Art Anyone?

Day 40: of 365 things to do in Pasadena™ send us to the Norton Simon Museum.

Yes, it’s that building you see every New Year’s Day with the lovely Rose floral arrangement, leading the way into Old Town Pasadena.

Here’s an interesting museum anecdote for you-“Throughout the Great Depression, the staff and trustees managed to pay for the upkeep of the property by selling grandstand seats for Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Parade.”

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 Originally made up  of  a group of local citizens, the primary goals of the Institution were to establish and maintain a museum and library of art as well as encourage the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 art.

Through the years, the museum went through quite a few name changes before it became what we now know as the Norton Simon Museum. If you have the opportunity read into the history of the museums coming of age, it is quite a unique story.

The Norton Simon Museum continues to hold true to its namesake’s vision while organizing exhibits which demonstrate the richness and history of the collections. As well as offering the community it serves a place to learn and grow with artistic knowledge.

Throughout the year the museum offers free family fun programs to engage and inspire the littlest artists. Activities include a family festival, as well as hands-on workshops,and family-related gallery tours.

A few of the upcoming family programs include a Family Art Night and Afternoon Story Telling.

For additional information on upcoming exhibits and events please contact 626.449.6840.

Do you have a favorite exhibit at the Norton Simon Museum or coming soon? If so we hope you will share your stories and pictures with us!

Visit 365 Things To Do In Pasadena®  for more fun activities in Pasadena California and surrounding neighborhoods.