Amazing gem of an extensive art collection,hidden in an modernist building. Check the gardens.
Francis Unson
Bookmark their website and add their socials so you can keep up with rotating exhibitions.
Gene R J
This cafe has a nice menu with seating and tables in view of the long lily pond bordered with bronze statues.
eduardo wolf
It had a lot of ham I wish the ham was cooked.They put very little tomato inside for 12 dollars (not including tax) I expected more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 3
Nevin A.
It is a nice café in Norton Simon Museum. You can stop by for a drink or to have a quick snack. The café has beer, wine, Italian Sodas, and other drinks, ice cream, pastries, and a solid menu of soups, salads and sandwiches. We ordered: - The Vegan: 5/5 Roasted eggplant, Zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and garlic aioli in French baguette. It was very savory and well seasoned. - Italian Sub 5/5 Very delicious too - Lavender Italian soda and some snacks The service was excellent. The employees were very attentive and friendly. It was nice to relax for a couple of minutes , have some fresh air and get some energy before going back to the museum and enjoy the rest of the visit.
Adam G.
so much potential here, but it really ends up being a mixed bag. First off, the Van Gogh garden was closed because it had rained the night before, but the ground was stone-dry by the daytime (it's summer in LA, trust me it was drier than a brick by the time we were there). The greeter/host however was spectacular and warned us ahead of time and he was just beyond charming. Then we tried to get a photo in front of the closed gardens, so we could at least have a memento, but the staff refused to take one for us. Which fine, not the greatest experience for the price, but then we had a few of their staff kind of follow us around, maybe they thought we were going to go through the side doors to the closed garden? No idea. Either way, it was the opposite of welcoming. The art is fine, the museum itself is fine. The staff however are truly not inclined to make it an enjoyable experience with the exception of the greeter who deserves a raise. I have zero desire to return.
Gerry B.
Degas, Monet, Manet, Rembrandt and Picasso masterpieces originals! Cheap entrance for all the depth of original art. A few visits to capture the garden and various exhibits.
Martin R.
The Norton Simon museum is a favorite destination in the city, housing some true favorite, important permanent pieces along with temporary exhibitions. The best thing about the NS is its accessibility. An art museum should be part of the community. It shouldn't be a destination that needs excessive planning and then hours and hours of walking once a year. Have an hour? Drive on over, park in the lot and visit some favorite pieces of art. Walk in the garden, gaze at some sculpture, have a cold drink. Then get on with your day. Museums like this allow us to weave our love of art into every day life. If you want to stay longer, no problem the museum's collections are very manageable. If you live nearby, become a member.
Sputnik S.
The Norton Simon is not family/child friendly. We were denied entry because my child was holding a soft bouncy ball that he has security attachments to. I imagine if your child has attachment to an item due to special needs they will not let you in so save yourself the trip. Staff just ignored me & shrugged when I advocated for my child . The Broad & Huntington Library are much more family & especially child friendly. I used to love this museum, Im disgusted by his we were treated.
Sunny T.
Love this museum. Only bad part is the drive out there from OC. It is an hour away but at the end it is all worth it. Love browsing all the masterpieces on display. There are massive collections of Southeast Asian artifacts (Norton Simon's second wife actress Jennifer Jones was particularly interested in religions & cultures of Southeast Asian countries) displayed on the lower level. If you love Rococo & Impressionist art, you are going to love the museum. (Lots of French & Dutch artists) My mom being Degas lover enjoyed the exhibition very much. The museum is intimate enough for you to feel comfortable (not the Getty scale big) but you can also be immersed (pace around at your own speed, not as many folks here) in the art for a long while here too. The little lotus pond with sculptures in the garden feels tranquil. Take a stroll out & say hello to the geese family. On my visit, I saw a mama goose nesting by the pond. The cafe outside actually offers very good quality snacks/food & beverages (including wine). My favorite was the tomato soup & grill cheese!! Parking is free and attendents are very friendly. They do show short film about the history of Norton Simon at the theatre so check it out if you have some time to spend there. Admission was $15 for general, Seniors $12, & for Students with valid ID admission is FREE!!! I truly enjoyed & appreciated the collection of art Norton Simon has.
