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Pasadena Museum of California Art (PMCA)

490 E. Union St., Pasadena, CA 91101
626-568-3665
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Ranked #12 of 28 attractions in Pasadena
Type: Museums, Art Museums
Owner description: The Pasadena Museum of California Art (PMCA) is dedicated to the exhibition of California art, architecture, and design from 1850 to the present.... more » Owner description: The Pasadena Museum of California Art (PMCA) is dedicated to the exhibition of California art, architecture, and design from 1850 to the present. Informed by the state's rich mixture of cultures and inspired by its impressive geography, California art has long been defined by a spirit of freedom and experimentation. PMCA exhibitions and educational programs explore the cultural dynamics and influences unique to California that have shaped and defined art in all media. « less
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11 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
St. Louis, Missouri
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2013

This museum is small but in April, 2013 had a wonderful exhibit of "local artists" who worked in the Los Angeles area in the 20th century, mostly the 20s through 50s. These paintings and prints really convey the area as it was as it was growing into what it is today. If you appreciate local art of this type or... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by sefandjgf for Pasadena
Los Angeles, California
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 February 2013

Happened to fall into this museum after doing a search on Trip advisor. Glad I found it. A very small space but it was interesting and a great way to spend an hour or two. And when you go to Pacific Asian Museum next store the have a deal in admission. And there is free parking. Spend part of the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
jcbexleyoh
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 October 2012

If the recent Edgar Payne exhibit is typical of this museum's shows, you should include a visit for certain. The show and probably all their shows feature work you will not see outside of California.

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See 3 more reviews by jcbexleyoh for Pasadena
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 September 2012

Attended the First Friday Open House for the Edgar Payne exhibit. The Museum offers a free first Friday, so this is a great opportunity to engage the community. The exhibit was well presented. We loved the gift shop and found many unique books as well as a poster from a past exhibit. The gift shop has unique children's items that... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 2 more reviews by sandiegosunshinemom for Pasadena
Wigan, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 July 2012

every thing for the kids of any age, lots of animals ( stuffed in their own surroundings) lots of info on dinosaurs and microscopes to look at the pours on your skin, this was found to be very e4xciting to all the kids

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See 2 more reviews by maureen t for Pasadena
Atascadero, California
Top Contributor
118 reviews 118 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 34 cities Reviews in 34 cities
66 helpful votes 66 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 June 2012

You should go now! The Edgar Payne exhibit (which is extensive) is amazing! He lived 1882 -- 1947 & was an early American Impressionist. I can't say enough how much we enjoyed looking at his work. His understanding of light on landscapes & subjects and the large scale oil paintings of CA, the US, Europe, etc. are so good, I... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by MOTHERLOAD for Pasadena
Tucson, AZ
Top Contributor
90 reviews 90 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
94 helpful votes 94 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 June 2012

First time at this small but excellent museum. You ascend from the street level free parking garage up a tiled spiral staircase (or elevator, if you prefer) to a handsome lobby. For a nominal charge you have access to three good sized galleries and an interesting museum store. During our visit all galleries were hung with works by Edgar Payne,... More

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Vancouver, Canada
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
31 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2012

nothing to dislike, thought it great and they are receptive to having children - none of the texan nasher panic (: . they have activities for kids, outdoor sculpture areas and if you are travelling with your enfant terrible its a good bet for a quite moment chilling on the grass while they muck about.

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See 5 more reviews by leslie r for Pasadena
los angeles, ca
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012

This museum located in Pasadena where there are lots of great things around, restaurants & shops. PMCA is a fun weekend get away because there are many great Art displays, not an ordinary museum you could think of. Check it out then you will know. It's kind of hidden, but very easy to find.

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See 8 more reviews by kitty-hello for Pasadena
Los Angeles, California
Top Contributor
76 reviews 76 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 March 2012

The PMCA is one of the most interesting museums in Southern California. It specializes in beautifully curated special exhibitions of California artists from the past and the present. At present there are two exhibits: LA RAW a historical survey of abstract expressionism ( or abject expressionism ) with interesting examples of paintings from native artists who by ans large went... More

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See 2 more reviews by rossbacher for Pasadena

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