Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena will offer free admission for three days as it marks its 50th anniversary with a weekend celebration Nov. 7-9.
The museum will feature two special exhibitions during the milestone event. Visitors can explore “Gold: Enduring Power, Sacred Craft” and “Retrospect: 50 Years at the Norton Simon Museum.”
Live music will fill the galleries throughout the weekend. Performances include keyboardist Matt Politano, harpist Lily Press, and sitarists Sahar Farooqui Khundmiri and Miles Tanner.
The celebration runs Friday through Sunday with varying hours each day. Friday and Saturday, the museum opens from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday hours are noon to 5 p.m.
Drop-in drawing sessions will allow visitors to sketch live models in the theater. A photo booth will operate Saturday and Sunday for guests to capture memories.
The “Gold” exhibition showcases approximately 60 works spanning from 1000 BCE to the 20th century. The collection includes sculptures, paintings, jewelry, tapestries and photography from South and Southeast Asia, Europe, North Africa and North America.
“Retrospect” features archival photographs, documents and artwork. The exhibition traces the museum’s history from 1975, when Norton Simon assumed management of the former Pasadena Art Museum.
Both exhibitions reveal the institution’s evolution through renovations and expanded community engagement. “Gold” remains on view through Feb. 16, 2026. “Retrospect” closes Jan. 12, 2026.
Visitors must reserve free admission tickets in advance. For admission information, visit https://www.nortonsimon.org/visit/visit-the-museum.
Limited free parking is available at the museum and the Elks Lodge across the street at 400 W. Colorado Blvd.
The museum encourages ridesharing or public transportation for the event.
