The New Norton

The Norton Museum of Art had more than 7,000 reasons to embark on a formidable $100 million expansion – and they were veritably hidden in its impressive permanent collection of European, American, Chinese, contemporary and photography works.

“The board and executive director at the time wanted to take the Norton to a new place. The permanent collection is a gem – one of the best in the region – and one that this institution felt hasn’t had the attention it deserves,” says Sam Ankerson, the museum’s deputy director, adding that the Norton opened in 1941 with just 160 works. “The collection wasn’t being exhibited in an environment equal to its quality. There are more than 7,000 pieces we can display, and this outstanding collection needed a modern, contemporary home that was up to the task.”

Construction on the project, which began in 2016, had two goals: exhibiting art in its most flattering and meaningful way and offering the community engaging, educating and inspiring programs and exhibitions. 

And, with esteemed architect Lord Norman Foster of London-based Foster + Partners as the creative force behind the revamp, the venture, they predicted, would be a masterpiece. Foster’s philosophy resonated with Norton trustees.

“Design is at the core of everything that we do,” according to a press release on the company’s website. “We design buildings, spaces and cities; we listen, we question and we innovate.”

The firm, creators of Apple Champs-Élysées in Paris and the Steve Jobs Theater in Silicon Valley, did all that and more. The refurbished West Palm Beach venue, unveiled with great fanfare in February, has a definite “wow factor,” Ankerson says.

“It’s all so new – and hopefully timeless.”

Adds Michael Wurzel, the Foster + Partners partner in charge of the mission: “The guiding principle for our design was to create a seamless visitor experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the artwork on display.” 

And ambiance was just as important as architecture, he says.

“We wanted to create a space that made visitors feel inspired, elevated and happy – who would depart with a strong desire to return.” 

Knowing that first impressions matter, architects created a journey that starts with the breathtaking 19-foot “Typewriter Eraser, Scale X” sculpture by Claes Oldenburg – made even more impressive by its placement in a reflecting pool at the museum’s entrance. The artist’s transformation of a mundane office supply into a colossal sculpture commands attention and sparks conversation. 

“Visitors then travel through wonderful exhibition spaces, a garden that invites them to let their minds wander and an outdoor cafe to enjoy good food – all emerging from our desire to curate a lively yet intimate cultural experience for everyone,” Wurzel says. 

The changes are so vast that a towering 80-year-old banyan tree, painstakingly incorporated into the façade’s redesign, is one of the property’s few recognizable objects. Among the alterations: The former parking lot is now a stunning 37,200-square-foot sculpture garden; a 59,000-square-foot wing was added; a state-of-the-art, 210-seat auditorium was built; and there’s a new store and restaurant.

The pièce de résistance just might be the 3,600-square-foot Great Hall with its soaring 44-foot ceilings, an oculus skylight, lounge seating, a coffee bar and piano – all designed to be the museum’s “living room.” 

“Our hope is that the Great Hall will become the new social hub of West Palm Beach,” says Wurzel. 

The expansion also includes 12,000 square feet of new gallery space; more room for expanded workshops and classes for youth, adults and families; a larger student exhibition space; a great lawn for relaxing and outdoor programming; three renovated 1920s-era cottages for an artist-in-residence program; and several floor-to-ceiling windows for more natural light.

It also boosted the 80-person staff to more than 100. And, thanks to generous donors, admission is now free on Fridays and Saturdays. 

But the revisions didn’t stop there. After all, this was a complete facelift – not a shot of Botox. Perhaps the most striking change was reorienting the Norton’s main entrance to South Dixie Highway to restore the east-west axis created by the original architect, Marion Sims Wyeth.

“We hope the changes make the museum more welcoming for all members of the community,” Ankerson says. “We want them to see us more as a destination, to come and enjoy art, relax, recharge and find inspiration.”

We say: Mission accomplished. Since the museum’s Feb. 9 grand opening, attendance has soared. During February and March, a total of 65,000 people visited – more than double the attendance for those months in previous years. 

Norton Director of Communications Scott Benarde attributes the surge to three factors: “There’s the curiosity factor, the new factor and the free (admission) factor.”

And there’s certainly much for new – and returning – visitors to experience. 

“New exhibitions will showcase paintings by Nina Chanel Abney, rarely exhibited masterpieces on loan from Florida collectors, new perspectives on photography and American painting, and peerless examples of ancient Chinese painting,” the 2019 season program promises.   

There’s also art in unexpected places – like artist Rob Wynne’s 6,000 shimmering pieces of hand-poured glass, inspired by the sun, surf and marine life, wrapping around the three-story Muriel and Ralph Saltzman Stairway. 

Changes to the Norton’s programs and workshops include the popular Art After Dark. Now on Fridays and extended by an hour to 10 p.m., the weekly series offers independent and rarely seen films; performances by contemporary dance troupes and jazz ensembles; art activities; curator insights; and garden parties with music and dancing.

A thought-provoking addition to the programming lineup is the Contemporary Dance Series, which will showcase choreographers using dance to explore issues raised by artists whose works are exhibited in the galleries. 

“Ballet Florida and Dance Now! Miami are creating new site-specific works inspired by the museum’s architecture and art on view,” notes a press release. “Together, the series will offer visitors an opportunity to think about the transformed museum, its art collection and ideas related to works on view differently through dance.” 

Other new programs include the Arts Leader Lecture Series, where arts and culture experts share their insight on relevant topics; the Artist Talks Series, an opportunity to meet artists and learn what inspires them; and the Sunday Speakers Series, featuring experts offering in-depth information about art and architecture.

There’s no question that the programs and artwork at the Norton are special, says Wurzel, which made it even more important for Foster + Partners to create the perfect home for them. 

“The project remains very close to my heart. Working together with the patrons and stakeholders, we felt as if we were in some way custodians of the building and the artwork within it, with a responsibility to preserve it for generations to come. It will continue to evolve and address its future needs and growing ambitions. We hope to add another chapter soon.” O