Norton Museum of Art Reopens in Palm Beach After Norman Foster Expansion
On February 9, the Norton Museum of Art in Palm Beach, Florida, will unveil its revamped facilities following a $100 million expansion led by British architect Norman Foster and his firm, Foster + Partners. This initiative, which began in 2016, introduces a new wing, a sculpture garden, an auditorium, and a restaurant, enhancing exhibition space by 35% and doubling the educational areas. Established in 1941 by Ralph and Elizabeth Norton, the museum underwent its last expansion in 2001. The updated design showcases a south-facing entrance, a colonnade, a glass-walled hall, and a garden featuring 13 sculptures. For the reopening, eight exhibitions are scheduled, including works from Nina Chanel Abney and site-specific installations, while the collection boasts over 7,000 pieces, emphasizing European, American, and Chinese art.
Key facts
- Norton Museum of Art reopens February 9 after $100 million expansion by Norman Foster.
- Expansion adds new wing, sculpture garden, auditorium, restaurant; exhibition space up 35%.
- Museum founded in 1941 by Ralph Hubbard Norton and Elizabeth Calhoun Norton.
- Original building designed by Marion Sims Wyeth, architect of Mar-a-Lago.
- 2001 expansion by Chad Floyd of Centerbrook Architects doubled exhibition space.
- New entrance reoriented to south side; garden designed by Foster is his first public garden.
- Sculpture garden features works by Keith Haring, Fernand Léger, George Rickey, Mark di Suvero, Tom Otterness.
- Eight reopening exhibitions include Nina Chanel Abney (RAW series), Florida collectors show, and site-specific works by Pae White, Rob Wynne, Paul Morrison.
- Pae White created a 12-meter-wide tapestry for the Great Hall.
- Rob Wynne's installation uses 6,000 hand-poured glass pieces inspired by sun, surf, marine life.
- Paul Morrison's gold-leaf floral mural wraps the Korman Event Room.
- Collection of over 7,000 works focuses on European, American, and Chinese art; new photography gallery added.
- 21st Century Society launched in 2016 has acquired over 230 works, including pieces by Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Jeff Koons, Anish Kapoor.
- Educational programs engage 12,000–15,000 students annually.
- Museum aims to be a community hub with film series, dance, theater, music performances.
Entities
Artists
- Nina Chanel Abney
- Romare Bearden
- Mary Cassatt
- Nick Cave
- Bruce Conner
- Jean Dubuffet
- Robert Henri
- Roy Lichtenstein
- Edward Ruscha
- Kara Walker
- Pae White
- Rob Wynne
- Paul Morrison
- Gregory Scott
- Keith Haring
- Fernand Léger
- George Rickey
- Mark di Suvero
- Tom Otterness
- Njideka Akunyili Crosby
- Gilbert & George
- Thomas Hart Benton
- Richard Diebenkorn
- Rineke Dijkstra
- Olafur Eliasson
- Theaster Gates
- Jenny Holzer
- Donald Judd
- Anish Kapoor
- Anselm Kiefer
- Jeff Koons
- Dorothea Lange
- Louise Nevelson
- Pipilotti Rist
- Kiki Smith
- Wayne Thiebaud
- Irving Penn
Institutions
- Norton Museum of Art
- Foster + Partners
- Centerbrook Architects
- 21st Century Society
Locations
- Palm Beach
- Florida
- United States