Step outside, feel the gentle Atlantic breeze and get ready for one fun weekend here in The Palm Beaches, Florida’s Cultural Capital®! From a night at the opera to a morning of outdoor art, your winter weekend is packed with arts and culture. Why wait one moment longer?
Thursday
Open your eyes and get some breakfast to-go! Your first stop is Downtown West Palm Beach—specifically, the large-scale murals that decorate the city’s exterior walls.
Some brightly-colored highlights include a painted skull of Yorick (from William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”) outside of Palm Beach Dramaworks on Clematis Street; the homage to Alexander Graham Bell by artist Tristan Eaton on the east-facing wall of Alexander Lofts on Fern Street; the exuberant street piece designed by Bulk Styles outside Respectable Street; and dozens more. Consider it an arts adventure! Bring a friend, take a few selfies and take in the all there is to explore in the heart of The Palm Beaches.
Shutterbugs and art fans alike will find inspiration in the next location: Palm Beach Photographic Centre. This organization, dedicated to the work of photographers and artists both local and from around the world, boasts one of West Palm Beach’s finest galleries. Best of all—the center’s museum and exhibitions are available to you, no cost for admission. On display from January 22 to March 9, “Vincent Versace: 50 Years in Photography” explores the career of the world-renowned Nikon Ambassador and photographer.
Your afternoon will be well-spent enjoying the shops and restaurants of nearby CityPlace. There, you can also learn more about the local arts scene at The Satellite, a pop-up gallery and visitor information center produced by the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County. Browse through the various exhibitions, snap a few photos, and eat a well-deserved dinner. Up next, a night of opera!
Palm Beach Opera is one of the destination’s oldest performing arts companies and each season brings an excellent variety of performances that are sure to delight both young and old. What fan of music or theatre could say no to Verdi’s “La Traviata” (January 25–27), Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” (February 22–24) or Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus” (March 22–24)? One of the best parts of seeing a Palm Beach Opera performance, though, is the venue: the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a top-notch choice for every high-note you’ll hear.
Rest up—tomorrow’s another big day of arts fun!
Friday
Ready to go a little wild? That’s grrr-eat because your second day of #palmbeachculture continues at Palm Beach Zoo!
A perfect choice for families, the zoo offers a multitude of activities for you and yours to spend the morning enjoying. From animal experiences (tigers, leopards and sloths…oh my!) to rides, Palm Beach Zoo is a sensational start to your Saturday.
The winter weather keeps everything cool and breezy during the day—so why not continue your travels outdoors? Head to Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens for a truly exceptional West Palm Beach experience. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the gardens provide a quiet, cultural retreat for you to walk around. The pièces de résistance are Ann Norton’s magnificent, large-scale sculptures that were built over a period of 15 years in the 20th century. Don’t forget to stop by her artist studio (located on-property) to see how she created each piece! Breathe deep, and enjoy the zen-like nature of this historic place.
Pack up the car and put on your sandals! It’s time to head to the beach—Juno Beach, that is—and its celebrated conservation destination, Loggerhead Marinelife Center. This organization focuses on the rehabilitation and preservation of sea turtles and the life aquatic. Take a tour and visit the sea turtle hospital (including its patients!), learn about the dos and don’ts of keeping the ocean clean and free of debris, or attend an extra-special sea turtle release and see hundreds of people cheer on these beautiful beasts as they re-enter the ocean. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Take a quick respite, dip your toes in the sand and go out for an early dinner because tonight, you’re in for a stunning show at Maltz Jupiter Theatre! This company brings in top talent from across the country to create only the best in theatrical entertainment. This winter season will knock your socks off with “Mamma Mia!” (January 15–February 10), “A Doll’s House, Part 2” (February 24–March 10) and “West Side Story” (March 26–April 14). Grab a seat and take in a performance you won’t soon forget! Then, hit the sack and get ready for one more fun-filled day of arts and culture.
Saturday
No time like the present—get up and get out to Downtown Delray Beach’s Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square, your next cultural stop on the tour.
Once upon a time, this museum existed as a simple schoolhouse (hence the name Old School Square) but has since evolved into an exciting hub for arts and culture. The museum hosts exuberant and expertly-curated exhibitions during the winter. Now through March 30, “Tech Effect” explores the relationship between art, social media and all the nuances in between.
For a bit of history on Delray Beach’s African, Haitian and Caribbean-American roots, you’ll take a short walk from Old School Square to the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum. Walk and learn about these cultures and their histories within Florida and across the United States at the museum itself or sit in style and join in with some friends on the excellent “Ride & Remember” trolley tour (which sets out once a month on Saturdays).
And that’s a wrap—wait, did you not get to go Boca Raton? What are you waiting for? Head south straight away and don’t stop until you get to The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum. Here, you can browse through an ongoing exhibition, “Those Were the Days,” which features an array of costumes and uniforms from 1950s and 60s Broadway and Hollywood productions. And, why not take in one more show before you go? The Wick’s season roster includes productions of “Funny Girl” (January 17–February 24), “Crazy for You” (March 14–April 14) and “Always, Patsy Cline” are sure to put a smile on your face before your eventual departure.
Make this wondrous winter getaway a reality. Go to palmbeachculture.com/travel and make your travel arrangements, see additional recommendations from the Cultural Concierge, find a place to stay—as easy and breezy as a winter day in The Palm Beaches.
