A transformed Norton Museum of Art reopens to the public on Saturday, Feb. 9. The free festivities start at 10 a.m. and run until 5 p.m., beginning with a parade around the building led by Florida Atlantic University’s Parliament Sound Pep Band and featuring giant collaged puppets and ornaments made and carried by members of the community. The public is invited to join in the parade.
Festivities continue with a 10:30 a.m. ribbon cutting, followed by a free “open house,” featuring the opening of eight special exhibitions, new galleries, new acquisitions, old favorites, live music throughout the museum campus, shopping in the new museum store, the new restaurant and information about new programs.
Founded in 1941, the Norton Museum of Art is recognized for its distinguished holdings in American, European and Chinese art, and a continually expanding presence for photography and contemporary art. Its masterpieces of 19th century and 20th century European painting and sculpture include works by Brancusi, Gauguin, Matisse and Picasso, and American works by Stuart Davis, Hopper, O’Keeffe, Pollock and Sheeler. The museum presents special programs for adults and children throughout the year.
In early 2016, the Norton broke ground for a visionary expansion that reorients the Norton’s entrance to the main thoroughfare of South Dixie Highway, restoring the symmetry of the museum’s original 1941 design, and includes a new west wing that doubles education space and increases gallery space for the Norton’s renowned collection. The campus creates a museum in a garden, featuring new, verdant spaces and a sculpture garden.
The Norton is also presenting the following programs in February:
Live! At the Norton — This annual concert series returns for its 17th season, debuting at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10 with “The Music of David Lang.” One of America’s most acclaimed composers, Lang’s opera, orchestra, chamber and solo works have been performed around the world. Lang will introduce the concert, which features an array of musicians. Tickets are $20 for the general public and $15 for members.
The Return of Art After Dark — Now from 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays beginning Feb. 15, this free event is where culture and entertainment meet. The series moves to Fridays, expands by an hour to 10 p.m., and includes the debut of programs such as Pop Sessions — where the evening’s offerings are “louder and looser” — and Norton Cinema, which will present screenings of independent and rarely seen films and documentaries.
Feb. 15 features Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Hilton Als in conversation with Norton Director Hope Alswang, and a performance by New York-based singer-songwriter Sirintip and her quartet, playing a blend of pop, R&B, electronic and jazz.
Feb. 22 features photo-based artist Adam Fuss, who discusses his camera-less photography practice with photography curator Tim B. Wride. Ellen E. Roberts, curator of American art, discusses her new book about the museum’s namesake, Ralph Norton. Popular 1990s acoustic pop-rock band InHouse presents a 20th anniversary reunion concert with its original lineup.
Chinese New Year — This free event will return from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16. To showcase its world-class collection of Chinese art, the Norton offers free festivities with dances performed by the Lee Koon Hung Kung Fu Chinese Martial Arts Association, followed by an exciting array of programs and activities in celebration of Chinese culture, including a concert by the acclaimed ensemble Music From China, and culminating with fireworks over the Intracoastal Waterway.
Black History Family Day — Black History Family Day on Saturday, Feb. 23 celebrates the art and cultural histories of black Floridians and work by artists of African descent. It includes the Olujimi Dance Theatre, directed by Michelle Grant- Murray, and a tribute in music and poetry to Florida native James Weldon Johnson on the centennial of the iconic song, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (also known as “The Negro National Anthem”), for which he wrote the lyrics.
The Norton Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed on Wednesdays and major holidays.
Admission is free for members and $18 for general admission, $15 for seniors, $5 for students with a valid school ID and free for children age 12 and under. Teachers are free with a valid school ID, and active military (and immediate family) are free with a valid military ID. Museum admission is free to the public on Fridays and Saturdays.
Free parking is available across the street at 1501 S. Dixie Highway. For additional information, call (561) 832-5196. Visit www.norton.org for parade and program details and information.
