About Pasadena
Just north of Downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena is a historic city that’s renowned for its elegant architecture created during the City Beautiful Movement of the 1920s. It’s home to the magnificent Pasadena City Hall and the impressive Norton Simon Museum, as well as the sprawling gardens, library, and gallery of The Huntington.
With its strong ties to art, there’s no better place to host an exhibition near Los Angeles. Gallery spaces in Pasadena range from private residences to vintage Airstreams, allowing you to find the aesthetic and style you’re after.
Gallery Options in Pasadena
Already found your gallery space in Pasadena? You can transform your art exhibition into the event of your dreams with the help of the city’s professional vendors.
- Florists
Add some style and sophistication to your Pasadena gallery space with floral bouquets or botanical features. Pasadena’s talented florists can meet your needs by providing creative options to suit any space.
- Caterers
Want to provide catering during your exhibition? Pasadena catering companies offer everything from bite-size canapes and hors d'oeuvres to more filling meals that will keep your staff energized throughout the event.
- Photographers
Capture all the moments from your gallery opening or exhibition with the help of a professional photographer. Later on, you can use the images to promote the event or your next exhibition on your website and social media channels.
- Staff
If you’re looking for staff to serve drinks or assist with the set-up before your exhibition, you can take advantage of one of the recruitment agencies in the Greater Los Angeles area. They’ll do all the hard work of vetting prospective staff for you so you can focus on the creative side of things.
- Furniture Rentals
If your gallery venue doesn’t come with all the furnishings you need, there are numerous equipment rental companies in the Greater Los Angeles area that offer everything from tables and chairs to sound and audio gear, and decor.
Event Companies in Pasadena
If you need help planning your art exhibition or finding your gallery space in Pasadena, look no further than one of the city’s experienced event management companies. They can tailor their services to meet your needs, whether you need help with brainstorming a theme or securing vendors.
- Event Professionals
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in the event planning industry, this Pasadena-based company customizes its services based on the needs and budget of its clients. They specialize in planning unforgettable parties and events, including all rentals, staff, and decor.
- Lumiani Events
Lumiani Events is one of the premier event-planning companies in Pasadena and draws on the diverse talents of its four founding women. They’ll not only take the time to really understand your vision but will help to make it a reality through a variety of support services.
- Love Is Sweet Events
While Love Is Sweet Events specializes in weddings, they can turn their hand to event design and planning for a variety of special occasions. The company was established by Candace Lam in 2012 and has garnered a reputation as one of the best in the business in the Pasadena area.
Pros and Cons of Gallery Spaces in Pasadena
Pasadena’s sunny SoCal setting is just one of many advantages to holding your exhibition here. But there are some additional variables to consider when you plan an exhibition or art show near L.A.
Advantages
- Beautiful weather
Pasadena is lucky to experience the enviable weather for which Southern California is renowned, making it ideal for hosting both indoor and outdoor exhibitions throughout the year.
- Diversity of venues
Whether you’re after an all-American residence, a light-filled studio, or a vintage Airstream, you can find a diversity of gallery spaces in Pasadena to meet your needs.
- Experienced vendors
Forming part of the Greater Los Angeles area, Pasadena puts you on the doorstep of countless professional vendors and staff who can help to bring your exhibition to life.
- Convenient transport options
Just 40 minutes’ drive from Pasadena is Los Angeles International Airport, a global aviation hub that offers flights to destinations around the world, meaning guests and artists can easily get to and from your event.
- Outdoor pursuits
Backed by mountains and just a short drive from L.A.’s beachside communities, there are plenty of opportunities for your guests to enjoy the great outdoors either before or after your exhibition.
Disadvantages
- High costs of living
Pasadena has one of the highest sales taxes in the state of California, which means hosting your exhibition here could be more expensive than in other parts of Los Angeles.
- High costs of rentals
Rental prices for gallery spaces in Pasadena are in line with the city’s high housing prices.
- Traffic
Traffic is an issue throughout Greater Los Angeles and Pasadena is no exception. It’s particularly bad during Rose Bowl events when the streets can get jammed.
- Poor air quality at times
Pasadena’s air quality can be below average at some times of the year when it’s best to opt for an indoor gallery space.
- Relatively high crime rate
Pasadena’s crime rate is higher than 70% of California’s other towns and cities.
Famous Locations in Pasadena
- Pasadena City Hall
Completed in 1927 as part of the City Beautiful Movement, the Pasadena City Hall is one of the most striking architectural landmarks in the city. It’s long been a favorite shooting location for films and TV, including Charlie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator and the 1995 movie, A Walk in the Clouds.
- Norton Simon Museum
If your exhibition attendees are looking for other art-related attractions in Pasadena, they can visit the outstanding Norton Simon Museum. Its collection dates from the 14th century to the modern-day and includes European paintings, Asian woodblock prints, and sculptures by the renowned French artist Auguste Rodin.
- The Huntington
Established by Henry and Arabella Huntington in 1919, this sprawling property includes a library, an art museum, and a botanical garden. It houses an extensive collection of American art dating from the 17th to 20th centuries, as well as themed gardens where Chinese, Japanese, and desert plant species are exhibited.