Community Spotlight The RW Norton Art Gallery

There is a lot to do in Shreveport, LA, from great restaurants to a water park and several different museums. In Shreveport’s South Highland neighborhood, you’ll find a space that is a combination of an art gallery and botanical gardens—the R.W. Norton Art Gallery.

Step into a space devoted to art and nature and forget about the rest of the world as you visit the R.W. Norton Art Gallery.

History of the R.W. Norton Art Gallery

In 1946, to honor Mr. Norton, his wife and son created the R.W. Norton Art Foundation. From the foundation came the R.W. Norton Art Gallery, which opened its doors in 1966. The gallery is a teaching museum, which encourages the community to join in thoughtful discussions and interpretations of the art within the gallery.

The R.W. Norton Art Gallery is the largest museum in Shreveport, surrounded by 40 acres of gardens. The gallery also hosts events and special exhibits throughout the year, ranging from family-friendly to 21-and-older events.

If you like movies, join the R.W. Norton Art Gallery for their Twilight Talkies series. Grab a lawn chair and some blankets and enjoy a movie under the stars with snacks from local food trucks.

The R.W. Norton Art Gallery is also working on the Oral History Project. This project gives World War II veterans a chance to share their stories, whether they served in Europe, the South Pacific, or on the home front.

Art Museum

The Norton Art Gallery has art from across four millennia, dating back to 2400 BC with works from Ancient Egypt, Persia, Greece, and Rome. You can step back in time and see the art created through the ages. In total, the museum has over 400 paintings as well as sculptures, decorative arts, and tapestries. Displayed works include that of famous artists like Frederic Remington and Charles Marion Russell.

On top of the wonderful works of art, the R.W. Norton Art Gallery also hosts a collection of books on fine arts, U.S. history, Louisiana history, and genealogy. You can even view rare folios, like the double elephant folio of John James Audubon’s The Birds of America.

Botanical Gardens

If you’re a fan of strolling through nature, you’ll certainly want to save time for the 40-acre botanical gardens during your visit. In addition to thousands of plants, the botanical gardens are home to thousands of native azaleas, which bloom in spring and offer gorgeous views of the flowers.

Enjoy the sloping hills, paths that wind through flowers and outdoor sculptures, and even a reflective pond. Spend time at the botanical gardens watching birds, reading, walking, and connecting with the nature around you. Take your time and make some memories.

Visit Art Both Indoors and Outdoors

For a dose of art, come by the R.W. Norton Art Gallery. You can stroll through beautiful botanical gardens and take a look at some of the art in the indoor gallery.

If you want to stay updated on events, gallery hours, and new exhibits, follow the R. W. Norton Art Gallery on Instagram.