Pasadena Museum of California Art

Museum

A Pasadena institution known for exhibitions of California art and design; visitors pair it with the Norton Simon Museum and downtown Colorado Boulevard.

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In this guide

Pasadena Museum of California Art essentials

Address: PACIFIC ASIA MUSEUM or city cultural listings for current programming; building usage has changed since 2018
Admission: Free (permanent collection closed in 2018; check current use of the space)
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About Pasadena Museum of California Art

The Pasadena Museum of California Art (PMCA) was a museum in Pasadena, California, focused on art and design from California in the 20th and 21st centuries. It was established in 2002 and closed permanently in 2018.

Programming at the museum concentrated on rotating exhibitions of painting, photography, architecture, graphic design and decorative arts that related to California. It did not operate as a large encyclopedic museum; exhibitions and temporary displays were the core of its public offering.

The museum was founded to highlight regional artistic production and to present contemporary and historical perspectives on California visual culture. Financial and operational challenges led to its closure in 2018.

PMCA was located in central Pasadena and was part of the city’s cultural corridor near Colorado Boulevard and civic institutions.

  • Operational dates: The institution opened in 2002 and was permanently closed in 2018.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Pasadena Museum of California Art

Check current programming-this museum's physical galleries were closed in 2018 and plans for the space have varied.

Year-round
Jan-Dec · 10-25°C
Indoor cultural venues are visitable year-round; check local program schedules for events.

Weather & Climate near Pasadena Museum of California Art

Climate

Pasadena Museum of California Art's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (502 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 48 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 6° - 20° 13° 107 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
February - 7° - 21° 14° 117 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
March - 8° - 21° 15° 105 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
April - 9° - 24° 17° 30 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
May - 12° - 25° 19° 9 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
June - 14° - 29° 21° 3 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
July - 16° - 32° 24° 1 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
August - 16° - 33° 24° 4 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
September - 15° - 31° 23° 9 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
October - 12° - 27° 20° 14 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
November - 8° - 23° 15° 42 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
December - 6° - 20° 13° 61 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Pasadena Museum of California Art

In Pasadena: reachable by Metro Gold Line to Memorial Park or Del Mar stations, followed by a short walk into Old Pasadena. Confirm current status and programming before visiting as the former museum building’s use has changed.

Tips for Visiting Pasadena Museum of California Art

  • Confirm current status online-this museum closed its physical galleries in 2018 and the building's use has since changed.
  • If in Pasadena, check for temporary exhibitions or programs using the former museum space.
  • Combine a cultural stop with a walk through Old Pasadena for architecture and dining.