11 minute read
CULTURAL AFFAIRS
ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Spanish Colonial cast stone fountain in the Baroque style located in the courtyard of the historic City Hall
Pasadena has long drawn creative and artistic spirit towards the “Crown of the Valley.”
Home to impeccably preserved architecture, beautifully manicured gardens, globally renowned galleries, historic theaters, educational attractions, and public arts, Pasadena has a vibrant arts, entertainment and cultural scene begging for exploration. Embark on architectural tours with Pasadena Heritage to find the lasting influence of the Arts and Craft movement in America that emerged in Pasadena in the late 1800s and early 1900s. From Pasadena City Hall, a Beaux Arts building completed in 1927 and LEED certified in 2008, to the Tournament House and Wrigley Gardens, a historic landmark encapsulated by the fragrance of flowers, Pasadena is home to countless storied architectural marvels. Immerse yourself in the many gardens of Pasadena, where living museums of beautiful florals, botanicals, and
wildlife are tranquil attractions under the California sun–there’s The Huntington Library, Art
Museum, and Botanical Gardens
and its 200 acres, 12 gardens, and extensive art collection. Entertaining visitors since 1932, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium is a LEED-certified venue that has hosted comedians, theatrical performances, award shows, film events, and more. Visit the Pasadena Playhouse and the Pasadena Symphony & Pops, which have put on hundreds of productions for decades.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
ARCHITECTURE
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Tour the historic halls of one of the world’s most widely recognized institutions for the study of science and engineering. Architectural tours of the 124-acre campus are conducted most months. Call for the schedule and reservations, or check out a self-guided walking tour. FREE 1200 E. California Blvd. (626) 395-4654 cats.caltech.edu
City Hall
This 1927 landmark exhibits Italian Renaissance and Spanish influences with its red tile roof, ornate fountain, Henry Greene. The home was built for David and Mary Gamble of The Procter & Gamble Company and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guided tours are offered on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 4 Westmoreland Pl. (626) 793-3334 gamblehouse.org
and lush garden courtyard. FREE 100 N. Garfield Ave. (626) 744-7311 cityofpasadena.net
El Molino Viejo (The Old Mill)
Completed in 1816 as a grist mill for Mission San Gabriel, the twostory, oven-baked brick and adobe structure is a testament to Southern California history. There is a museum and art gallery with plein air exhibits at the Old Mill, as well as beautiful gardens to stroll through. FREE 1120 Old Mill Rd., San Marino (626) 449-5458 old-mill.org
Fenyes Mansion
Museum docents lead tours at the historic 1906 Fenyes Mansion, a designated cultural landmark in Pasadena. Original furnishings and family heirlooms that belonged to Eva and Dr. Adalbert Fenyes, including Eva’s prized collection of California Plein-Air Painting artworks, take visitors back to the early 20th century in Pasadena. Advance registration is required. 470 W. Walnut St. (626) 577-1660 pasadenahistory.org
Gamble House
Built in 1908 during the Arts and Crafts movement in America, this masterpiece is the best preserved example of work from internationally recognized architects Charles and
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
The Court of Appeals is now housed in the original Vista del Arroyo Hotel, built in 1903 and restored in 1985. Self-guided tours are available on weekdays while guided tours are by appointment only. FREE 125 S. Grand Ave. (626) 229-7263 ca9.uscourts.gov
Tournament House and Wrigley Gardens
This ornate mansion, once owned by chewing gum mogul William Wrigley, Jr., was built between 1908 and 1914. Today it serves as the headquarters for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Association. Tours are offered on Thursdays from February to August. FREE 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd. (626) 449-4100 tournamentofroses.com
GARDENS
Arlington Garden
Open seven days a week, Arlington Garden is a three-acre public garden that highlights climate-appropriate habitat gardening. Birds, bees, and other pollinators are abundant and can be seen throughout the year. FREE 275 Arlington Dr. (626) 578-5434 arlingtongardenpasadena.org
Descanso Gardens
Located on 160 acres, Descanso Gardens features forests, streams, a lake, and a bird sanctuary highlighted by 80 acres of colorful flowers, including camellias, lilacs, and roses. Advance tickets can be reserved for
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
free admission on the third Tuesday of every month. 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge (818) 949-4200 descansogardens.org
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington is an oasis of art and culture set amid 120 acres of breathtaking gardens. More than a dozen gardens feature 14,000 species of plants. Admission is free on the first Thursday of every month with advance tickets; weekend reservations are required. 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino (626) 405-2100 huntington.org
Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
This 127-acre horticultural and botanical center features plants from around the world, native and migrating birds, wildlife, colorful peacocks, and historic buildings, including the Queen Anne Cottage made famous in Fantasy Island. Admission is free on the third Tuesday of every month. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia (626) 821-3222 arboretum.org
Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden
