My husband and I visited the Norton Simon Museum in February 2007. We only had about 3 hours to spend there, which turned out to be just about perfect. The collection of European artwork is interesting. There is also an area with Asian art. If it's a nice day, be sure to take a stroll through the sculpture garden.

The Gamble house is a regular stop (or, if we're pressed for time, a drive-by) on my personal tour when I have guests here in LA. This house is a wonder. Anyone interested in architecture or the decorative arts should see it. The Greene brothers designed the interior and all of the fixtures as well as the building itself. Lots of Tiffiny stained-glass, too. And a great gift-store in the old garage. If you can't be there for a tour, just stop by and walk around the house, looking in the windows where you can. Another note of interest: This was the exterior location for Dr. Emmet Brown's house in the 'Back to the Future' movies.

The winter/retirement home of the son of one of the Proctor & Gamble Company founders. Beautifully restored arts and crafts style home and furnishings. Authentic and mostly original. The home remained in the Gamble family until they turned it over to the City and USC. Thus the preservation is excellent. Well worth a visit. Contrast with the Wrigley Mansion/Tournament House --- located about one mile south. I would suggest visiting both. Be sure to call both as visiting days/hours are limited.

The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is one of the most impressive medium-sized art museums in the western hemisphere. It's a "must-see" attraction on your next visit to the LA area. Altough the location (next to a freeway) is not ideal and the museum building is dated and unattractive, the artwork in the Norton Simon is incredible! Many of the European and American paintings are stunning! The staff is also very friendly and helpful, and the museum store is wonderful. Plan to spend at least two hours in the museum.