Norton Simon Museum

Located on the route of the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA, the distinctive brown tile exterior of the Norton Simon Museum was conspicuous on our television screens. I had watched the Rose Parade many times but paid little attention to the building. My focus was on the colorful flower-covered floats and the marching bands.

Little did I realize as I walked towards the Norton Simon Museum recently, that a treasure trove of sculptures, paintings, and artifacts from all over the world awaited the visitor. I was unprepared.

Vincent van Gogh: Portrait of a Peasant (Patience Escalier), 1888

Nestled in the shade of tall trees the museum grounds permeate an atmosphere of calm and tranquility. Near the entrance, I caught a glimpse of a bronze sculpture which brought me to a sudden halt.

Auguste Rodin: Les Bourgeois de Calais, 1884-95 (The Burghers of Calais)

In 1347 the city of Calais had been under siege for almost a year when six prominent citizens (the burghers) offered their lives to the English King in return for his promise to spare their city.

In 1884, Rodin was commissioned by the city of Calais to produce a monument honoring the six burghers. Rodin depicted the six men not as glorious heroes but as emaciated figures ready to surrender themselves. Their features are distorted, showing their conflicting thoughts and struggle. This dramatic depiction of history is captured beautifully in Rodin’s work.

Claude Monet: The Artist’s Garden at Vetheuil, 1881

Inside the museum, the atmosphere is quiet and almost informal. As I moved from room to room I was filled with awe. I hadn’t realized I would be seeing works of Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso.

Richard Diebenkorn: The Berkeley Years #24, 1954

Richard Diebenkorn was born in Portland, Oregon, in 1922, but spent most of his career in California.

Buddha Shakyamuni, Thailand, 9th Century

In its original state this sandstone sculpture of the Buddha stood more than 9 feet tall. It was probably displayed in a temple. The exposed cavity between his eyebrows symbolized an enlightened being and would have been adorned by a gem.

The museum exhibits an exquisite art collection spanning the early Renaissance through the 20th century.

The museum grounds

I would revisit the museum and take my time to view the fantastic art collection and the lovely sculpture garden.