Old Pasadena is one of the West Coast's most vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment destination districts, featuring an authentic downtown experience combined with all of the modern conveniences. Old Pasadena finds itself at the heart of a city that boasts mountain views, sun-drenched rose gardens, world-class cultural institutions, and beautifully authentic early 20th-Century architecture.
In and around Old Pasadena, visitors can discover a range of activities. From museums and historical landmarks to gardens and the world-famous Rose Bowl, there is always a variety of options for people of all ages!
While many of the following attractions are within Old Pasadena’s boundaries, others are just a short walk or drive away.
CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS & MUSEUMS
Armory Center for the Arts
Armory Center for the Arts is a community arts center that offers innovative approaches to creating, exploring, and presenting the visual arts. Visit ongoing contemporary art exhibitions, enjoy special events and performances, and sign up for classes throughout the year.
145 N. Raymond Avenue
Pasadena,
CA
91103
626.792.5101
website
Kidspace Children's Museum
Kidspace Children's Museum features world-class exhibitions and 2.2 acres of outdoor learning environments to encourage children to discover the excitement of learning while engaging in the creativity of play.
480 N. Arroyo Blvd.
Pasadena,
CA
91103
626.449.9144
website
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, & Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, & Botanical Gardens is a research and educational center set amid 120 acres of breathtaking and diverse gardens. Three art galleries and a library showcase magnificent collections of paintings, sculptures, rare books, manuscripts, and decorative arts. The botanical collection features over 14,000 different species of plants.
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino,
CA
91108
626.405.2100
website
Norton Simon Museum
Norton Simon Museum holds one of the world's finest and most prestigious collections of art and boasts a truly beautiful garden.
411 W. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena,
CA
91105
626.449.6840
website
USC Pacific Asia Museum
USC Pacific Asia Museum is one of only four institutions in the United States dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The Grace Nicholson Building, completed in 1925, is itself one of the great treasures of the museum, being an important and extraordinary example of Chinese architecture. It has been designated a Cultural Heritage Landmark.
46 N. Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena,
CA
91101
626.787.2680
website
Pasadena Civic Auditorium
Pasadena Civic Auditorium, dating from 1931, is one of the most revered performance halls in the nation, having hosted Broadway musicals, world-class ballet, and symphony orchestras, as well as the Prime Time Emmy Awards, and the People's Choice Awards.
300 E. Green Street
Pasadena,
CA
91101
626.449.7360
website
Pasadena Museum of History
Pasadena Museum of History was founded in 1924 to preserve and share the rich history, art, and culture of Pasadena. The museum’s location features the 1905 Fenyes Mansion, as well as the Curtin House, a gracious French-style residence designed in 1915 by Sylvanus Marston; the Finnish Folk Art Museum, a building designed by Frederick Roehrig and adapted by Consul Paloheimo for use as a sauna/guest house; a Research Library; and the History Center Galleries.
470 W. Walnut Street
Pasadena,
CA
91103
626.577.1660
website
Pasadena Playhouse
As one of the great institutions of the American theater since 1917, the Pasadena Playhouse features Tony and Pulitzer award-winning plays, as well as outreach and artistic programs.
39 S. El Molino Avenue
Pasadena,
CA
91101
626.356.7529
website