Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach (must see)

The Norton Museum of Art is the largest art museum in Florida’s Palm Beaches and one of the region’s most important cultural institutions. Founded in 1941, the museum has grown around a core collection focused on American, European, and Chinese art, along with contemporary works and photography. A major expansion in 2019 reshaped the campus with new galleries, a sculpture garden, and a striking entrance pavilion designed by architect Lord Norman Foster, making the Norton a central destination for both art lovers and casual visitors.

As you step into the main entrance pavilion, look toward the soaring glass atrium that anchors the lobby. The large banyan tree outside—preserved during the redesign—frames the view, and the natural light that enters the atrium highlights the clean architectural lines. If you turn to your right, you’ll find the first set of permanent collection galleries, where American and European paintings are displayed chronologically. These rooms often include works by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Claude Monet, giving you an immediate sense of the museum’s breadth.

Farther inside, walk toward the galleries dedicated to Chinese art, one of the Norton’s founding strengths. As you enter, notice the shift in lighting and display style: ceramics, jade pieces, and ritual objects are arranged in well-lit cases that emphasize texture and detail. If you continue past this section, you’ll reach the contemporary art wing and the Photography Gallery, where rotating exhibitions highlight modern perspectives and new media. The museum’s sculpture garden is accessible from nearby doors, offering an outdoor extension of the art experience.

The Norton Museum of Art also features a café, a store, and a full schedule of public programs, including tours, lectures, film screenings, and family activities. Its combination of historic collections, bold architecture, and dynamic exhibitions makes it a major cultural anchor in West Palm Beach, with spaces designed to be explored at your own pace.