Children's Museums

Norton Simon Museum

Name: Norton Simon Museum
Address: 411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105, Pasadena, CA, US
Telephone: (626) 449-6840
Rating: 4.8

★★★★☆ 4.8 (3412 reviews)

📍 411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105

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Quick Facts

⭐Norton Simon Museum offers free admission to all visitors age 18 and under, as well as to students with valid ID, making it exceptionally accessible to younger audiences and students
⭐The museum features works by major artists including Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh, with enough depth that visitors report being able to explore the collection multiple times and still discover new works
🏛️The museum celebrated its 50th anniversary with a newly opened garden area featuring walking paths with plants and statues, indicating significant recent expansion and ongoing development
⭐Norton Simon Museum offers specialized interactive programs including plein-air watercolor painting tours, where visitors can paint outdoors, and storytelling through picture frames, demonstrating an unconventional educational approach to art appreciation

💡Plan multiple visits to fully experience the collection—reviewers note the museum has impressive depth with works by Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh, with enough content that you can explore thoroughly and still have new pieces to discover on return visits.
💡Don't skip the garden area, especially after its recent renovation for the 50th anniversary—visitors highlight the beautiful walking paths, plants, and statues as a relaxing complement to the indoor galleries.
💬Take advantage of free admission on First Fridays and for visitors under 18, students with ID, and members. At $20 for adults and $15 for seniors, it's reasonably priced for a world-class collection, making membership potentially valuable for repeat visitors.
💬Arrive with at least 2 hours to explore comfortably, and plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before closing time if you're a non-member without advance tickets, as final entry has restrictions.
💡Participate in the interactive offerings like art-making workshops, plein-air watercolor painting tours, and panel discussions to deepen your understanding of the impressionist and modern works on display.