Norton Simon Museum Tours

Norton Simon Museum showing signage
Norton Simon Museum which includes a statue or sculpture
Norton Simon Museum showing a statue or sculpture
Norton Simon Museum showing a statue or sculpture
Norton Simon Museum featuring a statue or sculpture


Marvel at this museum’s exquisite collection of art, including ancient Southeast Asian artworks, sculpture gardens and exhibits of Europe’s greatest painters.

Experience some of history’s most influential artworks at the Norton Simon Museum, a gorgeous modernist complex in Pasadena California. This museum was constructed in 1969 to display the vast collection of Norton Simon. It contains one of the world’s most respected assemblages of art masterpieces.

Begin your tour on the lower level, which displays artifacts collected from South and Southeast Asia. See peaceful bronze Chola sculptures from India, religious paintings featuring Buddhist motifs and detailed Japanese woodblock paintings.

Upstairs, browse the early Renaissance galleries to see enthralling religious scenes depicted in oil by Botticelli and Raphael. Venture into the Baroque-era gallery to view pensive portraits by Rubens and Rembrandt, two masters of the 17th-century Flemish movement.

Step forward through time into the 19th-century Europe gallery to see displays of French Impressionism. Monet, Renoir and Degas are all well represented here alongside colorful post-impressionist pieces by Van Gogh and Cézanne. Experience their beautiful attempts to capture fleeting moments of the day.

Browse the contemporary gallery to experience works where vision and reality combine in explosive modern styles. Inspect the angular forms of Picasso’s cubist figures and decipher the exceptionally colorful expressions of Matisse. Pop art works by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein represent the development of materialist consumerism in the 20th century.

After a journey through art’s great moments, take a relaxing walk through the museum’s sculpture gardens, which feature gorgeous works in bronze, lead and marble around a scenic pond.

For the best experience of the museum, follow its award-winning audio tour which provides background information on over 400 pieces. Attend daily films or lectures at the Norton Simon Theater, which also hosts dance and orchestral performances. Visit the website for detailed schedules.

The Norton Simon Museum is just a short walk from Old Pasadena. Get here by car and use onsite parking or travel using public bus and train routes. The museum is open daily except Tuesdays and charges admission.

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Best Lodging Options Near Norton Simon Museum

Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town

Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town

4 out of 5
180 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA
Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town
The Westin Pasadena

The Westin Pasadena

4 out of 5
191 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA
The Westin Pasadena
Residence Inn Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town

Residence Inn Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town

3 out of 5
21 West Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA
Residence Inn Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town
Hilton Pasadena

Hilton Pasadena

4 out of 5
168 S Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA
Hilton Pasadena
Hotel Dena, Pasadena Los Angeles, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Hotel Dena, Pasadena Los Angeles, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

4 out of 5
303 Cordova St, Pasadena, CA
Hotel Dena, Pasadena Los Angeles, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
GreenTree Pasadena Inn

GreenTree Pasadena Inn

2 out of 5
400 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA
GreenTree Pasadena Inn
Hyatt Place Pasadena

Hyatt Place Pasadena

3 out of 5
399 E Green St, Pasadena, CA
Hyatt Place Pasadena
AC Hotel Pasadena

AC Hotel Pasadena

4 out of 5
19 S MADISON AVE, Pasadena, CA
AC Hotel Pasadena
The Patrician Hollywood Universal

The Patrician Hollywood Universal

4 out of 5
Patrician Way, Pasadena, CA
The Patrician Hollywood Universal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Norton Simon Museum

While exploring the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, visitors can enjoy various activities nearby, including the Kidspace Museum for family fun, exciting studio tours, and local theater performances. Don't miss the Pasadena Show for a taste of culture, and take a stroll along the vibrant boardwalk in Venice for a unique experience. There’s plenty to do and see in this artistic hub!

Food and drinks

For a taste of local wine, visit San Antonio Winery, 7 miles from the museum, offering a romantic atmosphere. If you're craving diverse cuisine, Govinda, located 16 miles away, provides a family-friendly vibe perfect for all occasions.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Grand Central Market, featuring a variety of local vendors and eateries, located 8 miles from Norton Simon Museum. If you're up for a drive, check out Universal CityWalk, 11 miles away, offering family-friendly entertainment and diverse shopping options.

Recreation

At Norton Simon Museum, enjoy a relaxing session at Happy Feet Massage, just 2 miles away, where you can indulge in soothing body treatments. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Scholl Canyon Golf Club, 3 miles away, offers beautiful greens and a refreshing golfing experience amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Irwindale Speedway, located 10 miles from Norton Simon Museum, perfect for adrenaline junkies. Alternatively, explore the scenic Mount Lowe Railway trail, 5 miles away, for a refreshing hike surrounded by nature. For indoor excitement, try Racer's Edge Indoor Karting, also 10 miles away.

Nightlife

In Pasadena, the Griffith Observatory offers stunning night views and educational shows, perfect for families. Dolby Theatre provides a cultural and romantic atmosphere with live performances, while TCL Chinese Theatre invites you to enjoy classic films in a historic setting, making for a delightful evening experience.

Find the best attractions near Norton Simon Museum

If you're visiting the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California, you'll find a variety of attractions nearby that cater to culture enthusiasts and families. Explore the urban parks, nearby colleges and universities, or take a trip to the beach. While you're in the area, consider looking for motels close to the museum to enhance your stay and fully enjoy the vibrant city experience that Pasadena has to offer.

  • Universal Studios Hollywood: Experience the magic of movies at this iconic theme park, just 11 miles from Norton Simon Museum. Enjoy thrilling rides, live shows, and immersive attractions that bring your favorite films to life, making it a perfect family-friendly destination.
  • Rose Bowl Stadium: Located just 1 mile away, this historic sports venue is renowned for its rich culture and thrilling sporting events. Catch a game or take a guided tour to explore the legacy of this iconic stadium, which hosts the famous Rose Bowl football game and various concerts.
  • Los Angeles Convention Center: Situated 10 miles from the museum, this bustling event venue is the heart of business and innovation in LA. Attend conferences, exhibitions, or trade shows, and experience the dynamic energy of one of the city’s key business hubs.

Best time to go to Norton Simon Museum

Visitor numbers around Norton Simon Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Norton Simon Museum is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Norton Simon Museum

To save money on your trip to Norton Simon Museum, consider visiting during the off-peak months of November to January when hotel prices are lower. Explore free nearby attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Echo Park Lake. Book your hotel about a month in advance to secure better rates, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn cash for future bookings. Don’t forget to compare hotel reviews and rates to find the best options for your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Norton Simon Museum are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Norton Simon Museum about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool empowers you to choose your budget, preferred destination, and additional criteria. You can easily sort the results from the lowest to highest prices, helping you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by bundling your hotel stay at the Norton Simon Museum with your flights and activities by choosing an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.