What to Know Before You Go: Norton Simon Museum

All Consuming: Art and the Essence of Food at Norton Simon Museum (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

​Located in Pasadena, Norton Simon Museum is one of those hidden gems many don’t know about. I didn’t until a few years ago and though I live quite a distance away, I do try to visit when I can. The museum held a special preview for a new exhibit titled All Consuming: Art and the Essence of Food which I attended but the permanent collections here are fascinating too so I hope you do visit the premises anyway. 

Special previews are a great way to experience the museum. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

​As for the exhibit itself, it was in the lower section of the museum and about 60 paintings, photos, and works of art were organized strategically across three rooms, each in a theme related to food — Hunger, Excess, and Sustenance. The works were from the 1500s-1900s and looked at how artists depicted food culture in Europe. 

Spent the evening learning more about the special exhibit on view for a limited time. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

​We see food and drink in European art and some of the most famed pieces that catch our eye are ones that show tables laden with fruits and vegetables and meats, but this exhibit also showed works that depict the lack of food at times. Some of the pieces on display were created when the artists themselves were experiencing hunger. 

This cozy corner had a few fans. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

​The very last room offered some interaction to visitors with a reading area filled with cookbooks and other culinary publications. There was also a display wall where you can leave behind a recipe or other food and drink related artwork. Many pieces had a code next to them to scan for more information which is helpful.

Receptions and special programming are some of the best parts of museum events. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

​Works by Mexican, French, Dutch, English, Flemish, Spanish, and American artists were on display. The exhibition was organized by Assistant Curator Maggie Bell. A series of in-person and web-based programs and features including a few different tours and talks were offered as part of the exhibition. In general though I enjoy this venue for multiple reasons!

One of the pieces from the South and Southeast Asian collection. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

1. Free parking. If you've spent any time in Los Angeles, you know parking is a topic here. If venues provide free parking, that's a plus in my list. 
2. I forget which days but check their site before you visit. There are certain times when the venue is free and open to the public. Even otherwise, their admission fee is minimal and they have quite a few different categories they provide free admission to including caregivers and museum colleagues.
3. This is one of the few American museums and maybe just a handful in the LA area that has a permanent South and Southeast Asian collection. It's located on the lower level here. See some of my favorite pieces above and below!

Another interesting piece from the Southern Asian collection. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

4. The sculpture garden here is one I enjoy browsing through as well. They do sometimes have to close the area for events or due to inclement weather but on a nice sunny California day, it's a lovely spot for a little me-time, beverage from the cafe, or indulge in a book. 
5. Diego Rivera. They have the girl with lilies painting on display here by the famed Mexican artist. It's quite something to view up close. 
6. Events and tours. They have a ton of special programming here so if it were up to me, I'd say plan around spending a few hours here and also attending one of their special events.

Sneak peek of the sculpture garden. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

7. The website also has so much information that is great additional reading. And their on-site audio tour is recommended as well. It's nice to listen to some of the commentary as you go room to room and also gives your eyes some respite. 
8. Most importantly, this is a great location and you can head to a bunch of restaurants, shopping, and other activities before or after in the city of Pasadena. 

Hope you enjoyed this little review and found it helpful. Let me know your experience if you go. If you enjoyed reading this post, then hit that coffee cup at the bottom of your screen to support my work. I pen these articles from my own experiences and share information that might assist in planning a better visit for you. If you liked this post, then check out some of the other Museum Reviews on the site or also plan an Around the World in LA day for yourself with my book as a reference resource!

Author

Ruksana Hussain is the publisher and editor of Traveler and Tourist digital magazine, author of Around the World in Los Angeles, and award-winning journalist and writer at RH Media Consulting. Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook or through the Contact Form.