The Norton Museum, Pasadena, is, without a doubt, the perfect size for us. Unlike the Louvre in Paris, which is so immense, you could spend a week and not see everything.
Even though there was a constant stream of people on this Friday evening, it was very relaxed. There was plenty of room to view the art with no rush and no pushing. All around people were admiring the beautiful works.
What’s Inside?
The bright, warm, open foyer greets you first and looks out onto the gardens where there is a sizeable pond. It almost draws you out immediately, but before exploring outside, we decided to head down the left wing.
Here there is a long corridor with paintings hanging along the walls. There was an occasional bench, where one could sit, ponder and soak up the moment.
After spending time gazing at my favourite artist, Monet, pieces and others, we returned to the foyer. Across the other side, there is a smaller corridor. More paintings adorned the surfaces of the walls with sporadic statues.
By the stairs, there was a large gift shop and bathroom facilities.
Our Favourite Spot
The Asian Artworks, located downstairs in the lower level, was our favourite section. If it were our first stop we would not have seen anything else. This section appealed to both of us. We would have liked to have spent more time taking in everything this space has to offer.
One of the rooms were filled with Buddhas and Hindu Gods perched around a large window inviting the outside gardens in. The tranquillity and peace we felt, tempted us to sit and let the world rush on.
The Gardens At The Norton Museum
There are several areas which make up the gardens. Amazing sculptures reside along the walking paths, under trees and around the large lily pond. If you have time, you can sit out on the patio of the coffee shop sipping a drink or having something to eat while taking in the beauty of the lush flora.
This, without question, is one of the more popular areas of the Norton Museum and you can see why.
There are sculptures placed along the lovely little pathway around the Lilly pond shoreline and it makes for a pleasant, relaxing stroll.
Our Takeaway
Norton Museum is one of those places that whether you’re into art or not, you will find something to your liking. Spend some time in the Buddha room, or take a quick and serene walk around the pond and view the statuaries outside. We thought two of the female statues looked a little tipsy and ended up in their positions on the ground because of it.
That is part of the fun I believe, make your interpretation of the work even if you’re the only one who thinks it. That is what leaves a lasting impression. Something I’m sure the artist creating the piece intended.
Go out and see something beautiful or unusual that makes you think. Let it pull you out of your regular train of thought and immerse you in a fantastic landscape, city street or situation.
After all, sometimes, it’s the little things that make the most significant impact on us and can inspire our creativity.
norton museum in a nutshell
- Address: 411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena
- The Museum’s parking lot is free of charge
- $5 per car per day to park in the Museum lot at 1501 S. Dixie Highway.
- Members – Free parking
- Opening hours:
- Mon, Wed and Thurs 12 pm – 5 pm
- Fri and Sat 11 am – 8 pm
- Sun 11 am – 5 pm
- CLOSED Tuesdays
- Admission:
- $15 – adults
- $12 – seniors
- Free – museum members. students with ID and everyone under 18 years
- Free to all visitors the first Friday of every month 5 pm – 8 pm
- Lockers are available for coats, umbrellas, bags and water bottles
- Backpacks of any size are not allowed
location
- For other places of interest in and around Pasadena, click the link below.
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