Norton Simon Museum
The Norton Simon's Gehry-designed renovation of the museum in the late 1990s increased its notoriety, and is one of the best museums to visit in Los Angeles. But it also enabled it to broaden the scope of its collection by providing extra room and a serene, understated setting in which to display it. Additionally, this museum has exquisite design, with a collection that is tastefully displayed and perfectly described.
The museum's magnificent collection of Old Masters remains its most well-known feature, particularly works by 17th-century Dutch artists including Rembrandt (who painted a particularly rakish self-portrait), Brueghel, and Frans Hals. Monet, Manet, and Renoir are just a few of the French impressionists that are represented.
Other priceless possessions include a sizable number of undervalued ballerina bronzes by Degas, some excellent modern artworks, including a haunting Modigliani portrait of his wife, some paintings by Diego Rivera, a sizable number of pieces by the so-called Blue Four (Feininger, Jawlensky, Klee, and Kandinsky), and sizable collections of European prints, Far Eastern art, and Buddhist artifacts. Enter the wonderful sculpture park after viewing the passing exhibits. Overall, a fantastic museum.
Google Rating: 4.8/5.0
Location: 411 W Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, 91105
Contact:www.nortonsimon.org
Phone: 626-449-6840
Price: $12 adults, $9 seniors, free children under 18, students with ID, military personnel, and children under 18 all free.
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, noon–5pm; Fri, Sat, 11am–8pm; Sun 11am–5pm
