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All 33 Pasadena Attractions »

Norton Simon Museum

411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105
626-449-6840
Ranked #1 of 25 attractions in Pasadena
4.5 of 5 stars 103 Reviews
Type: Art Museums
Owner description: The Norton Simon Museum is known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. Over a 30-year period,...... more » Owner description: The Norton Simon Museum is known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. Over a 30-year period, industrialist Norton Simon (1907–1993) amassed an astonishing collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century and a stellar collection of South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. Modern and Contemporary Art from Europe and the United States, acquired by the former Pasadena Art Museum, also occupies an important place in the Museum’s collections. « less
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103 reviews from our community

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Geneva, Switzerland
Top Contributor
83 reviews 83 reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

Marvellous! Better than an ordinary museum: you discover here the passion of a great man. You can spend hours and hours here to admire the collection of world-class masterpieces assembled with passion and perfect taste by the former owner of Max Factor, Canada Dry and Avis. Superb presentation of French works, esp. Degas. You can photograph all what you want.... More

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See 2 more reviews by akhenaton2 for Pasadena
Goleta, California
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

A range of artwork from 17th century Euro onward, includes a little traditional Asian art and modern art. Lots of Degas sculptures and paintings, Rodin outside the front entrance and a lovely sculpture garden and pond in the rear. More

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New York City, New York
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012 NEW

Terrific selection of art - we browsed only the 19th and 20th century art, of which there is a world-class selection, and the sculpture garden which is very picturesque in the California light. There is a good wing with Asian and world art as well. Ideal for a couple of hours browsing and quiet thought, or a romantic stroll in... More

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Pasadena
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

I love the Getty for its few pieces of great art, but the Norton Simon museum shows that he was a collector. There are great collections of specific areas of art which show the progress and change. Worth spending a few hours. More

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See 3 more reviews by TimPas for Pasadena
Flagstaff, Arizona
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012

The museum is small but carries an impressive collection of paintings, sculpture, and botanical gardens. A restful walk on a quiet afternoon, great for meditation and contemplation. More

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Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

Mr Simon had a huge ego and a huge pile of cash which was a win-win for Pasadena. He purchased the best of the best and it's all here, very accessible and glorious. Early Christian Icons! Lucas Cranach! Picasso! More Van Gogh's than you can shake a stick at! The Getty Center's art collection seems amateurish in comparison. The Asian... More

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Curitiba, PR
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

Great masterpieces in a amazing place. Take an entire day to have enough time to visit it. More

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See 3 more reviews by Claudia_vegacabrera for Pasadena
Pasadena, California
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2012

This museum may not be the largest one in the country, but the selection of exhibits is first rate. The grounds are beautiful as well. More

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See 4 more reviews by Cecil R for Pasadena
Los Angeles, California
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2012

i've been to a lot of art museums....nothing has ever surpassed my feeling of this collection More

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See 3 more reviews by Amy0328 for Pasadena
Sacramento, California
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2012

Fantastic collection of impressionist painting and sculptures. Rembrandts & Van Goghs will impress. Lovely sculpture garden and lily pond. Great gift shop. Parking lot is free. More

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