West Palm’s Hottest Secret: A New Entertainment Venue is Coming

The Norton Museum

The Norton Museum of Art, a cornerstone of West Palm Beach’s cultural landscape, has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum’s reopening strategy reflects a cautious approach, prioritizing safety and public health. Bruce Gendelman, the board chairman, shared insights into their decision-making process. The Norton Museum initially reopened its sculpture garden on June 2, only to close it again on June 30 after four security guards contracted COVID-19. This experience underscored the risks associated with premature reopening.

The Norton Museum is now planning a limited reopening by the start of the new year, but this decision is contingent on the positivity rate dropping below 1 percent. Even after reopening, the museum will proceed with caution, prioritizing safety protocols and gradual capacity increases. The Norton Museum has also been proactive in adapting its offerings to the digital space. For instance, the museum extended the “Clouds in the Expanded Field” exhibition featuring Nora Maité Nieves from April 28 to July 7, showcasing the artist’s unique style that includes textured surfaces and stop-motion animation.

Another notable exhibition is “Unscripted” by Ellen Graham, which features unposed, unplanned photographs capturing moments of intimacy and humor. This exhibition runs from March 2 to June 16 and highlights Graham’s ability to charm her subjects. Additionally, the museum is hosting “She. Her. Hers.,” an exhibition featuring 10 female Palm Beach County-based artists, focusing on the experiences of women and their inspirations.

The Norton Museum’s approach to reopening and its adaptive strategies showcase its commitment to the arts and the community. By balancing caution with a willingness to experiment, the museum is setting a precedent for other cultural institutions in the region. As the county moves into Phase 2, the Norton Museum’s cautious reopening strategy highlights the complex balancing act cultural institutions must navigate in the post-pandemic world.

Challenges for Cultural Groups

Cultural leaders in West Palm Beach have expressed a mix of optimism and caution as the county moves into Phase 2 reopening. While the eased restrictions bring a glimmer of hope, the reality of operating during a pandemic remains challenging. Sue Ellen Beryl, managing director of Palm Beach Dramaworks, emphasized the financial and logistical hurdles her theater faces. “Unfortunately, this does not help us in any way,” Beryl stated. “We need to be open at full capacity to make any financial sense, and we cannot do that until it is safe to do so and the community is willing to come back.” This sentiment is echoed by other cultural leaders who worry about the safety of their audiences and staff.

Fatima NeJame, president and CEO of Palm Beach Photographic Centre, shared her concerns about low attendance and the hesitation of the older demographic to return to cultural events. “There will be a good percentage of the population that will be very careful,” NeJame noted. The centre has reopened its museum for members but has seen light attendance, making it easier to maintain social distancing. However, the center has had to shift to virtual receptions and limit in-person classes due to small classroom sizes.

Kate Arrizza, president and chief executive officer of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, highlighted the ongoing challenges despite the easing of restrictions. “Even though we can open at full capacity, our visitation is still low,” Arrizza said. The center has seen attendance edging up but remains at 40 percent of usual levels. Arrizza hopes that the upcoming blockbuster exhibition, “Real Bodies,” opening on Sept. 28, will attract more visitors.

The challenges faced by cultural groups in West Palm Beach are multifaceted. Financial struggles, safety concerns, and low attendance are significant hurdles that must be navigated carefully. The experiences of Palm Beach Dramaworks, Palm Beach Photographic Centre, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium illustrate the complexities of reopening during a pandemic. As the county moves forward with Phase 2, cultural leaders must balance the need for economic recovery with the imperative of public health.

Arts and Entertainment

While the COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges, the arts and entertainment scene in West Palm Beach continues to thrive with a diverse range of offerings. The Norton Museum’s exhibitions, such as “Three Women,” “Clouds in the Expanded Field,” and “Unscripted,” are just a few examples of the vibrant cultural landscape. These exhibitions not only showcase the talents of local and international artists but also provide a platform for meaningful conversations and artistic exploration.

As the county moves into Phase 2 reopening, cultural institutions like the Kravis Center are also preparing to resume operations. The Kravis Center, one of the largest performing arts centers in Florida, will reopen its 305-seat Rinker Playhouse, 291-seat Persson Hall, and Cohen Pavilion. These venues, with reduced capacities and social distancing measures, will host a variety of performances, including music, theater, and art events. The Kravis Center’s reopening is a significant step towards revitalizing the arts scene in West Palm Beach, offering residents and visitors a chance to enjoy live performances again.

