The New Norton Opening

The new Norton Museum of Art is finally here. A massive expansion project has resulted in a reinvented entrance on South Dixie Highway, 35 percent more gallery space, and new gardens, classrooms, an auditorium, a restaurant, a store, and more. On February 9, the museum returns with a free Grand Opening Celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On this day, the Norton will welcome eight special exhibitions. Highlights include the latest rendition of RAW (Recognition of Art by Women), featuring work by Nina Chanel Abney; “Out of the Box: Camera-less Photography,” which showcases images created sans camera; and “Oldenburg and van Bruggen: The Typewriter Eraser, a Favored Form,” a collection inspired by a recent gift of the duo’s Typewriter Eraser, Scale X sculpture. In addition, visitors can peruse several site-specific installations the Norton commissioned to complement its revamped surrounds.

Beyond these visual art elements, the Norton is mounting an array of new and reimagined events and series. Art After Dark will now be held on Fridays, from 5 to 10 p.m., and feature new cinema and contemporary dance series. The museum is also entering the lecture and talk circuit with the Arts Leader Lecture Series (debuting February 15 with essayist, author, and theater critic Hilton Als), Sunday Speakers (“Watercolor as a Modern Medium” with Martha Tedeschi, February 17), and Artist Talks (February 22 with photo-based artist Adam Fuss).

This is just the tip of the iceberg of what the new Norton has to offer. Visit early and often to take advantage of this great addition to the West Palm Beach arts community.