The Modern
Halona Norton-Westbrook is no stranger to transformation. From her tenure at the Honolulu Museum of Art, where she expanded audiences and deepened community engagement, to her innovative curatorial work at the Toledo Museum of Art, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a museum can be. Now, she’s set to bring that vision to Fort Worth as the next Director of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (the Modern).
Norton-Westbrook will take the reins as director on July 1, following the retirement of longtime director Marla Price, according to the Modern’s website. With Price at the helm for three decades, the Modern has become an internationally recognized institution. Norton-Westbrook, armed with a Ph.D. in Museology and a track record of institutional growth, seems poised to build upon that legacy while ushering in a new era.
Rafael G. Garza, president of the Modern’s Board of Trustees, made it clear that Norton-Westbrook was the right choice. “Halona Norton-Westbrook brings an extraordinary combination of vision, leadership, and a deep commitment to art. Her impactful track record of strategic thinking, community engagement, and curatorial excellence makes her the ideal dynamic leader to guide the Modern into its next chapter. We are confident that under her direction, the museum will build upon its remarkable legacy within the Fort Worth community and continue to evolve as a dynamic cultural hub of international significance.”
Her resume reads like a blueprint for modern museum leadership. At the Honolulu Museum of Art, she doubled annual attendance from pre-2020 levels, secured multimillion-dollar endowment gifts, and oversaw a $4 million restoration of its historic Art School. Before that, at the Toledo Museum of Art, she played a pivotal role in acquisitions and exhibitions that introduced works by Alice Neel, David Hockney, Nam June Paik, and Titus Kaphar to the collection. A federally appointed trustee for the National Museum and Library Services Board, she has also lectured globally, solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in the art world.
Her arrival at the Modern is perfectly timed. She will step into her new role during the run of two major exhibitions: Alex Da Corte: “The Whale” and “Feeling Color”: Aubrey Williams and Frank Bowling. With the Modern’s renowned collection of post-World War II art and its iconic Tadao Ando-designed building, she inherits an institution with both deep roots and boundless potential.
For Norton-Westbrook, the museum is more than a repository of art — it’s a catalyst for dialogue, inspiration, and connection.
“The Modern is a museum of extraordinary ambition and impact, and I am honored to lead it into the future. Museums have the power to foster joy, reflection, and meaningful conversations. I look forward to working alongside the museum’s talented team and dedicated community to expand its reach, deepen its engagement, and continue its tradition of presenting art of the highest quality. Fort Worth has a vibrant cultural landscape, and I am eager to become part of it, building meaningful relationships and shaping the Modern’s next chapter with energy, creativity, and care,”
