Discover artistic genius in hushed galleries and even amidst the desert sands at these five incredible Southern California art museums
So often we visualize Southern California as a land of beaches, movies and perhaps as la la land in general, never looking beyond the images portrayed on TV and the big screen. Truth be told, some of the most intriguing art museums are located here. Let’s take a look at a few of the top Southern California art museums:
1. Norton Simon Museum
Pasadena
This gem is home to a collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, featuring Monet, Renoir, Degas, van Gogh, Cezanne and Gauguin. It’s also noted for its monumental bronze sculptures by Rodin in the front garden.
There are special events throughout the year including a program of lectures and classes worth investigating. The museum’s store offers a selection of great take-home gifts for friends, family and self: stationery, posters, comic books and drawing lesson art kits. (nortonsimon.org)
2. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
San Marino
Devoted to three core facets – books, art and gardens – the Huntington is noted for its collection of rare books and manuscripts, including Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, a Gutenberg Bible and a world-class collection of early editions of Shakespeare’s works. It’s also an important center for the study of the American West, particularly the Gold Rush and development of Southern California.
The art collections in elegant settings are in three separate galleries on the Huntington grounds, home to The Blue Boy by Gainsborough and Mary Cassatt’s Breakfast in Bed. The extensive botanical gardens (130 acres) include the Desert Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden. (huntington.org)
3. The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
Los Angeles
Committed to presenting art created since 1940, with all media considered, this museum occupies a former police car warehouse in L.A’s Little Tokyo Historic District and has been renovated by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Note that there’s more than one venue; another is in the nearby beach town of La Jolla. Works are by notables such as Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Joan Miro, Andy Warhol and Max Ernst. (moca.org)
4. San Diego Museum of Art
San Diego
Balboa Park houses a broad collection with particular strength in Spanish art. Exhibition texts are written in both English and Spanish. The special “Art After Hours” from 5-8 p.m. Friday evenings has become the “go to” place. The building’s facade is a sight to behold, and inside the exhibitions display art created as early as 5000 BC. (sdmart.org)
5. Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum
Joshua Tree
Located in the high Mojave Desert, this is the most unusual among Southern California art museums. More than 100 works of assemblage sculpture grace the sands and await the surprised visitor. It is open daily from dawn to dusk, and visitors should come prepared with water, sunscreen and hats in order to fully enjoy the this incredible outdoor art experience in the desert heat. (noahpurifoy.com)
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