In addition to traditional arts venues, other cultural spaces are also adapting to the new normal. The Palm Beach Zoo, for example, has seen increased attendance due to promotional events like the kids-free promotion. The zoo is working with the county to reopen at full capacity, ensuring a safe environment for visitors. Similarly, amusement and entertainment venues are consulting with the county to ensure safe reopening practices, even though they are no longer required to have county-approved reopening plans.

The arts and entertainment scene in West Palm Beach is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the community. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, cultural institutions continue to innovate and offer enriching experiences. Whether it’s through virtual exhibitions, socially distanced performances, or safe outdoor events, the arts scene remains a vital part of the community’s fabric. As the county moves forward, the arts and entertainment sector will play a crucial role in the economic and cultural recovery of West Palm Beach.

Cultural Scene in West Palm

Phase 2 Reopening

Palm Beach County’s Phase 2 reopening plan brings a mix of optimism and caution as cultural institutions prepare to welcome visitors again. The county’s guidelines, which include capacity limitations, mask mandates, and social distancing protocols, aim to balance public health with economic recovery. Museums, which have been operating at 50 percent capacity, will be able to increase to full capacity. Libraries can also open at full capacity, while playhouses can reopen at 33 percent of their seating capacity. Larger theaters will be permitted to reopen at 50 percent capacity starting Oct. 19, with a gradual increase to 66 percent by Nov. 2.

These guidelines provide a framework for cultural institutions to resume operations, but the reality is more complex. The Norton Museum, for instance, has been cautious in its reopening strategy, prioritizing safety and public health. The museum’s decision to reopen on a limited basis by the start of the new year, contingent on a positivity rate below 1 percent, illustrates the careful approach cultural leaders are taking. Similarly, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, which has seen attendance at 40 percent of usual levels, is hopeful that upcoming exhibitions will attract more visitors.

The Phase 2 reopening plan also includes health metrics assessments between each step, with the possibility of adjusting dates if statistics deteriorate. This adaptive approach acknowledges the fluid nature of the pandemic and the need for flexibility in reopening strategies. Cultural institutions must remain vigilant and ready to pivot in response to changing circumstances. The Phase 2 reopening is a step in the right direction, but it is just the beginning of the recovery process. As cultural leaders navigate these challenges, they are laying the groundwork for a resilient and vibrant arts scene in West Palm Beach.

South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

Since reopening on May 22, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium has faced the challenge of maintaining a limited capacity, currently operating at 40 percent of its usual attendance for this time of year. President and CEO, Kate Arrizza, expressed hopes that the upcoming blockbuster exhibition, “Real Bodies,” scheduled to open on September 28, will attract more visitors and boost overall attendance. Despite the capacity restrictions, the center remains committed to providing safe and engaging experiences for its community.

Palm Beach Zoo

The Palm Beach Zoo has shown resilience during the reopening phase, reporting an increase in August attendance that exceeded last year’s figures, largely attributed to its innovative kids-free promotion. The zoo is collaborating closely with the county to ensure a smooth transition to full capacity as part of its reopening plan. According to Christine DeMichael, Director of Marketing and Communications, the zoo’s efforts in adapting to the current health guidelines have helped maintain a steady flow of visitors, demonstrating a responsible and flexible approach to the reopening process.

Upcoming Events and Exhibitions

ART

The upcoming art scene in Palm Beach County promises a variety of exhibitions that delve into the diverse experiences of women. The Norton Museum of Art will host the exhibition “Three Women,” featuring Nora Maité Nieves, Ellen Graham, and Rose B. Simpson, each showcasing distinct artistic expressions that highlight the female perspective in contemporary art. Nieves’ “Clouds in the Expanded Field” includes a unique blend of nearly 20 two-dimensional works, while Simpson presents her “Journeys of Clay” in a multi-media installation that explores her heritage and personal journey. The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is also showcasing “She. Her. Hers.,” an innovative exhibition of work by 10 local female artists, highlighting their unique experiences and perspectives.

MUSIC

Music lovers can anticipate a robust lineup of concerts and performances at venues across Palm Beach County. The Kravis Center, a prominent event venue, is set to reopen its smaller venues, the 305-seat Rinker Playhouse, 291-seat Persson Hall, and the Cohen Pavilion, allowing for a gradual return to live music. These smaller venues will operate at reduced capacities, adhering to social-distancing guidelines to ensure a safe environment for both performers and audiences.

THEATER

Theater is making a comeback in Palm Beach County with several exciting productions scheduled. Palm Beach Dramaworks, known for its intimate theater experience, is gearing up for a season that includes a mix of plays and musicals. Despite the challenges, the theater is planning to resume performances with a cautious approach, focusing on smaller, socially distanced groups. The theater’s managing director, Sue Ellen Beryl, remains optimistic about the gradual return of audiences and the potential for future growth in the local theater scene.