This tranquil “hill and pond stroll garden” was designed and built on a private estate in the late 1930s. The rare, intact Japanese garden is on the National Register of Historic Places and listed as a California Historical Landmark. 270 Arlington Dr. (626) 399-1721 japanesegardenpasadena.com
Wrigley Gardens
The Centennial Rose Garden at the Tournament House features more than 1,500 varieties of roses, camellias, and annuals. FREE 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd. (626) 449-4100 tournamentofroses.com
GUIDED TOURS
Gamble House
The historic house offers a variety of docent-led tours including the standard one-hour guide tour, gardens and gambles tour, neighborhood walking tours, and more. 4 Westmoreland Pl. (626) 793-3334 gamblehouse.org
The Langham Huntington Film Tour
Experience a guided walking tour of the hotel and grounds while learning about the many films and television shows that incorporated the Langham Huntington, Pasadena into their productions. From Saving Mr. Banks to American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, there’s something for everyone on this special tour of one of L.A.’s most magnificent filming locations. myvalleypass.com
Melting Pot Food Tours
Experience the history, architecture, and folklore of Old Pasadena while feasting on delights from neighborhood eateries. (323) 664-4472 meltingpottours.com
Pasadena Walking Tours
Pasadena Heritage Walking Tours
Explore Pasadena’s history and architectural legacies with themed and seasonal walking tours. (626) 441-6333 pasadenaheritage.org
Pasadena Tour Company
Learn about local movie locations, architecture, grand estates, cultural landmarks, and famous residents. Private, group and custom tours available by appointment only. (626) 318-9492 pasadenatourcompany.com
Pasadena Walking Tours
Each of the Pasadena Walking Tours offers locals and visitors alike the
A one-of-a-kind experience... A one-of-a-kind experience... A one-of-a-kind experience... A one-of-a-kind experience...
In a one-of-a-kind city! In a one-of-a-kind city! In a one-of-a-kind city! In a one-of-a-kind city!
Experience America’s New Year Celebration® with the Rose Parade® and Rose Bowl Game® . Experience America’s New Year Celebration® with the Rose Parade® and Rose Bowl Game® .
Since 1890, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses has produced America’s New Year Celebration, bringing the traditions of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game to Pasadena and the world for more than 130 years. It’s a celebration like no other, and there’s just one thing missing — YOU. Since 1890, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses has produced America’s New Year Celebration, bringing the traditions of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game to Pasadena and the world for more than 130 years. It’s a celebration like no other, and there’s just one thing missing — YOU. Celebrate the New Year with us. Celebrate the New Year with us.
opportunity to explore a unique city full of history, architecture, and fascinating stories. pasadenawalkingtours.com
Rose Bowl Tours
With public and private tours, Rose Bowl Stadium offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look of America’s Stadium and its exclusive locations including the iconic field, press box, locker room, and original 1922 museum. 1001 Rose Bowl Dr. (626) 577-3100 rosebowlstadium.com/tours
HISTORY
Pasadena Museum of History
Dedicated to preserving and sharing Pasadena’s history, art, and culture, PHM offers visitors changing exhibitions, events, and lectures year round. The recent Exploring Pasadena’s Past exhibit commemorates stories of its multiracial community who lived in the neighborhood before eminent domain forced them from their homes. 470 W. Walnut St. (626) 577-1660 pasadenahistory.org
PERFORMING ARTS
A Noise Within
One of a few theaters in Southern California producing works of world drama in a rotating repertory with a company of professional, classically trained artists. 3352 E. Foothill Blvd. (626) 356-3100 anoisewithin.org
Beckman & Ramo Auditoriums
Performances, lectures, storytelling, films, and concerts bring the California Institute of Technology’s historic venues to life. 332 S. Michigan Ave. (626) 395-4652 tickets.caltech.edu
Boston Court
The performing arts center offers two state-of-the-art theater stages showcasing diverse, innovative, and adventurous programming. 70 N. Mentor Ave. (626) 683-6801 bostoncourt.com
Ice House Comedy Club
The legendary comedy club running for more than 60 years features two bars, dancing, live music, and a VIP lounge for hosting stand-up comedy shows and open-mic events. 24 N. Mentor Ave. (626) 577-1894 icehousecomedy.com
Lineage Performing Arts Center
This contemporary dance company presents performances, classes, and workshops throughout the year as well as an annual dance festival. 920 E. Mountain St. (626) 844-7008 lineagepac.org
MUSE/IQUE
Live music events with uninhibited connections between the orchestra, artists, and adventurous audiences in conventional and unconventional spaces. 300 E. Green St., Floor 3 (626) 539-7085 muse-ique.com
Pasadena Civic Auditorium
Dedicated in 1932 and on the National Register of Historic Places, this renowned 3,000-seat theater is home to America’s Got Talent, Daytime Emmy Awards, concerts, and various year-round entertainment. 300 E. Green St. (626) 793-2122 thepasadenacivic.com
Pasadena Playhouse
Built in 1916 and anchoring the Playhouse Village District is Pasadena Playhouse, California’s official state theatre and a historic national landmark that features Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning
PUBLIC ART ON DISPLAY
Kneeling Man with a Hammer
Pasadena is home to one of California’s longest running public art programs, with nearly 100 artworks scattered all over town. These contemporary and modern masterpieces range from sculptures and murals to artistdesigned benches and painted utility boxes.
