Norton SimonBirth Chart

Norton Winfred Simon was an American industrialist and philanthropist known for his business acumen and significant role as an art collector. He began his career by turning an insolvent juice bottling company into Val Vita, which—after several acquisitions and aggressive marketing strategies—became Hunt Food and Industries. With profits from the food sector, he diversified his investments into well-known companies such as McCall’s, Canada Dry, Max Factor and Avis, all grouped under the holding Norton Simon Inc.

Over his lifetime he amassed a large private collection ranging from Old Masters to modernists and Asian art, a substantial portion of which became part of the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. His work as an administrator and donor included board positions at educational and cultural institutions and support for the development of museums in California.

His career combined business success, influence in the cultural market, and occasional controversies concerning the provenance of certain works that were later resolved by agreement. His most enduring legacy is the museum institution that preserves and makes a significant portion of his collection available to the public.