Polarized optical absorption and luminescence spectra, emission lifetimes and time-resolved excited state absorption (ESA) have been measured in La2Be2O5 and KGd (WO4)2 crystals doped with Pr3+. The Stark level structure of the Pr3+ manifolds was determined. Strong pump-induced absorption due to the transient color centers and ESA in Pr3+ was observed in these materials. Peak excited state absorption cross sections were estimated to be 0.8-1.2 x 10-18 cm2. No significant stimulated emission could be measured in the visible fluorescence region.