Must-sees include Keith Haring’s mural on ArtCenter’s Hillside Campus; Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker outside the Norton Simon Museum; Viola Frey’s Kneeling Man with a Hammer in One Colorado’s historic Smith Alley; and Ralph Helmick’s Pasadena Robinson Memorial, a tribute to Jackie and Mack Robinson across from City Hall.
Explore Pasadena’s public art:
plays. 39 S. El Molino Ave. (626) 356-7529 pasadenaplayhouse.org
Pasadena Symphony and POPS offers music performances at Ambassador Auditorium from October to April, an outdoor summer POPS series at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, as well as music education through the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra. (626) 793-7172 pasadenasymphony-pops.org
ART MUSEUMS
Armory Center for the Arts
Exhibitions, performances, and art workshops are available for children and adults. 145 N. Raymond Ave. (626) 792-5101 armoryarts.org
ArtCenter College of Design
Known worldwide as a leader in art and design curriculum, the ArtCenter presents works by established and emerging artists in three exhibits annually. While on campus, also explore the student gallery and indoor and outdoor sculptures. FREE 1700 Lida St. (626) 396-2446 artcenter.edu
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
The library holds works from British and American history and literature, including an original Gutenberg Bible and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. The art museum showcases European masterpieces from the 15th to the early 20th century and American art from the late 17th to the 20th century. Free on the first Thursday of every month with advance tickets. 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino (626) 405-2100 huntington.org
Norton Simon Museum
View seven centuries of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt, and Fragonard. The museum also features an extensive collection of South Asian sculptures and a sculpture garden with works by Rodin. 411 W. Colorado Blvd. (626) 449-6840 nortonsimon.org
Pasadena Museum of History
The Pasadena Museum of History offers changing exhibits in the History Center Galleries. Tours of the historic 1906 Fenyes Mansion with original furnishings, art collection family memorabilia, a research library and archive, and the museum store. 470 W. Walnut St. (626) 577-1660 pasadenahistory.org
USC Pacific Asia Museum
USC Pacific Asia Museum features artwork from Asia and the Pacific Islands spanning 5,000 years with innovative exhibitions and dynamic programming. Free on the second Sunday of every month. 46 N. Los Robles Ave. (626) 787-2680 pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu
SPORTS
Rose Bowl Stadium
Built in 1922, the National Historic Landmark is the proud home of the Tournament of Roses® Rose Bowl Game, UCLA Bruins football, AmericaFest, international soccer matches, concerts, and the legendary Rose Bowl Flea Market. 1001 Rose Bowl Dr. (626) 577-3100 rosebowlstadium.com
Santa Anita Park
Wager and watch Thoroughbred racing at “The Great Race Place,” which was built in 1934. Live racing kicks off after Christmas (December 26) and runs through June every Friday through Sunday. 285 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia santaanita.com
SCIENCE
Mt. Wilson Observatory
Explore the cosmos at the Mount Wilson Observatory, perched more than 5,700 feet above Pasadena and open daily. mtwilson.edu
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Go deeper into outer space at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory where free tours are offered by appointment with reservations (made at least one month in advance). Tours start off with “Journey to the Planets and Beyond,” a multimedia presentation that provides an overview of the Laboratory’s activities and accomplishments in planetary exploration and Earth science. 4800 Oak Grove Dr. jpl.nasa.gov
Norton Simon Museum, Ballerina sculpture