The museum was founded by industrialist Norton Simon, who famously used his fortune to acquire entire art collections rather than individual pieces.
The collection includes the 'Adam' and 'Eve' sculptures by Lucas Cranach the Elder.
The building's signature facade features a high-relief mural by artist Rudi Gernreich.
The museum holds over 1,000 works of art on display at any given time.
The museum's Impressionist collection was largely built by Simon in the 1970s after he acquired the Pasadena Art Museum.
The sculpture garden contains a large-scale collection of works by Auguste Rodin.
The museum features a rare, complete collection of Edgar Degas's bronze dancers.
The facility houses one of the most significant collections of Himalayan art in the United States.
The Norton Simon Museum holds one of the most comprehensive private art collections in the Western United States. The collection spans seven centuries of European painting and sculpture alongside significant Southeast Asian works. It features extensive holdings of Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo masterpieces, including works by Raphael, Rembrandt, and Goya. The museum contains a significant collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, notably by Degas, Manet, and Van Gogh. Its Asian collection includes sculptures from India, Cambodia, and Nepal dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 18th century CE. The museum grounds include a serene sculpture garden inspired by Monet’s Giverny. The facility was redesigned by architect Frank Gehry in the 1970s. It maintains a consistent exhibition rotation, highlighting works from its vast permanent inventory. It is located in Pasadena, California.
The lily pond in the outdoor sculpture garden during the late afternoon.
Prioritize the lower level galleries for a quieter experience with the Asian art collection.
Check the museum website for the current exhibition schedule, as the galleries rotate frequently.
Take time to walk the sculpture garden, which is rarely crowded compared to the main galleries.
Trying to see every gallery in one visit; the collection is too dense to appreciate properly in a single session.
Closed on Tuesdays.
No photography with flash or tripods; maintain a low voice volume; do not touch any artwork.
