West Palm Beach’s arts scene is gearing up for another major upgrade. The Norton Museum of Art proposes to move forward with a large Phase 2 expansion that would significantly increase its footprint, programming capacity, and visitor infrastructure.
What’s Planned?
Following its 2019 renovation, the Norton now proposes an east-side expansion on its six-acre campus south of Okeechobee Boulevard. The plan includes two new buildings—one three stories and one two stories—along South Olive Avenue, connected by an elevated terrace overlooking the Intracoastal waterway.
Plus, the plan reworks how visitors arrive, with a new traffic loop near the original South Olive Avenue entrance to support valet service and school buses, plus the new multi-level parking structure to handle increased attendance.
To breakdown the size of the new proposed addition:
- Previously approved: 171,795 sf (included +39,000 sf for Phase 2)
- Proposed Phase 2 Expansion adds 61,769 sf, including:
- 59,321 sf to the main museum
- 2,448 sf of garage liner
- Proposed total: 233,564 sf
New Programming & More
The proposed expansion adds space for the following:
- Exhibition and gallery space – To note, the Norton currently exhibits only 37% of its collection. This addition would allow the Norton to display more of its collection, which continues to grow in light of the post-COVID wealth migration to Palm Beach and West Palm Beach.
- Event space and a rooftop terrace – This would overlook the potential new art park (more on this below) and have views of the Intracoastal waterway.
- Art education classrooms
- Expanded office, mechanical, and support areas
- A 3-level parking structure
- Active-use liner space
- Valet and school bus drop-off
A Potential Waterfront Art Park
Separately, the Norton has proposed transforming Pioneer Memorial Park—the green space between the museum and the Intracoastal—into a public cultural art park designed by Norman Foster. The vision includes shaded walkways, open lawns, and a signature waterfront artwork. The City of West Palm Beach has already declared the land surplus, allowing lease negotiations to begin, with Related Ross expected to collaborate on future art activations due to the adjacent South Flagler House.
The Big Picture for the Norton Expansion
Together, the expansion and proposed art park would elevate the Norton, adding more space for exhibitions and education, improving access for school groups, and potentially activating a new public cultural space along the waterfront. This ~100,000 square foot addition would help the Norton Museum to remain the largest museum in the State of Florida.
