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. Last year, the museum opened its door again after eight years of renovations to include a new 12,000 square foot art gallery space, an educational center, a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating, a maze garden, better lighting in the existing galleries and an new entrance lobby area. The Norton Museum of Art is open 7 days a week and is open to the public. Admission fees on Friday and Saturday are free to the public. General Admission tickets are $18 dollars for adults, $5 dollars for children and seniors and military personnel receive special discounts. Museum Hours:Sunday: 11 am to 5 pmMonday through Thursday: 10 am to 5 pmFriday: 10 am to 10 pmSaturday: 10 am to 5 pmThe Norton Museum of Art is located at 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach.