pasadena museum of california art (pmca)

It's worth an hour and the price of admission if you need something to do while in Pasadena. But, you might put the Norton Simon Museum higher on your list of Pasadena 'must-sees'.

This museum is on the semi-annual citywide tour "Art Night" when many of the museums are open free of charge. They have changing exhibits that are always unusual but interesting. Sometimes they have their roof-top space open with a nice view of the Pacific Asian Museum and the iconic Pasadena City Hall.

We had a free afternoon.. It was so nice to spend it here. There were many nice pieces of art and if you do take the time, be sure to have plenty of time and do not rush. Take in the beauty of the art, it was breathtaking.

This museum makes me proud to be a Californian, home of such creativity. There are lots of states that could not host such a museum!

I try my best to make it here for the free 3rd Thursday each month. On those days they are open in the evening which makes it easier for a local to get there after work. No matter which exhibit is up or artist's work is on display, there will be a point of inspiration and wonder that will capture you. I like the first room on the left which always has an unorthodox medium for its art.This is also a good stop during ArtNight Pasadena.

We came here on one of the "free" Thursdays to see these two exhibits: June Wayne: Paintings, Prints, and Tapestries May 4–August 31, 2014 Time, Space & Matter: Five Installations Exploring Natural Phenomena May 4–August 31, 2014 We were so impressed with the exhibits but also with this particular Museum. Sorry that we haven't been there before and will most definitely return to see other exhibits in the future. If you have time to come before these are over, do it. So interesting - both exhibits were impressive.

I have been a member of the museum for many years. They have had some very good shows, such as California Scene Painting and the Art of Sustainability in 2013. The shows vary in type and quality, but it is usually worth a visit, especially if you are in Pasadena. They had one about the planet Jupiter done by a scientist from JPL; it was as if you were on the surface of Jupiter, with lights and sounds - it was great.

Helped flush visit to Pasenda to see cultural attractions down the toilet. There is a consipracy to close everything culture that day, not generally known. Never going back to that location.

Albeit hiding in plain sight. We had meant to go to the Asia Pacific Museum, but in fact we decided to try this place where I hadnt been in about 9 years. The parking has the Kenny Scharf murals. The exhibition was on the artist Alfred Ramos Martinez, kind of a contemporary of Diego Rivera. I dont know if all exhibitions are this good, but this one blew me away. This artist is amazing. Maybe we lucked out. It would appear they dont have much of a permanent collection but this was a superbly curated show. Small gift shop, easy acccess, walkable. Highly recommend.

A museum worth visiting in Pasadena. Near the Pacific Asia Musem and small enough to do both in the same day.

Highly recommend seeing the very complete Sam Francis painting exhibition. Excellent insight into his career and how he began painting while in a body cast for over 3 years! A 5 decade look at one of the most important California artists.

10.11.13 Pasadena Art Night, most of the local museum have open house from 6-10pm.We headed for Pasadena Museum of California Art first to check out Sam Francis's works.It was a very extensive collection spanning 5 decades. The detailed biography greatly illustrate the tenacity and passion of this iconic artist. It helps viewers appreciate his artistic development more.I wish this museum allows photography. Personally, the best part of visiting a museum or gallery is the photos you take as momentos. No photos allowed inside , so I'm reduced to takings photos of the structure of the building.

The Museum goes from strength to strength. Now on exhibit is the first major exhibit of Sam Francis' work in many years. The array of paintings is comprehensive and uplifting. Francis is one of the major artists of his time and this exhibit displays a very comprehensive survey of his works together with excellent historical and explanatory texts. on his career. One would expect to find a show of this magnitude at the Met or MOMA or LACMA, it is that good. Go if for no other reason than that the paintings are beautiful and joyful!

I don't go here as much as I would like, but am always impressed when I do. I believe It started with the private collection of a couple who live(d) in the penthouse of the narrow 3 story building. It specializes in California art, mostly contemporary, and frequently has special exhibits and shows. Just a fun place to experience.

This small museum always has the best art shows. No museum collection on display, they always have an installation worth seeing.