About Norton Simon Museum
Industrialist Norton Simon's astonishing personal collection of European, South Asian and Southeast Asian art — a must-see for any visitor to LA.
Founded in 1969, Norton Simon Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 57 years. Today it draws approximately 220,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in Pasadena, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 3,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Norton Simon Museum ranks #168
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #168 in our composite ranking, Norton Simon Museum represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2 hours, planning your route through Norton Simon Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Madonna and Child with Book (Raphael)
- ◆Self-portrait (Rembrandt)
- ◆Indian sculpture
- ◆Sculpture garden
- ◆Van Gogh portrait of his mother
Recognition & awards
Norton Simon Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Mon, Thu, Sat–Sun 11:00–17:00, Fri 11:00–19:00. Closed Tue–Wed.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Norton Simon Museum is located in Pasadena, United States at coordinates 34.1456°N, -118.1591°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Norton Simon Museum
Norton Simon Museum was established in 1969, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Pasadena. With 220,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Americas region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like Norton Simon Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Norton Simon Museum?
Mon, Thu, Sat–Sun 11:00–17:00, Fri 11:00–19:00. Closed Tue–Wed. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Norton Simon Museum?
Most visitors recommend spending 2 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Norton Simon Museum located?
Norton Simon Museum is located in Pasadena, United States. The exact coordinates are 34.1456°, -118.1591°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Norton Simon Museum known for?
Hidden gem of Los Angeles. Key highlights include Madonna and Child with Book (Raphael), Self-portrait (Rembrandt), Indian sculpture. The museum holds a 4.8/5 rating from 3,500 reviews.
How many people visit Norton Simon Museum each year?
Norton Simon Museum receives approximately 220,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was Norton Simon Museum founded?
Norton Simon Museum was founded in 1969, making it 57 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
