The design style of Boca Raton and much of south Florida comes from the work of Addison Mizner. Photo provided by the Boca Raton Historical Society
As the city gears up to celebrate its centennial in 2025, the Boca Raton Historical Society is contributing to the roster of events by presenting an exhibition devoted to the architect who gave the city its signature appearance.
“Boca Raton 1925-2025: Addison Mizner’s Legacy” will be presented at the former Town Hall at 71 N. Federal Highway, now known as The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, beginning Nov. 13 and running through May 30, 2025.
The Boca Raton, the resort dating to 1926 when Mizner opened the Cloister Inn, is sponsoring the exhibit.
The exhibit will spotlight the Cloister Inn’s evolution into today’s resort with more than 1,000 guest rooms, a golf course, spa, swimming pools, tennis courts, marina and multiple restaurants and bars.
The exhibit will include photographs, drawings, maps and videos.
It also will feature materials produced or imported by Mizner Industries, once the largest employer in Palm Beach County, which Mizner founded when he was unable to find Spanish roof tiles, said Mary Csar, the historical society’s executive director.
The company expanded to provide cast stone, floor tiles, wrought iron and other materials sold to developers, as well as pottery and furnishings.
“What we are showcasing is not only Mizner in Boca, but also Mizner Industries, which is part and parcel of the Mizner story,” she said.
Lenders to the exhibit include the Mizner Library Foundation, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens in Fort Lauderdale.
Augustus Mayhew, a cultural columnist, architectural historian and photographer, is guest curator for the exhibition.
In addition to The Boca Raton, exhibit sponsors include the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, Discover the Palm Beaches and Palm Beach County.
The historical society also is creating a glossy coffee-table book, with photos that chart the city’s achievements and changes decade by decade, and will hold lectures throughout 2025.
— Mary Hladky
Comments