Norton Simon Museum, Los Angeles

World class collection of art without being numbing. This is a very comfortable museum to check out some examples of some the greatest artists. From El Greco and Raphael, bove to the17th & 18th Centuries with Reni, Zurbaran, Rubens and Goya. Wander to the rooms with Monet, Reoir, Cezanne and van Gogh, then check out the Picasso's and Braque's. There is a very relaxing couryard in the middle complete with statues, pond and turtles. Free parking. Open daily except Tuesday, Open Fridays from noon until 9PM.

The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is one of Los Angeles County's great museums of art. I particularly like their collection of Impressionist paintings. Edgar Degas is well-represented with many of his paintings and sculptures on display. The most famous among them is probably this sculpture of a young ballerina titled "Little Dancer Aged Fourteen."

They also have on display several of Van Gogh's important paintings. The "Portrait of the Artist's Mother," the "Portrait of Patience Escalier," and "The Mulberry Tree" are there, for example.

Aside from the Impressionists, the museum has a fine collection of Old Masters like Rembrandt and Rubens. Their collection of Modern Art as exemplified by the works of Picasso is equally impressive. Mr. Norton Simon's eclectic taste included Indian and Southeast Asian art. The lower level of the museum is dedicated to the display of this collection.

Adult admission fee is $6. The museum is closed Tuesdays.

Too often art museums are judged by the size of their collections. We wander the great halls of the Louvre or the Metropolitan Museum of Art impressed by their grandeur, but overwhelmed by an avalanche of art impossible to appreciate in one visit.

At the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena it's not about size, but quality. Here you'll find a range of European, American, and Asian art as amassed by entrepreneur and philanthropist Norton Simon, a spirited late-comer to the world of collecting. Simon's interest in art began with the Impressionists, and his collection of Renoir, Degas, and Morisot is world-class. Equally impressive are the Modern collection, the Gothic and Renaissance art, and the Asian antiquities which occupy the basement level.

Fans of Rembrandt will delight in the Flemish master's drawings and oils, most notably a sublime self-portrait and a haunting rendering of Rembrandt's son Titus -- a masterpiece by any measure.

Best of all, the collection can easily be taken in during an afternoon visit, with time left to admire the Rodins in the peaceful sculpture garden.

Visit the Getty for the view. Visit the Simon for the art.

Norton Simon Museum
Norton Simon was one of the greatest American art collectors of the 20th century and believed deeply in the power to communicate through art.

Art:Includes paintings, sculptures, tapestries from the 14th through 20th centuries. Includes a nice collection of Impressionist & Post-Impressiont art including Monet, Renior, van Gogh & Cezanne. An extensive collection of Degas, over 100 works of art including bronzes. The whole lower level is devoted to South Asian art, mostly sculptures, and is considered one of the best collections outside of India and southeast asia.

Gardens: Fairly new and a copy of Monet's waterlillies. Visited over a year ago during winter months and did not see the gardens in bloom or complete.