Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens

Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens comprises the former residence of sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905 -1982), the widow of Ralph Hubbard Norton. The Norton House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and the two-acre property, featuring a collection of 250 rare species of tropical palms, cycads and native plants, lies in the El Cid neighborhood of downtown West Palm Beach on the Intracoastal Waterway. In 1977, Ann Norton’s vision for art and natures symbiotic relationship was realized when she established Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, ensuring accessibility of her property, palms and tropical gardens for public enjoyment as a natural sanctuary in an urban area. Ann and Ralph Norton resided in the Norton House for the duration of their lives. The house was added to the National Register of Historic places in 1990. In 2019, Ann Norton was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is a member of the prestigious Historic Artists Homes’ and Studios Program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation as well as an officially designated international arboretum.

Displayed throughout the house, studio and gardens are more than 100 works by the artist, including nine monumental sculptures, eight in brick and one in granite. The Gardens were designed by Ann Norton and Sir Peter Smithers. The largest tract of garden containing the great brick sculptures, is designed in a natural, unmanicured style. The experience of coming across Norton’s mysterious monoliths as surprises in their lush green jungle-like setting is akin to discovering another world.