After hitting the links and relaxing along the coast, the family may just be ready to indulge in other experiences and make more memories. If so, you’re in luck. The region is a cultural haven abuzz with diverse venues that are sure to sate your desire for live music and theater, visual arts, film, and history.
Art aficionados can become immersed in art at renowned institutions such as the Norton Museum of Art, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, and Boca Raton Museum of Art. Theater lovers can find everything their hearts desire at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Palm Beach Dramaworks, and many others.
Palm Beach County is home to four popular outdoor amphitheaters that draw national acts and host annual festivals, such as the 561 Music Festival showcasing Florida bands.
From ballet to opera to country music, tickle your muse today—and discover why The Palm Beaches calls itself Florida’s Cultural Capital.
Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach, 33401
561-832-5328
Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is a land-marked complex built as a testament to the creative genius of the namesake American sculptor. Its gardens include more than four decades of Norton’s monumental sculptures, along with several artistic periods represented by works of bronze, stone, and wood. Displayed throughout the house, studio, and gardens are more than 100 of Norton’s works.
Armory Art Center
811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, 33401
561-832-1776
The Armory Art Center—located in a 1939 Art Deco building—provides nearly 100 courses for students of all ages in 12 state-of-the-art studios. The Armory hosts 20 exhibitions annually within its four galleries, salons, lectures, and special events.
Arts Garage
94 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, 33444
561-450-6357
In the heart of Delray Beach’s vibrant downtown, Arts Garage is an inspiring hub for visual artists and musicians. Patrons get to sip wine, taste cheese, and soak in jazz, blues, soul, reggae, and classical music. No seat is a bad one in this cozy venue. Theater classes and piano lessons from seasoned performers are offered as well.
Boca Ballet Theatre
7630 NW 6th Ave., Boca Raton, 33487
561-995-0709
Boca Ballet Theatre teaches children and adults classical ballet with a focus on eight full-length ballets in its repertory with the philosophy that future innovation in the medium comes from a strong background in the history of dance.
Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum
71 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, 33432
561-395-6766
The historical society offers a wide array of heritage education programs, exhibits, and resources that provide a tangible link to the region’s past. The museum is located in the city’s original 1926 Town Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Boca Raton Museum of Art
501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, 33432
561-392-2500
Attracting more than 200,000 visitors a year to its cultural galleries and programs, the impressive Boca Raton Museum of Art houses an assortment of traveling exhibitions and permanent collections from both established and rising artists. The two-story museum also offers educational programs, artist lectures, films, and art classes for children.
Cornell Art Museum
51 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, 33444
561-654-2220
The Cornell Art Museum is housed in the 1913 Delray Elementary School building on the Old School Square campus. The first floor houses two large galleries for exhibitions of works by nationally and internationally recognized, contemporary artists. The spotlight gallery hosts exhibits of works by local artists. The first-floor store features hand-crafted art, decor and jewelry by 50 area artists. The second floor has four exhibition galleries.
Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
The Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. Building
601 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach, 33460
561-471-2901
This organization fosters the sustainable growth of the cultural sector by providing support services to organizations and creative professionals, administers public and private grant programs, advocates for funding, enhances local arts education, and promotes cultural tourism. It is also home to galleries showcasing art made in or unique to Palm Beach County, the Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store, and concert series.
Delray Beach Playhouse
950 NW 9th St., Delray Beach, 33444
561-272-1281
Since opening its doors in 1947, Delray Beach Playhouse has been providing South Florida with engaging community theater. Located in a picturesque park on Lake Ida, Delray Beach Playhouse presents a mix of comedy, drama, and Broadway musical revues, as well as children’s theater productions, camps, and workshops.
Flagler Museum
One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, 33480
561-655-2833
When it was completed in 1902, Whitehall, Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age estate in Palm Beach, was called “more wonderful than any palace in Europe, grander and more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world” by the New York Herald. Today, Whitehall is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public as the Flagler Museum, featuring guided tours, changing exhibits, and special programs.
