Norton Simon Museum

The basics

The Simon's treasures include modern and contemporary works, as well as a slew of European paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries (including three of Rembrandt's most famous). But it's the comprehensive South and Southeast Asian collections that draw the most attention. Several controversial pieces may or may not have been smuggled into the US by temple plunderers, including a 10th-century Indian figure called the Sivapuram Nataraja. The rotating displays of Japanese woodblock prints belong to a collection that Simon purchased from a cash-strapped father of eight, architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The art continues out in the garden, where bold bronzes like Henry Moore's 1966 Draped Reclining Woman are set among fragrant patches of lavender, a eucalyptus grove, and 180 species of plants.

Things to know before you go

• Admission is free for visitors under the age of 18.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis from the information desk.

• A café and store are on-site.

• Large bags and personal items should be left in your car or checked at the entrance.

How to get there

The Norton Simon Museum is in Pasadena along Colorado Boulevard. While the easiest way to get there is by driving (parking is free), public buses including numbers 10, 180/181, 256, and 780 also stop nearby.

When to get there

The museum is open Thursday to Monday, with extended evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays. It tends to be quietest on weekday afternoons. Come on a clear day to enjoy the outdoor garden areas.

Tours of the collection

While the Norton Simon Museum can be visited independently, visitors can learn more about the collection by taking a guided tour. Museum docents lead a variety of tours and talks throughout the week, some focusing on a specific topic, like 17th-century Dutch art or prints of the Belle Époque. Audio tours are also available in English and Spanish.