THE NORTON SIMON MUSEUM

The history of the Norton Simon Museum begins with the Pasadena Art Institute. The Institute was founded in 1922 and incorporated two years later on August 14, 1924 as a privately endowed, nonprofit institution. Originally comprised of local citizens, the primary goals of the Institution were to establish and maintain a museum and library of art as well as encourage the study of fine arts.

The Norton Simon Museum is housed in a unique building originally designed by architects Ladd & Kelsey in 1969, with recently updated interiors by Frank O. Gehry & Associates. The museum boasts a truly beautiful garden, inspired by Monet’s Giverny. The museum is a Pasadena Landmark and promotes art education through a variety of programs The Museum holds one of the world’s finest and most prestigious collection of art, Reflecting the extraordinary effort and vision of its founder, it stands as a tribute to Human civilization, the visual arts, and the nobility of individual accomplishment.

The permanent collection consists of Western and Asian art from a period spanning more than 2, 000 years. European and American masterpieces including paintings, sculptures, works on paper and photography are complemented by stunning art works from India and South East Asia. The Museum holds extensive print collection, which includes rare etchings by Rembrandt and Goya as well as a comprehensive collection of Picasso Graphics.