In the early 20th century, Palm Beach was still a remote, undeveloped area, far from the luxury winter destination it would become. Architects and developers, confronting swamps and jungles, saw an opportunity to create something extraordinary. Inspired by their European travels and heritage, they incorporated historic architectural elements from Old World estates into their Palm Beach projects, blending European grandeur with the Floridian frontier.
The exhibition, All Roads Lead to Palm Beach, explores how renowned architects like Addison Mizner brought European influence to the area’s grand estates. Mizner’s work, including his use of 300-year-old wood paneling and chandeliers from Spanish castles, set a trend for using imported architectural elements to evoke timeless elegance and imbue the new community with a sense of history. The use of antiques and reproductions were also used generously by architects Marion Sims Wyeth and Maurice Fatio. Antique dealer, Ohan Berberyan became a go-to dealer for these architects to bring European artifacts to these new estates. Buoyed by the building boom, Berberyan’s shop and gardens became a destination on Peruvian Avenue just across from Worth Avenue.
Visitors will discover how early architects and designers sourced antiques from Europe, and how local craftsmen replicated Old World techniques at Mizner Industries. The exhibition also delves into the development of Georgia Avenue as a locale for artisans who continue to play a key role in preserving these traditions.
By tracing the origins of these ornamental pieces, the exhibit offers a window into the rich history and enduring allure of Palm Beach’s architectural legacy.
