Pasadena Museum of California Art

An open-air staircase beautified by moody lightplay from an oculus above it creates a striking entrance into this three-story facility. The museum is dedicated to California art and design from the last 150 years, and often runs several temporary exhibitions simultaneously in its straightforward gallery spaces: you might find a collection of paintings by Pasadena Impressionist Benjamin Chambers Brown alongside a show devoted to toy culture. (One admission price covers all shows.)