Norton Simon Museum Reopens to Public This Month

The Norton Simon Museum will reopen its doors to art lovers on May 20, with a special preview weekend for members on the preceding weekend, the institution has announced.

Several changes have been put into place to ensure social distancing, and some galleries and amenities will remain temporarily closed, the museum said in a written statement.

In advance of the museum’s public reopening on May 20, members are invited to get a sneak preview of the current exhibits May 15 through May 17.

“Timed tickets for our members-only preview days will be available on our website starting Monday, May 10th at 10 a.m.,” the statement said. “Tickets for the general public will be available starting Tuesday, May 11th at 10 a.m.

Following the special preview weekend, the museum’s public hours for the immediate future will be noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.

Exhibits will include Paul Gauguin’s “The Swineherd,” on loan from LACMA, and the “Beyond the World We Know” abstract photography gallery, 

Admission is free for museum members, students with valid student ID and kids under 18. Adult admission is $15, while seniors 62 and older are admitted for $12. Reserving tickets in advance was encouraged.

Guests were asked to review the safety guidelines before visiting.

They include mandatory masks for all guests, limiting groups to six people or less, maintaining six feet of social distance, limited occupancy in galleries, gardens and on one-way paths, according to  Norton Simon.

In-person programming and tours, audio guides and printed brochures have been temporarily suspended, representatives said. Lower level galleries, the store and the theater remain closed, as well. Coat check has been eliminated, and no purses, bags or items larger than 11 inches by 15 inches will be permitted in galleries or gardens.

The museum’s Garden Café, run by the Patina Restaurant Group, will reopen with limited capacity.

More information can be found and tickets can be purchased online at the Norton Simon Museum’s website at nortonsimon.org.