[Photo credit; Norton Simon Museum]
“The sculpture Garden at the Norton Simon Museum has long been a beloved highlight of our visitors’ experience at the museum,” Leslie Denk, Vice President of External Affairs at the Norton Simon Museum, said. “We know through public comments, through surveys, through talking to our members that the garden is just a destination for people to come.”
The Garden Party, which began about 10 years ago, aims to highlight the sculpture garden and activate the spaces with art-making, music, and dining, creating a lively event that celebrates the importance of the outdoor space. Due to the pandemic, the event was not held for a few years and was reintroduced only last year.
The event’s activities, organized by the museum’s education and public programs department, are designed to celebrate being outdoors and nature while being accessible to all visitors.
“The concept is really activities that celebrate the garden in some way,” Denk explained. “This year we have a tea-blending activity. We bring in a specialist who brings in herbs and spices so people can blend their own teas. We have a Sun Catcher program, we have a ‘Decorate Your Own Pot’ program.”
The evening will also feature a live performance by Masatoshi Sato (bass), Matt Politano (keys), and Daniel Venz (drums), creating a lively atmosphere for visitors to enjoy while exploring the sculpture garden. The museum’s contracted food provider, Patina Restaurant Group, will offer snacks and quick bites to keep lines moving and ensure visitors can easily access food throughout the event.
“It’s just a way for us to invite the community into the museum to relax and enjoy the space and enjoy their time in our lovely sculpture garden,” Denk said.
The Garden Party kicks off the museum’s summer programming, which includes a new series called “Golden Hour: Jazz in the Garden,” featuring music in the garden and opportunities for visitors to draw and sketch on select Friday evenings (June 28, July 26, and August 23).
Additionally, the museum will host its annual “Checkmate! Chess at the Museum” program on Saturdays throughout August, inviting visitors to learn and play chess in the café area.
Limited free parking for the Garden Party is offered at the museum and the nearby Elks Lodge parking lot at 400 W. Colorado Blvd. from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., though ridesharing or public transportation is recommended.
Outside food and drink are prohibited, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets for seating as tables, chairs, and benches are limited. Personal chairs, stools, and wagons are not allowed, except for individuals with disabilities.
For more information, visit https://www.nortonsimon.org/calendar/special-events/garden-party-2024/.