We came on a Sunday afternoon. Check in/ ticketing process was quick and easy. Lots of patrons but it didn't feel over crowded at all. The layout is amazing - between the museum and the outdoor sculpture garden, there's always something to explore/learn/admire. I like that it's not overwhelmingly large. My husband and I brought our 1 year old, and we had a great time. We also enjoyed a quick lunch at their cafe. All items tasted similar to food at Starbucks which was good enough. Service was excellent. Parking is free which is great. Totally recommend.
M A S
One of my favorite Los Angeles museums with art on par with the better European museums.Norton Simon has a huge art collection, about two-thirds of which is in basement storage.
BDarst
This is a great spot to stop and have a light lunch or a glass of wine while enjoying the sculptor garden at Norton Simon.
Alex J.
Went to the museum today and the galleries and exhibits were quite amazing to see. I did see some reviews regarding the gallery staff. I was near the Basal Panels today and there was a young Caucasian male with curly brown hair approximately 6'1" who looks like a college student that was there and made me feel very uncomfortable the way he was following me around. Unless there is some blatant touching of the art or stepping over the cables, the proximity is outside my own comfort zone and what I saw being displayed to other patrons. I would like to request that professional behavior is exhibited in the future for others.
Yellow R.
It was a rainy, iffy day in sunny California. What to do? We agreed that the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena would be perfect. It's located at the west end of Colorado Blvd. The small sign and driveway comes up quickly. Be on the alert as soon as you cross over the bridge. There was plenty of parking at 1:00 on this Sunday afternoon. I love the bronzes by Rodin as you approach the entrance. Sunday is not one of the freebie days, but the Senior Rate is $12.00. The new exhibit Expressive Women was on the lower level. I enjoyed the 19th and 20th century' wings the most. Paul Gauguin's Swineherd painting is on view. It's on loan from the LACMA. I am always amazed at a number of Picasso's paintings, that are considered masterpieces. Don't get it. He does have a varied style through the decades. The gardens were not open, the outside cafe was open, as is the bookstore. It's a encouraging sign. Was sorry to have missed the lecture.
Amazing gem of an extensive art collection,hidden in an modernist building. Check the gardens.
Bookmark their website and add their socials so you can keep up with rotating exhibitions.
This cafe has a nice menu with seating and tables in view of the long lily pond bordered with bronze statues.
It had a lot of ham I wish the ham was cooked.They put very little tomato inside for 12 dollars (not including tax) I expected more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 3
It is a nice café in Norton Simon Museum. You can stop by for a drink or to have a quick snack. The café has beer, wine, Italian Sodas, and other drinks, ice cream, pastries, and a solid menu of soups, salads and sandwiches. We ordered: - The Vegan: 5/5 Roasted eggplant, Zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and garlic aioli in French baguette. It was very savory and well seasoned. - Italian Sub 5/5 Very delicious too - Lavender Italian soda and some snacks The service was excellent. The employees were very attentive and friendly. It was nice to relax for a couple of minutes , have some fresh air and get some energy before going back to the museum and enjoy the rest of the visit.
so much potential here, but it really ends up being a mixed bag. First off, the Van Gogh garden was closed because it had rained the night before, but the ground was stone-dry by the daytime (it's summer in LA, trust me it was drier than a brick by the time we were there). The greeter/host however was spectacular and warned us ahead of time and he was just beyond charming. Then we tried to get a photo in front of the closed gardens, so we could at least have a memento, but the staff refused to take one for us. Which fine, not the greatest experience for the price, but then we had a few of their staff kind of follow us around, maybe they thought we were going to go through the side doors to the closed garden? No idea. Either way, it was the opposite of welcoming. The art is fine, the museum itself is fine. The staff however are truly not inclined to make it an enjoyable experience with the exception of the greeter who deserves a raise. I have zero desire to return.
Degas, Monet, Manet, Rembrandt and Picasso masterpieces originals! Cheap entrance for all the depth of original art. A few visits to capture the garden and various exhibits.
