An Art-World Insider’s Guide to Palm Beach

I grew up between New York City and Palm Beach, and I received my bachelor’s degree from University of Miami. So when we opened Sotheby’s Palm Beach gallery in October 2020, it was something of a homecoming. To date, the gallery has done over $130 million in sales and has quickly become a mainstay in the South Florida art scene. On 18 November we’re opening a phenomenal exhibition, Contemporary & Modern Masters, featuring works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Willem de Kooning, Cy Twombly, Ed Ruscha, Wayne Thiebaud, Georgia O’Keeffe, Joan Mitchell, Yayoi Kusama, Donald Judd and many more.

Art Basel in Miami Beach bring lots of art-world denizens to town each December, but since COVID a large group of new and established collectors and incredibly philanthropic people moved full-time into the community. The island offers so much for those passionate about arts and culture. Everyone knows about the fantastic Norton Museum of Art – who Sotheby’s proudly supports each year with a benefit auction – and the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, but Palm Beach has a much larger and more vibrant arts and culture community than I think most are aware of.

Here are just a few of my favorite spots around town.

The Breakers Palm Beach Resort is a world-class historic hotel that has absolutely everything a visitor could ever want.

You can find me having breakfast outside of Sant Ambroeus. For lunch, I’ll be at the bar at Field of Greens, and for dinner outside at Le Bilboquet or the bar at Imoto. My favorite guilty pleasure is the buffalo chicken sandwich from Buccan Sandwich Shop.

For a drink, I like hanging out at the Carriage House and HMF at The Breakers.

Celis’ iced coffee is like rocket fuel!

With several libraries, a beautiful sculpture garden and a lush botanical garden, The Society of the Four Arts has a sensational guest speaker program. The Bunker Artspace is also fantastic. Beth Rudin DeWoody presents fun rotating exhibitions from her personal collection.

Sotheby’s is located within the Royal Poinciana Plaza, along with more than 30 other luxury stores. Worth Avenue, with its top brands and great restaurants, is another must see.

When I am not working, you can find me walking the Lake Trail with my wife and daughter. I am also addicted to playing padel, golf and tennis!

At night, Carriage House is perfect. For those motivated to stay out a little extra late, Cucina has always been the spot – with a late night pizza margherita!

Besides our opening show Contemporary & Modern Masters on 18 November? After more than 40 years sitting idle, the old Playhouse at the Royal Poinciana Plaza is being redeveloped. When it’s completed it will add a positive new dimension to the island.

Location

Palm Beach