Please note that I'm neither an art major nor a die-hard enthusiast, but I do enjoy a trip to the museum now and then. I've always enjoyed the Norton Simon, which has an uber-friendly environment. The permanent collection includes some Van Gogh pieces and Degas sculptures, as well as many others. It lacks on exhibits, but has a warm atmosphere because of its smaller size. The base floor has an impressive Asian collection.
Pros: good parking, uncrowded, helpful staff
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