are sculpture gardens and a cafe as well. Its well worth the entry fee, and parking is free, a rarity in this area. Highly recommended.

Very gorgeous place, clean, security very tight, may use camera no flash didnt get chance see garden went to late

Surprisingly impressive art collection ranging from antiquities to modern art. Check out the abstract photography exhibit!

Small Jewel of a stunning museum. Dont miss the outside sculpture garden

A great collection of impressionist artists on the West Coast. Every trip turns up somet piece of arts that I overlooked. Each trip is a new experience to catalogue in my mental rolodex for years to come..Very impressive museum with a nicely maintain gardens and beautiful pond to calm your day.

Great art museum in a great location in LA area. Personally plan on going again because there’s so much to see, and the gardens were closed because of mud.

First time at any museum and I was so enthralled at all the stunning pieces of beauty!

I had never been to an art museum so I wasnt expecting much. I got the self audio tour they have and I think it helped a lot. I actually very much enjoyed my visit. Some great art and interesting facts from the audio tour I would have missed otherwise.

Great collection. Well curated in a nicely sized museum that is not too big as to be overwhelming and big enough that you will not see everything you want in a single visit.

I’m not familiar with Asian art, so much of the exhibition was totally a new experience, which I enjoyed. I love the Asian sculptures. Will definitely come again. The European art was very impressive too.

Great place to expand your mind, have a date, and grab some lunch.

Size of museum is about right. Big enough to contain impressive collection of famous artists from different styles and time, Renaissance, Impressionism, Abstractionism etc. Small enough, do not get tired! Also has cute little garden to refresh your feelings!

One of my favorite museums in LA. The garden is a tranquil retreat. You can get a glass of wine from the cafe and wander around. Both the permanent collections and special exhibitions never fail to impress.

Unusually pleasantly surprised found in Pasadena- impressive collection and eclectic mixture of both American&European art work!

Very interesting and deverse display of deutifle art work of all types

Excellent variety and quality of art.., nice little outside Cafe by a pond.... so relaxing. This museum is always a pleasure to visit.

Its free for students and thats awesome. Everyone is helpful and really nice. They have beautiful exhibits and free parking. I had to go here for a college assignment and excited to pay for parking and my ticket but parking was free and for students with valid ID the ticket was also free

Free for students w ID. Free parking for patrons in museum lot. Nice mix of sculptures, paintings, and history.

A wonderful way to spend a Saturday, as a member I’m constantly receiving updates on new events that are happening every month. These events could be opening of a new exhibit, a sketching class with an instructor, discount and sales on coffee table books or artist manifesto’s. It’s a very quiet museum, of course the impressionistic art is what most people go for, but I enjoy the more modern works.Take the time to walk outside and go around the little pond. The café outdoors has great seating, adequate wine for a good gossip session with your best friend.

A fine collection, from classical to modern, and a beautiful gallery space.

Excellent museum. Clean and well organized. Various types of art and artists displayed. Very nice outdoor pond and cafe.

A rich and varied collection in a really nice facility in the best part of greater Los Angeles. The commentary on the pieces is quite good, too.

One of the greatest collections of Modernist and 20th century paintings that you can see in Southern California, apart from the Getty. Definitely a must for date or just a break from the daily humdrum. Really loved the Matisse selections and amazing Van Goghs. $15 dollar cover charge, but free for students, teachers. Discounted rates for military personnel and seniors. Loved this museum so glad it calls Pasadena home.

Great museum. Loved it

Excellent museum. Not that big art museum but wonderful collections. Highly Recommended for everyone. Admission is $15 and money worth.

I have been to many Museums and remain an avid museum goer, but the Norton SImon Museum has always remained my favorite. Something about the location, building, and exhibits kept calling me back time after time. Such a wide variety of permanent exhibits and artifacts, pristine garden pond, and wonderful traveling exhibits.The layout of the museum feels like the biggest smallest museum you have ever been to. The Kandinsky and Picasso exhibits alone are worth the trip in my opinion. If you are in the Old Town Pasadena area it is a MUST to check out.

Love this place so much. Gorgeous collection, building, and grounds. Tasty, albeit expensive, cafeteria.

Great museum. Staff was a little too much! Dont wear your backpack like that, dont look, dont touch, dont breathe. Art was nice and loved the pond.

It was my first visit...The collection and the layout was impressive. Everything was well thought out. It is well worth a visit...loved it. The Norton Simon Museum is a small venue (say, compared to the Getty), however their exquisite collection of rare Japanese antiquities is a visual delight. Go during the week and youll miss the crowds, and dont forget to enjoy fine dining in the local Pasadena area!

Wonderful museum! I took one of my tutoring students there and we had a really good time!

Great! Me and my girlfriend are students and we were able to get in free! We were only able to spend about an hour and half here but we could have stayed so much longer.

Superb collection of art, so many original pieces you see in art history books to admire here!

Really refreshing museum with a lot of rare paintings from many time periods along with sculptures. Also hosts events -- randomly dropped into a screening of the 1950 French movie Orpheus, which was surprisingly good.

Museum just my size. Art work from 1400s to 1900s Triptych to modern. Outdoor restaurant and sculpture garden. Personal collection plus. And I loved the Degas casts.

Norton Simon Museum has one of the most impressive art collections in Los Angeles, CaliforniaIt contains progressive art exhibits as well as classic expressionist pieces from all over the world.

Amazing museum! Fantastic art and a beautiful area in the back to walk around and explore. And it’s free!

Excellent collections and nice outdoor scene. I went to see the classic Dutch art as well as Belle Époque art. The first half of this section was fairly unimpressive, featuring some sketches that pale in comparison to the next room, so I would advise pacing accordingly.

Great museum. Theyre a bit strict about what you can touch this and that... but hey its a museum...I liked it. I went with my boyfriend and we stayed and played chess after touring the museum. You could easily get lost here for four or five hours.

Splendid collection, on par with that of much larger museums in particular niche areas - for example they have a remarkable collection of Chola bronzes from South India in the basement. The museum is well organized, the descriptions of the items often well written, and there are garden areas with sculptures which are very pleasant on both ground and basement levels. The parking lot is spacious and makes a visit easy.

I love the NSM. Choice collection of Western and Asian arts. Calming to sit outside by the pond, or walk around. Some museums can be overwhelming with their size and amount of art on view. The NSM is just right in size on all counts.

Always a pleasure to visit the Norton Simon Museum. They have student discounts and free parking. There is a small but nice outdoor garden.

My resting place! Whenever I feel down, stressed, or need inspiration, I come here. It is full of European paintings and Asian art. I prefer French painters so this place is a good fit.It is free for students with valid ID and I would recommend getting a membership if you come here often.The outdoor garden/cafe area is small but beautiful. I like to stroll around the garden when I need a break from studying art. Ive been coming here for years and have never been disappointed.

A chance to see in LA the classic paintings you learned about in Art History class: Rembrandt Gauguin Van Gogh Rodin,school of Caravaggio. Its small enough that you can take it all in. I love the Norton Simon!

Wow!!!!!! Incredible collection of art highly recommend this place.

If you like art and bronze statues you will definately love this museum. Outstanding collection that is in par with both Getty museums.