Glazer Hall
70 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach, 33480
561-576-7860
This premier, 400-seat-theater boasts state-of-the-art technology including retractable seating, a glass back wall overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, and world-class sound and lighting. Originally designed as the Royal Poinciana Playhouse in 1958 by John Volk, the 24,000 square-foot venue recently reopened following an extensive makeover.
iThink Financial Amphitheatre
601-7 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach, 33411
561-795-8883
The open-air music venue at the South Florida Fairgrounds can seat 20,000 and offers marvelous views of the city. The venue hosts the biggest names in music, ranging from Snoop Dogg to the Dave Matthews Band.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum Lighthouse Park
500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter, 33469
561-747-8380
Challenge your family to climb to the top of this 105-foot-tall, conical-cylindrical lighthouse tower. Built in 1860, the red brick lighthouse was designed by future Union General George Meade. Also on-site, you’ll find a Keeper’s Workshop and a restored WWII building that serves as a history museum. Take advantage of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum’s educational programs, including sunset and moonrise tours and story time for kids.
Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 33401
561-832-7469
It’s been more than 34 years since the Kravis Center welcomed its first guests—and since then, the center has presented thousands of performances. Today, the Kravis Center is known as South Florida’s premier performing arts center and serves as a cultural beacon for the community, offering a diverse lineup of touring Broadway hits, concerts, comedy, dance, classical music, and arts-education programming.
Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery & School of Art
373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, 33469
561-746-3101
For more than 50 years, the Lighthouse ArtCenter, a member-supported nonprofit, has provided artistic programming and cultural opportunities for Palm Beach and Martin counties. The ArtCenter offers engaging exhibitions, cultural programs, a dynamic school of art, workshops, day trips, lectures, and monthly receptions as well as a gift shop and art supply store. The center hosts summer camps for children and provides cultural opportunities for underserved communities. It was founded in 1964 by a group of eight artists and Christopher Norton, the son of founders of the Norton Museum of Art.
Maltz Jupiter Theatre
1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter, 33477
561-575-2223
As Florida’s largest award-winning, nonprofit professional regional theater, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre produces spectacular year-round entertainment featuring Broadway-caliber musicals, dramatic works, concerts, family programming, and classes for all ages at its Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts. The Maltz draws nearly 100,000 people annually and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s highest honor for artistic excellence.
Meyer Amphitheatre
104 Datura St., West Palm Beach, 33401
561-822-1515
This open-air, waterfront venue with lawn seating, popular for community events and concerts, accommodates approximately 5,000.
Mizner Park Amphitheater & Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center
590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, 33432
561-393-7890
The Mizner Park Amphitheater, colonnade, and concert green in Boca Raton accommodates 4,200 visitors for music events like rock bands, cover acts, symphonies, and community events. It is the home of the annual Festival of the Arts Boca, a week-long showcase of world-class performances, thought-provoking lectures, and breathtaking artistic experiences.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, 33446
561-495-0233
With rotating exhibitions, tea ceremonies performed monthly (October through May) in the Seishin-an tea house and educational outreach programs, Morikami strives to spread appreciation for the living culture of Japan. Its museum collection includes more than 7,000 Japanese art objects and artifacts, including tea ceremony items, textiles, and fine art.
Norton Museum of Art
1450 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, 33401
561-832-5196
Since its founding in 1941, the Norton Museum of Art has become one of South Florida’s most beloved cultural institutions. Its permanent collection includes nineteenth- and twentieth-century European and American masterpieces, world-class Chinese bronze and jade, and photography and contemporary art that spans decades and styles. Education and public programming is of equally high caliber.
Old School Square
51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, 33444
561-243-7922
Old School Square provides downtown Delray Beach with first-class arts, entertainment events, and educational exhibits. Located at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Swinton Avenue, Old School Square comprises restored early twentieth-century school buildings, including the Cornell Art Museum and the Crest Theatre. South Floridians can enjoy live music, art, photography, and a weekly green market in Old School Square’s open space.
Palm Beach Dramaworks
201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, 33401
561-514-4042
Located in the heart of downtown, Palm Beach Dramaworks is a professional not-for-profit theater company that entertains audiences with fun and stimulating productions. What sets the venue apart is its small size and intimacy, as well as spectacular performances with talented actors throughout the year in a lively part of town.
