ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Pasadena Civic Auditorium

Creative and artistic spirits have long been attracted to Pasadena. Leading architects and designers of the American Arts and Crafts movement called Pasadena home in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and their lasting influence is showcased through Pasadena Heritage’s architectural tours.

Business magnates and industrialists like Norton Simon and Henry Huntington were among the prominent art collectors and benefactors whose legacies in Pasadena’s rich arts and cultural landscape. Today, their e orts live on in the Norton Simon Museum, a gem of an art museum housed in a building designed by none other than Frank Gehry. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens and its 200 acres, 12 gardens, and extensive art collection continues to be a favorite destination for visitors.

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium, one of the most revered performance halls in the nation, will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year. The Civic has hosted thousands of events, from comedians to theatrical performances, award shows to film events, and more. Including the Pasadena Playhouse, and the Pasadena Symphony & Pops, hundreds of productions have entertained Pasadena for decades.

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 124acre campus are conducted most months. Call for tour schedule and reservations.

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, 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 two-story, 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

Docent-led guided tours of the historic 1906 Fenyes Mansion, a Pasadena Cultural Heritage Landmark, are o ered most weekends. Original furnishings and family heirlooms that belonged to Eva and Dr. Adalbert Fenyes, including Eva’s prized collection of California plein art paintings, take visitors back to early 20th-century Pasadena. 470 W. Walnut St. (626) 577-1660 pasadenahistory.org

Gamble House

Built in 1908 during the American Arts and Crafts movement, this masterpiece is the bestpreserved example of work from internationally recognized architects Charles and Henry Greene. The home was built for David and Mary Gamble of Procter & Gamble and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 4 Westmoreland Pl. (626) 793-3334 gamblehouse.org

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

The Court is now housed in the original Vista del Arroyo Hotel, built in 1903. The building was restored in 1985. Tours by appointment only.

USC Pacific Asia Museum

FREE 125 S. Grand Ave. (626) 229-7251

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 o ered on Thursdays from February to August. 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd. (626) 449-4100 tournamentofroses.com

GARDENS

Arlington Garden

Open 7 days a week, Arlington Garden is a free 3-acre public garden that highlights climateappropriate 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. Admission is free on the third Tuesday of every month. 1418 Descanso Dr. La Canada 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. The Huntington is free on the first Thursday of every month with advance tickets. 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 on the California Register of Historic Places. 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

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

Tournament House – Wrigley Gardens Photo credit: Pasadena Tournament of Roses.

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. (424) 247-9666 meltingpottours.com

Old Pasadena Walking Tours

Explore a National Register Historic District and one of the best examples of downtown revitalization in the country. (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 o ers locals and visitors alike the opportunity to explore a unique city full of history, architecture, and fascinating stories. pasadenawalkingtours.com

Rose Bowl Tours

Rose Bowl Stadium o ers public and private tours. This opportunity takes you behindthe-scenes of America’s Stadium to some of 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

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 in the historic venues of the California Institute of Technology. 332 S. Michigan Ave. (626) 395-4652 tickets.caltech.edu

Boston Court Performing Arts Center

Two state-of-the-art theater stages showcasing diverse, innovative, and adventurous programming. 70 N. Mentor Ave. (626) 683-6801 bostoncourt.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

This renowned 3,000-seat theater was dedicated in 1932 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Home to America’s Got Talent, Daytime Emmy Awards, concerts, and various entertainment year-round. 300 E. Green St. (626) 793-2122 thepasadenacivic.com

Pasadena Playhouse

Anchoring the Playhouse Village District and built in 1917, the Playhouse is the O cial State Theatre of California and a National Historic Landmark, and features Tony and Pulitzer awardwinning plays. 39 S. El Molino Ave. (626) 356-7529 pasadenaplayhouse.org

Dots Cafe

DISCOVER PASADENA’S PUBLIC ART

In addition to the incredible artwork hanging inside the walls of Pasadena’s noteworthy museums and galleries, art can be found in many unexpected places here. The result of one of California’s longest running public art programs, nearly 100 public works are on display all over town. These contemporary and modern masterpieces range from sculptures and murals to artist-designed benches and painted utility boxes. And all of Pasadena’s stations on the Metro Gold Line have public art.

Must-sees include a Keith Haring Mural on the Art Center’s Hillside Campus. Even if you’re not going inside the Norton Simon Museum, you can certainly stop by to admire Rodin’s famous The Thinker overlooking Colorado Boulevard. Kneeling Man with a Hammer, a large eight-foot-tall ceramic statue, resides in One Colorado’s historic Smith Alley. The Pasadena Robinson Memorial bronze sculptures are located across from City Hall. Film bu s will appreciate Countdown Leader, a 20 x 6-foot ceramic tile mural on the exterior of a residential building at 217 South Marengo Avenue. And the fork in the road at the intersection of Pasadena and St. John Avenues on Bellefontaine Street is marked with an 18-foot-tall wooden Fork Sculpture.

Find these works and many more on one of eight self-guided Public Art Walking Tours. Maps can be downloaded at cityofpasadena.net/planning/arts-andcultural-a airs/public-art-program/#walking-tours, or pick up a physical brochure at the Pasadena Visitors Center (300 E. Green St.)

SETTING THE TABLE FOR EXCEPTIONAL EVENTS

From small meetings to large banquets, the Pasadena Convention Center’s seasoned sta is ready to help plan your next event.

pasadenacenter.com (626) 795-9311

THE COOLEST PLACE IN PASADENA

The Pasadena Ice Skating Center o ers a variety of activities and lessons for all ages and abilities. The ice skating center is open daily for public and private use including public skating, group classes, private lesson, hockey sessions, parties and more.

skatepasadena.com (626) 578-0800

Pasadena Playhouse

Pasadena Symphony and POPS

Pop, symphonic, and youth orchestra performances by the Pasadena Symphony are o ered October–April at the Ambassador Auditorium and an outdoor summer series by the Pasadena POPS at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. (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 with American Art from the late 17th to the 20th century. The Huntington is 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. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month from 5-8 p.m. 411 W. Colorado Blvd. (626) 449-6840 nortonsimon.org

Pasadena Museum of History

The Pasadena Museum of History o ers 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. 46 N. Los Robles Ave. (626) 449-2742 pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu

SPORTS

The iconic Rose Bowl Stadium celebrates its Centennial anniversary in 2022. A National Historic Landmark built in 1922, the Rose Bowl Stadium is the proud home of the Tournament of Roses® Rose Bowl Game, UCLA Bruins football, AmericaFest Fourth of July Celebration, soccer matches, concerts, and the World’s Largest Flea Market. 1001 Rose Bowl Dr. (626) 577-3100 rosebowlstadium.com

Santa Anita Park

Wager and watch thoroughbred races at the Santa Anita Park track built in 1934. Winter and spring are the primary seasons for live racing and plenty of food and beverage amenities are available onsite. 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 o ered by appointment with reservations (made at least one month in advance). Tours are available on Mondays and Wednesdays and start o 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