The Don of Palm Beach

Palm Beach, Florida, may well be high society’s most stylish winter playground, and to celebrate the town’s centennial this year, the Flagler Museum is taking a look back at the man who made Palm Beach, well, Palm Beach—architect Addison Mizner.

After first arriving on the island in 1918, Mizner quickly became the architect among the Palm Beach social set, helping establish the city’s now iconic Mediterranean Revival style. Think central courtyards, shaded loggias, ornate Spanish-tiled roofs, tall ceilings, and cool pastels. Through historic photographs and even Mizner’s own hand-drawn renderings, the exhibit—Mizner Mediterranean: The Origins of Palm Beach Style—offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the architect’s most stunning works, such as the uber-exclusive Everglades Club and the Stotesbury mansion (El Mirasol). It also explores the creations of Mizner Industries, which provided chandeliers, pottery, ironwork, and other accessories for most of his homes.

The exhibit runs October 12 through January 2, but check out this photo gallery for a sneak peek. After all, you don’t have to live in Palm Beach to appreciate a little Palm Beach style.