Henry Morrison Flagler Museum — Attraction in Palm Beach

Review for Henry Morrison Flagler Museum:

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, Florida, and it was truly a remarkable experience. The museum is located in Whitehall, the former winter residence of Henry Flagler, a prominent figure in the development of Florida and the founder of the Florida East Coast Railway.

From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the grandeur and opulence of the museum. The building itself is a masterpiece of architecture, with its stunning Beaux-Arts style and meticulous attention to detail. The interior is equally impressive, with beautifully decorated rooms that transport you back in time to the Gilded Age.

As I explored the museum, I was amazed by the extensive collection of art, furniture, and artifacts that showcase the luxurious lifestyle of the era. From priceless paintings and sculptures to exquisite furniture and decorative objects, every piece tells a story of wealth, elegance, and refinement. The museum also features a fascinating collection of personal items belonging to Henry Flagler and his family, providing a glimpse into their lives and the legacy they left behind.

One of the highlights of the visit was the guided tour. The knowledgeable and passionate docents shared fascinating stories and insights about the history of the Flagler family and the significance of each room and object. Their enthusiasm added an extra layer of depth to the experience, making it even more engaging and educational.

The grounds surrounding the museum are equally stunning. The lush gardens, manicured lawns, and breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway create a serene and picturesque setting. I enjoyed taking a leisurely stroll through the gardens, admiring the beautiful landscaping and the peaceful atmosphere.

In addition to the main museum building, there are also temporary exhibitions and special events that take place throughout the year. These provide an opportunity to explore different aspects of art, history, and culture, further enriching the museum experience.

The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum is a true gem in Palm Beach. It offers visitors a unique and immersive journey into the past, allowing them to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the Gilded Age. Whether you have a passion for history, art, or simply appreciate architectural marvels, this museum is a must-visit. The combination of exquisite collections, knowledgeable staff, and stunning surroundings make it a memorable and enriching...

Whitehall is a 75-room Gilded Age mansion open to the public in Palm Beach, Florida in the United States. Completed in 1902, it is a major example of neoclassical Beaux Arts architecture designed by Carrère and Hastings for Henry Flagler, a leading captain of industry in the late 19th century, and a leading developer of Florida as a tourist destination. The building is listed a National Historic Landmark. It now houses the Flagler Museum, named after its builder. Henry Flagler, one of the founders of Standard Oil, built Whitehall for his third wife, Mary Lily Kenan.

The site of the home was purchased for $50,000 in 1893 (as of 2010 that would be $1,197,562.39) by Flagler; later surveyed for construction in July 1900 and the home completed in time for Flagler and his wife to move in on February 6, 1902. The architects were Carrère and Hastings, who had earlier designed the Ponce de Leon Hotel and several other buildings in St. Augustine for Flagler. Whitehall was to be a winter residence, and Henry gave it to Mary Lily as a wedding present. They would travel to Palm Beach each year in one of their own private railcars, one of which was No. 91.

Flagler died of injuries sustained in falling down a flight of marble stairs at Whitehall in 1913, at the age of 83. Mary Lily died four years later, and the home was devised to her niece Louise Clisby Wise Lewis, who sold the property to investors. They constructed a 300-room, ten-story addition to the west side of the building, obliterating Mr. Flagler's offices, the housekeeper's apartment, and altering the original kitchen and pantry area. Carrere and Hastings were the architects of the 1925 reconstruction. In 1939 it was described as a $4,000,000 building and Palm Beach's second-largest hotel.

In 1959, the site was saved from demolition by one of Henry Flagler's granddaughters Jean Flagler Matthews. She established the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum non-profit corporation, which purchased the building in 1959, opening it as a museum in 1960. The upper ten stories of the hotel addition were demolished in 1963 in preparing the museum for the public.

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. It also hosts a variety of local galas and balls throughout the year. The Museum is located at Cocoanut Row and Whitehall...

You had best plan your ENTIRE DAY around being at this wonderful place. There are two MASSIVE floors that you get to wander around. They have self guided tours where you can either walk around and just read the plaques they have in each room, as well as a handheld audio device that will explain things in much greater detail, as well as ones with someone who will tell you all there is to know about this gorgeous home. This is not your normal "museum" in that it's not just a square building with "stuff" in it. It is actually a home that was opened to the public back in the 60's to show the history of the family that build it as well as a good amount of history in regards to Palm Beach itself. With many many rooms and an ever changing installation, there is something new to catch your eye and attention each time you go. Never forget to look up at the ceilings and at the bottom of all the walls. You will garunteed see something new each time. They offer some lunch options in the gift shop, but I believe it is only seasonal so always check before hand. I personally recommend the chicken sandwich, it is delicious although a little pricey. If you do decided to have a snack stop, there is plenty of out door seating in the "coconut row" I believe it's called, where you can sit beneath more than a dozen palm trees in the south Florida sun (so long as she is shining) and listen to the waves lap and birds sing. You will also get a fabulous view of downtown West Palm Beach. You will find yourself spending a number of HOURS in the spectacular home. So like I said in the beginning, make sure to plan on spending the entire day here. It is also located very close to the Royal Poinciana Plaza which has some incredible shopping and a few places to have a meal. Just remember that all of this is located on Palm Beach so it will be a bit more costly than the usual places one might go to. However it will all...