skip to Main Content

Exhibitions

GREAT PERFORMANCES
ARE JUST THE BEGINNING
OF THE NORTON CENTER
EXPERIENCE.

In addition to rotating gallery exhibitions in the Grand Foyer, the Center boasts an expansive display of permanent art and sculpture year-round, including the Ex Astris sculpture, the Haven Gillespie Fountain and Plaza, and works by Auguste Rodin and Stephen Rolfe Powell ‘74.

Grand Foyer Gallery
Monday – Friday
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Free

Guided group tours are
available by request.

Exhibit on the walls of the Grand Foyer in the Norton Center

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM:
SURVEY OF WORKS BY CENTRE STUDIO ART FACULTY

OPEN THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025

For the 2024/2025 Season, the Norton Center has partnered with the Centre College Art Program to present works by the College’s four studio art professors. The exhibition features personally selected works by these professors, demonstrating their creativity and technique. Whether through painting, glass, ceramics or photography, these pieces highlight the imaginative and skillful breadth and depth of Centre’s art faculty, offering inspiration to students and the public alike.

PERMANENT COLLECTION

Sculpture And Blue Sky
EX ASTRIS (1978)

The 14-foot, brass-plated sculpture by Louisville artist Tom Lear is located at the main entrance to the Grand Foyer. The name means “from the stars.”

Fountain With People In The Background
THE HAVEN GILLESPIE FOUNTAIN AND PLAZA (1973)

The Haven Gillespie Fountain and Plaza (1973, renovated in 1994 and 2010). This space was made possible by a gift by Audrey R. Gillespie in memory of James Haven Gillespie 1888-1975 and his son Haven Lamont Gillespie 1910-1990.

Sculpture Of The Walking Man
THE WALKING MAN (1899-1900)

Also known as “Etude for St. Jean Baptiste,” this original work is by the founder of modern sculpture, Auguste Rodin. The sculpture was donated in 1980 by David Grissom in honor of his late father.

PREVIOUS EXHIBITIONS

Photographs, videos, artist biographies and additional resources from previous special exhibitions are available.

Back To Top