Top 9 Art Museums In Pasadena, California

Published Nov 18, 2020

Situated to the northeast of Los Angeles downtown, Pasadena is a city full of charm and filled with “happy little trees.” This city offers everything you are looking for a relaxing day, from attractions to activities, and more. The real drawcard of this city is the friendly locals who welcome everyone with a great smile. If you fancy a little bit of shopping, the Old Pasadena is home to plenty of shops and stores. Plus, there are a plenty of restaurants and cafes, too. If you love art, Pasadena is a living museum itself, with Victorian and art deco architecture everywhere. Luckily, Pasadena has several world-class museums that will inspire you. Whether you are looking to learn about the rich history of the city or are into folk and contemporary art, you’ll find something to suit your taste in Pasadena’s museums. Here’s a rundown of the top art museums in Pasadena, California.

1. Norton Simon Museum

Source: Photo by Flickr user Isabelle Acatauas... used under CC BY 2.0

Editor’s note: This museum is temporarily closed due to COVID-19

Situated close to the Gamble House, Norton Simon Museum is a wonderful spot to start your crash course into Pasadena’s art and culture. It has a gorgeous and manicured garden with a pond, where you can sit and admire the scenery all day. It features a vast collection of artwork by famous artists of all time, including Picasso, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and more. From Asian art to European paintings and sculptures, modern and contemporary exhibits, this museum is a treasure trove for art lovers.

Norton Simon Museum

Address: 411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA, United States
Website: Norton Simon Museum
Opening hours: Fri & Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun - Thu: 11am - 5pm (closed on Tue)

2. USC Pacific Asia Museum

Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Minnaert used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Editor’s note: This museum is temporarily closed due to COVID-19

Another interesting museum in Pasadena is the USC Pacific Asia Museum. The museum’s goal is to create an inspiring environment by allowing everyone to experience the beauty and story behind every artwork. They have a varied collection of art and artifacts, which are around 17,000 objects or more from all around Pacific Asia. They also promote plenty of talents and artists by launching contemporary art exhibitions. Meanwhile, their beautiful courtyard area has a relaxing koi pond, which is a great spot for relaxation.

USC Pacific Asia Museum

Address: 46 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA, United States
Website: USC Pacific Asia Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 5pm; Thu: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: from 7 USD

3. Finnish Folk Art Museum

Pasadena Museum of History - Finnish Folk Art Museum interior

Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jllm06 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Editor’s note: This museum is temporarily closed due to COVID-19

The moment you step onto the Finnish Folk Art Museum’s premises, you will be amazed by everything in there. It is situated within the territory of Fenyes Mansion, which shows the lifestyle of a traditional and rich Pasadena local. The museum features original Finish artifacts from the old-charm farmhouse dating back to the 19th century. This museum is the only museum of its kind in the United States. Our advice? Don’t forget to bring your camera and take as many photos as you can.

Finnish Folk Art Museum

Address: Pasadena, CA 91103, United States
Website: Finnish Folk Art Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

4. Armory Center for the Arts

Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Armory Center for... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Editor’s note: This museum is temporarily closed due to COVID-19

Armory Center for the Arts is consistently known as a big contributor to South California’s art education. It is a non-profit organization, which is committed to showcasing talents with its contemporary art exhibits, hosting events, and art classes. The organization also takes pride in producing public programs, from meaningful talks to performances, and more. This is the place to visit if you are interested in Pasadena’s contemporary visual art. Moreover, this place will bring your hidden artistic side. The best part? Admission is free of charge - always!

Armory Center for the Arts

Address: 145 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States
Website: Armory Center for the Arts