The Norton Simon museum is a favorite destination in the city, housing some true favorite, important permanent pieces along with temporary exhibitions. The best thing about the NS is its accessibility. An art museum should be part of the community. It shouldn't be a destination that needs excessive planning and then hours and hours of walking once a year. Have an hour? Drive on over, park in the lot and visit some favorite pieces of art. Walk in the garden, gaze at some sculpture, have a cold drink. Then get on with your day. Museums like this allow us to weave our love of art into every day life. If you want to stay longer, no problem the museum's collections are very manageable. If you live nearby, become a member.
The Norton Simon is not family/child friendly. We were denied entry because my child was holding a soft bouncy ball that he has security attachments to. I imagine if your child has attachment to an item due to special needs they will not let you in so save yourself the trip. Staff just ignored me & shrugged when I advocated for my child . The Broad & Huntington Library are much more family & especially child friendly. I used to love this museum, Im disgusted by his we were treated.
Love this museum. Only bad part is the drive out there from OC. It is an hour away but at the end it is all worth it. Love browsing all the masterpieces on display. There are massive collections of Southeast Asian artifacts (Norton Simon's second wife actress Jennifer Jones was particularly interested in religions & cultures of Southeast Asian countries) displayed on the lower level. If you love Rococo & Impressionist art, you are going to love the museum. (Lots of French & Dutch artists) My mom being Degas lover enjoyed the exhibition very much. The museum is intimate enough for you to feel comfortable (not the Getty scale big) but you can also be immersed (pace around at your own speed, not as many folks here) in the art for a long while here too. The little lotus pond with sculptures in the garden feels tranquil. Take a stroll out & say hello to the geese family. On my visit, I saw a mama goose nesting by the pond. The cafe outside actually offers very good quality snacks/food & beverages (including wine). My favorite was the tomato soup & grill cheese!! Parking is free and attendents are very friendly. They do show short film about the history of Norton Simon at the theatre so check it out if you have some time to spend there. Admission was $15 for general, Seniors $12, & for Students with valid ID admission is FREE!!! I truly enjoyed & appreciated the collection of art Norton Simon has.
Restaurantji Recommends
We came on a Sunday afternoon. Check in/ ticketing process was quick and easy. Lots of patrons but it didn't feel over crowded at all. The layout is amazing - between the museum and the outdoor sculpture garden, there's always something to explore/learn/admire. I like that it's not overwhelmingly large. My husband and I brought our 1 year old, and we had a great time. We also enjoyed a quick lunch at their cafe. All items tasted similar to food at Starbucks which was good enough. Service was excellent. Parking is free which is great. Totally recommend.
One of my favorite Los Angeles museums with art on par with the better European museums.Norton Simon has a huge art collection, about two-thirds of which is in basement storage.
This is a great spot to stop and have a light lunch or a glass of wine while enjoying the sculptor garden at Norton Simon.
Went to the museum today and the galleries and exhibits were quite amazing to see. I did see some reviews regarding the gallery staff. I was near the Basal Panels today and there was a young Caucasian male with curly brown hair approximately 6'1" who looks like a college student that was there and made me feel very uncomfortable the way he was following me around. Unless there is some blatant touching of the art or stepping over the cables, the proximity is outside my own comfort zone and what I saw being displayed to other patrons. I would like to request that professional behavior is exhibited in the future for others.
It was a rainy, iffy day in sunny California. What to do? We agreed that the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena would be perfect. It's located at the west end of Colorado Blvd. The small sign and driveway comes up quickly. Be on the alert as soon as you cross over the bridge. There was plenty of parking at 1:00 on this Sunday afternoon. I love the bronzes by Rodin as you approach the entrance. Sunday is not one of the freebie days, but the Senior Rate is $12.00. The new exhibit Expressive Women was on the lower level. I enjoyed the 19th and 20th century' wings the most. Paul Gauguin's Swineherd painting is on view. It's on loan from the LACMA. I am always amazed at a number of Picasso's paintings, that are considered masterpieces. Don't get it. He does have a varied style through the decades. The gardens were not open, the outside cafe was open, as is the bookstore. It's a encouraging sign. Was sorry to have missed the lecture.