Just south of the well-known Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, another artistic landmark is making waves: the Reuben Hale House, now an affiliate member of the Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios (HAHS) program — a rare national recognition.
Built in 1925 and lovingly preserved by his daughter Irma Hale, the home belonged to Reuben Aldridge Hale, Jr. — a boundary-pushing artist, educator, and civic leader who believed art should reflect the truth of its time. His daughter has turned their former home into a nonprofit museum that showcases his paintings, portraits, sculptures, holograms, and even handmade furniture. Yes, it’s as cool as it sounds.
Reuben Hale taught at Palm Beach Junior College (now Palm Beach State) for over 30 years, helping build one of the few serious art programs in Florida at the time. He was passionate about mentoring students, often staying late just to give them more time to create — and he had high standards: “I would put [these students] up against any in the world.”
He was also ahead of his time in championing women, both in life and art: “The change in status of the female will be one of the most significant and powerful developments of the 20th century,” he once said — and his sculptures of “emerging women” show it.
The house is reopening for guided tours in September 2025, and the nonprofit The Artwork of Reuben Hale, Inc.(founded in 2019) is looking for volunteers to help bring his legacy to life.
🖼️ Visit to learn more: reubenhale.com
