The Norton Simon Museum centers its service to the community on the exceptional works of art collected by founder Norton Simon as well as those from the former Pasadena Art Museum. The Museum’s Education and Public Programs Department, working closely with the curatorial and external affairs staff, offers learning opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. A range of programs promote not only contemplation but also creative engagement. At the heart of these programs is Simon’s belief that his art collections should be shared with the community and that continued learning is vital for a fulfilling life.
Teachers and their students discover the Museum’s magnificent art collections through School Tour programs. Museum Educator-Led School Tours provide 5–12th grade students with guided, interactive tours centered on specific areas of the Museum’s collections. Self-Conducted School Tours allow K–12th grade educators and college groups to tour their students through the Museum galleries during open hours. Admission is always free for school tours.
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Every year the Museum welcomes over 1,100 5th grade students from the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) for guided tours of the collections. This opportunity is provided through a partnership with PUSD called “My Masterpieces: Discovering Art in My Community.” In addition to a tour with a Museum educator, each class receives a membership card to the Museum, enabling students to return with their families throughout the school year.
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This yearly professional-development program welcomes K–12 teachers from across Southern California for interactive tours, standards-aligned art-making activities and other resources. These are designed to enhance their classroom teaching and student engagement with the Museum’s collections.
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The Museum offers a wide range of events and classes for families, youth and teens. From early childhood programs like Stories in the Afternoon and Family Days to classes for older students like Young Creatives and Teen Arts, these programs strive to provide developing minds with a creative outlet to engage with the collections.
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The Museum presents a dynamic lecture series featuring experts and their research. Held in the Museum’s theater, lectures are organized in conjunction with special exhibitions or research and conservation initiatives.
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The Museum offers regularly scheduled programs and classes for adults, including guided tours and salon-style discussions, mindful-looking activities and art-making classes and drawing courses for all levels of experience.
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These lively events present an opportunity for the community to enjoy an evening exploring the galleries and garden, listening to live music, participating in art-making activities and attending spotlight tours. Evenings in Focus are designed for visitors of all ages and present engaging programming that highlights special exhibitions and collections.
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The Museum welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities and provides opportunities to make its campus welcoming, accessible and inclusive. Among the programs provided are free, specialized tours for students and adults of all abilities, as well as tactile tours for visitors who are blind or partially sighted.
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