The Sophisticated Art Scene in Palm Beach, Florida
For some when we think of Florida beach communities, retirement enclaves such as the imaginary Del Boca Vista of Seinfeld fame may come to mind. While it makes for great television comedy circa 1995, the real modern-day beachfront communities of Florida with their large stately homes and chic restaurants are truly special vacation destinations with access to incredible cultural and arts activities. With this in mind, Palm Beach ranks high on our list of great places to see art.
They call the Palm Beaches Florida’s “Cultural Capital” and it’s easy to see why. In addition to its sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, the South Florida community boasts one of the best annual art festivals in the country with ArtiGras, performing arts opportunities, prestigious art galleries, and the world-class Norton Museum of Art. When it comes to art, Palm Beach is a mover and a shaker, and its star is only rising.
NYC Meets PB Art Galleries
The art world is abuzz with chatter about how some of the most prestigious New York City art galleries have set up shop in Palm Beach in recent years, raising the city’s already admirable status as an uber-sophisticated arts community. Reasons for the trend may relate to the migration of more and more high-dollar investors establishing roots in the coastal community.
Whether you’re a big-money investor or just looking to experience some incredible high-end art, we’re sharing a few galleries worth checking out, and all are located in the same exclusive Royal Poinciana Plaza neighborhood of Palm Beach.
Pace Galleries
Pace Galleries represent 20th and 21st-century international artists and estates including modern and contemporary art. Pace has been in operation for over six decades and has garnered a distinguished reputation for building relationships with renowned artists. Palm Beach is its ninth location worldwide.
340 Royal Poinciana Way Suite M333, Palm Beach, FL
https://www.pacegallery.com/galleries/palm-beach/
Acquavella Gallery
Acquavella has been a leader in the art world for nine decades, though much more recently in Palm Beach. Three generations of the Acquavella family have operated the prestigious business. Aquavella sells primarily to prominent private collectors and museums and specializes in 19th, 20th, and 21st-century art.
340 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480
https://www.acquavellagalleries.com/
Sotheby’s Auction House
Sotheby’s has been matching collectors with artists since 1744. Now with a global network of 80 offices and 10 salesrooms, the Palm Beach location features opulent offerings including fine art, jewelry, and luxury cars.
150 Royal Poinciana Plaza, Palm Beach, FL
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy-sell/private-sale/palm-beach
Prestigious Museums
Norton Museum of Art
The Norton Museum has been operating since 1941, born of the desire by Ralph Hubbard Norton and his wife Elizabeth Calhoun Norton to share their extensive art collection with the public. Norton formerly headed the Acme Steel Company of Chicago though the Norton family later moved to Palm Beach. He and Elizabeth amassed a sizable collection of paintings and sculptures, which are at the heart of the current collection, which now numbers over 8,200 works. Areas of specialty within the Norton are delineated by departments including European, American, Chinese, contemporary and photography.
“Weeping Woman” by Viola Frey
One of the many things we appreciate about the Norton is its celebration of the work of female artists with a genuine focus on equality and diversity. In 2011 the Norton launched RAW which stands for the Recognition of Art by Women, honoring the accomplishments of living women in the arts, including female painters and sculptors. RAW’s rotating exhibitions feature individual female artists in solo shows.
1450 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL
Worth Avenue Art Galleries
Many of the more established Palm Beach galleries reside on Worth Avenue. The lovely upscale neighborhood scores high for walkability and is densely populated with great art locales, making for a pleasant gallery hopping experience.
Adelson Galleries
The Adelson family has galleries in New York and Palm Beach, though they aren’t Johnny-come-latelies as it relates to their Palm Beach location, which has been in operation since 2018. The Palm Beach Adelson Gallery is considered a staple of the local arts scene. Owner Warren Adelson has well-established bona fides as it relates to his knowledge of art, including as an internationally recognized expert on the works and history of the renowned portrait painter John Singer Sargent.
For the Adelsons, the art gallery business is a family affair. Warren Adelson founded the first gallery in Boston in 1965, with a focus on 19th and 20th-century fine art. Warren and his wife Jan run the New York gallery, and all of their three adult children are involved in the operation of the galleries.
318 Worth Ave, Palm Beach, FL
Onessimo Fine Art
Although the gallery only recently opened its Worth Avenue location, Onessimo has roots in the Palm Beach art community, with the first location on PGA Boulevard. The galleries cover the spectrum of great art from older to modern masters as well as contemporary artists. The gallery’s impressive catalog of work includes fine art, sculpture, and contemporary glass. Onessimo works with clients with a variety of interests including those who seek art for pure enjoyment, to enhance their aesthetic environment, as well as for investment purposes.
256 Worth Ave Ste T, Palm Beach, FL
https://www.onessimofineart.com/
Arcature Fine Art
Situated among the gorgeous shops and boutiques on the charming palm tree-lined street of Worth Avenue, Arcature features an impressive list of contemporary, modern, and impressionist artworks. Their collections include the artworks of such notable artists as Banksy, Picasso, and Monet. The gallery takes pride in sharing these important works in an atmosphere that is approachable and friendly.
238 Worth Ave, Palm Beach, FL
http://www.arcaturefineart.com/
Gallery Biba
Gallery Biba Modern and Contemporary Art is a long-time inhabitant of the Worth Avenue art scene, opening its doors in the neighborhood in 2006. Its exhibitions feature world-renowned art greats such as Warhol and Picasso. The gallery also features the works of gallery owner Biba St. Croix’s husband, talented sculptor Robert St. Croix. Gallery Biba welcomes art enthusiasts running the gamut from seasoned collectors to enthusiastic newbies to experience the gallery’s offerings.
224 Worth Ave # A, Palm Beach, FL
Whether you’re window shopping or in the market for an investment piece, Palm Beach offers incredible art-seeing opportunities. Or if you prefer to peruse original works from the comfort of your home, check out UGallery’s website to discover new artworks weekly.
