Norton Simon Museum Los Angeles – Gorgeous art collection

This Pasadena museum is an absolute gem containing pieces from Monet, Picasso, Degas, and a gorgeous collection of South and Southeast Asian paintings and sculpture. The layout is beautiful, spacious, elegant even; it’s easy to take a relaxed walk and appreciate each piece, as well as venture outdoors to the sculpture garden to get fresh air and a bite to eat at the cafe.

You can calmly go through everything in a few hours, so you don’t feel overloaded. Random thought: whoever selected the bits of information to include on the exhibit labels—excellent job. No boring, humdrum facts, but fun anecdotes that give us insight into that moment in time. I don’t think I’ve ever been more relaxed at a museum. It might be my favorite.

I’ve seen Van Gogh’s Portrait of a Peasant many, many times in art books. I never cared for it much. However, seeing it in person…I was blown away by the vibrant colors, the textures, the strokes… the red used in his eyes, the stunning turquoise, and elements of texture that can only be appreciated in person. Simply beautiful.

I recommend checking the "Events and Programs" part of the website to see what else may be going on, especially during the summer. There are summer concerts, art classes, and family friendly activities.

Parking is easy and free.