Ralph H Norton and his wife Elizabeth founded The Norton Museum of Art in 1941. Ralph Norton was an industrialist in Chicago who headed the Acme Steel Company. The museum came about because him and his wife used to collect items and art to decorate their home.
The couple began spending more time in Palm Beach County when they were semi-retired in 1935. Not knowing what to do with their giant art collection, the two decided to create their own museum in West Palm Beach. Construction first began on the Norton Gallery and the School of Art in 1940 and opened a year later to the public in February of 1941.
Today, the museum consists of more than 7,600 permanent works of art in five cultural departments, European, American, Chinese, Contemporary and Photography.
The Norton Museum of Art is reopening this weekend to the public after months of being closed. The Museum will open its doors to the public this Friday, November 20th. The Norton has taken enhances health and safety measures for all staff and visitors. There will be a new ticketing system in place and visitors are asked to reserve a timed ticket and to purchase your ticket ahead of time. The Museum reserves the first hour of each day for Norton Members and their guests.
Norton Museum of Art Hours:
Monday through Thursday: Closed
Friday: 11 am to 7 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
The Norton Museum of Art is located at 1450 S Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach.
