The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena recently marked its 50th anniversary with a significant $15 million renovation. This extensive upgrade included rebuilding and modernizing the museum's gardens and its distinctive facade, which prominently faces Colorado Boulevard, a key location during the annual Rose Parade.
The museum, known for its serene environment and exceptional art collection, offers visitors a unique cultural experience. It stands as a testament to the vision of industrialist Norton Simon, who transformed the financially struggling Pasadena Art Museum into a world-class institution.
Key Takeaways
- The Norton Simon Museum completed a $15 million renovation for its 50th anniversary.
- Upgrades focused on the gardens and the iconic facade facing Colorado Boulevard.
- The museum houses about 1,000 pieces on display from a total collection of 12,000 objects.
- Recent acquisition includes a rare Edgar Degas bronze sculpture, the first purchase in 18 years.
- Highlights include works by Rembrandt, Rodin, Picasso, and extensive South Asian sculptures.
A Legacy of Art Collection
Los Angeles boasts a rich array of art museums, largely due to the collecting efforts of 20th-century industrialists and bankers. Norton Simon exemplifies this trend. He leveraged his success in the food production industry, which began with a juice processing plant in Fullerton and grew into the Hunt-Wesson Foods conglomerate, to amass an impressive art collection.
In 1975, Simon took over the Pasadena Art Museum, a critically acclaimed but financially challenged institution. His passion for art and artists drove him to acquire a diverse range of masterpieces, blending his collection with that of the existing museum.
Quick Facts
- Total Objects: The museum holds 12,000 art objects in its collection.
- On Display: Approximately 1,000 pieces are currently exhibited.
- Renovation Cost: $15 million was invested in the 50th-anniversary upgrades.
The museum's chief curator, Emily Talbot, emphasized the institution's commitment to quality and visitor experience.
“The quality of the collection is unmatched, and I think we feel really proud of the really serene, spacious environment that we provide for looking at art,” Talbot stated.This focus ensures that guests can appreciate the art in a calm and uncrowded setting.
New Acquisitions and Notable Works
For its 50th anniversary, the museum celebrated with more than just renovations. It also made a significant new acquisition, the first in 18 years: a roughly 1-foot-tall bronze sculpture by Edgar Degas titled "Arabesque over the right leg, left arm in front." This piece is particularly meaningful given Norton Simon's long-standing admiration for Degas's dancer sculptures.
Simon had acquired an almost complete set of Degas's late 19th-century sculptures in 1977, missing only two. The recent acquisition brings the museum closer to completing that collection. The bronze sculpture is described as a "sculptural sketch," offering insight into Degas's artistic process and his exploration of movement and the human form.
The Simon Collection Story
Norton Simon's journey into art collecting began with a small juice plant and grew into a vast food empire. His business acumen translated into his art acquisitions, leading him to collect works from diverse periods and cultures. The museum today reflects his eclectic taste, showcasing everything from Old Masters to contemporary art.
Beyond Degas, the museum features iconic works such as Auguste Rodin's "The Thinker," which was recently moved to a new location on the museum grounds as part of the renovation. Visitors can also admire paintings by Rembrandt, abstract expressionist Helen Frankenthaler, and a wide array of centuries-old sculptures from India and Cambodia.
Picasso's Masterpiece and Artistic Dialogue
A highlight of any visit is Pablo Picasso's "Woman with a Book," a 4-foot by 3-foot painting. This masterwork is believed to draw inspiration from Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres's 19th-century painting, "Madame Moitessier." Picasso updated the composition with vibrant colors and a more sensual representation of the subject.
Talbot explained that Picasso not only adapted another painter's composition but also embraced different color choices.
“In this particular painting, we have a palette that was really inspired by his friend Henri Matisse,” she noted, referring to the strong reds, blues, and soft pastels.This illustrates Picasso's famous quote: "Good artists copy, great artists steal."
A Unique Chess Set and South Asian Art
Upon entering the museum, guests are greeted by a remarkable 1850 chess set, crafted from wood and ivory. Norton Simon acquired this set in India during his honeymoon with actor Jennifer Jones. It represents his first foray into South Asian art collecting, a passion that subsequently expanded to include sculptures and paintings from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Burma, and Laos.
The chess set is arranged to depict move No. 12 of an epic 1855 game played between a Bengali player and a Scottish chess master. This unique display offers a glimpse into both art history and the history of games, with pieces like camels and elephants replacing traditional rooks and bishops in the Indian version of chess.
Planning Your Visit
The Norton Simon Museum provides a more intimate viewing experience compared to larger institutions like the Getty or LACMA. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a focused and contemplative engagement with art.
Here are some essential details for planning your visit:
- Address: 411 West Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
- Phone: (626) 449-6840
- Hours:
- Sunday, Monday, Thursday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Friday, Saturday: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday, Wednesday: Closed
- Admission: $20 for adults. Free for visitors 18 and under, and students with ID. Admission is also free for all visitors on the first Friday of every month from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Parking: Free on-site parking is available.
The museum continues to be a vital cultural landmark, offering both historical depth and contemporary relevance through its carefully curated collection and beautifully maintained grounds.