The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History
10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Ste. 172, Wellington, 33414
561-729-4246
The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History collects, researches, interprets, and explains all aspects of our natural world, the evolution of life, and the development of human culture. The museum focuses on the natural history of southern Florida but extends its reach through the Caribbean region. Stop in for a visit and participate in any of the many exhibits, lectures, classes, and fascinating hands-on learning experiences available year-round.
Palm Beach Opera
1800 South Australian Ave., Ste. 301, West Palm Beach, 33409
561-833-7888
Founded in 1961, Palm Beach Opera presents mainstage performances while also offering many diverse education programs. World-renowned artists from all over the globe to perform with the 50 singers comprising the Palm Beach Opera Chorus and 75-musician Palm Beach Opera Orchestra. Show-goers and critics agree that the artistic quality of every Palm Beach Opera production is impeccable.
Pineapple Grove Arts District
Located off Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, 33444
Pineapple Grove is a vibrant, walkable neighborhood known for its colorful murals, public art, galleries, and art studios. The district blends culture, dining, and design into a dynamic destination. (You’ll find the whimsical pineapple mural at 8 N.E. Second Ave.)
Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum
300 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, 33401
561-832-4164
Palm Beach County’s history is on display in this restored 1916 Neoclassical-style courthouse. Docents lead guided tours through three galleries of interactive exhibits that celebrate the county’s pioneers, natural environment, and milestone events. Meet the iconic Barefoot Mailman, early Native Americans, and trailblazers who left their footprint on Florida’s past.
Seabreeze Amphitheater
Carlin Park, 750 S. State Road A1A, Jupiter, 33477
561-966-7043
Seabreeze Amphitheater is an entertainment facility at Carlin Park in Jupiter hosting up to 2,000 people for theater performances, concerts, and community fundraisers. It has been the setting for the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival for more than two decades. Seabreeze Amphitheater hosts major musical acts, ranging from Slightly Stoopid and The Flaming Lips to Willie Nelson and Travis Tritt.
The Society of the Four Arts
100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach, 33480
561-655-7227
Founded in 1936, The Society of the Four Arts inspires and engages people through the presentation of outstanding artistic and cultural programs. From November through April, Four Arts, as it’s known by locals, offers hundreds of events including notable speakers, art exhibitions, concerts, workshops, films, and more. Located along the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach, the 10-acre campus also includes a stunning sculpture garden.
South Florida Society for Arts and Culture
4076 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 33410
561-840-5351
A cultural arts organization and event venue located in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens, the South Florida Society for Arts and Culture offers music performances, education programs, youth arts workshops and summer camps, and more. The venue is open for private events as well.
Sunrise Theatre
117 S. Second St., Fort Pierce, 34950
772-461-4775
It may not be located in Palm Beach County, but the Sunrise Theatre is worth a mention anyway. Located in nearby St. Lucie County, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since opening in 1923, it has become a center for local, national, and international performing arts presentations. The 1,200-seat theater in historic downtown Fort Pierce boasts state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems for lovers of the theater.
Sunset Cove Amphitheater
Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park
20405 Amphitheater Circle, Boca Raton, 33498
561-488-8069
This amphitheater has the capacity to seat 6,000 for national acts, festivals, community fundraisers, and more. Not only is there a 1,700-square-foot stage, but the venue also has top-notch sound and lighting, along with a spacious lawn for patron comfort. Thanks to the amphitheater’s ideal location, demographics, It plays host to several community events throughout the year, including the annual Fourth of July concert and fireworks.
The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum
7901 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, 33487
561-995-2333
The Wick Theatre produces Broadway-quality musicals starring award-winning casts and serves as a professional theater in the South Florida region. The Costume Museum is internationally renowned and contains wardrobe pieces with historical significance spanning more than 100 years of designs for American theater.
For more information about art and cultural institutions and events in the area, visit the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County at palmbeachculture.com or call 561-471-2901.
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