The Sandi tree is gone & it's quiet during the week. It's a nice square to sit & enjoy the perfect…read moreday. There are benches, foliage & fountains. The yacht show is coming in 2 weeks @ the tent is coming up.

The Nancy M. Graham Centennial Square is located at the end of Clematis Street in downtown West…read morePalm Beach. On the brick plaza is a 6-foot, $15,000 tombstone-shaped monument that stands in tribute to Nancy Malley Graham. Engraved with a pineapple, the slab memorializes the public park as Nancy M. Graham Centennial Square, "She inspired us to sculpt a Capital City and her vision became our shared reality." Nancy grew up poor in Tennessee and went on to marry, divorce, remarry, and have a couple of kids. She worked to put herself through college and law school and in her mid-30s she received her law degree from the University of Florida. She worked for several law firms never staying too long in any job or marriage. She started he political career in 1988 in West Palm Beach as a city commissioner but resigned after only two years because of a conflict of interest. She ran for mayor two years later and won with 56 percent of the vote. Her second term say her secure 76 percent of the vote. While she served she fought gender stereotypes from people who called her pushy and bitchy. During her term as mayor, Nancy Malley Graham was known as the public official who sparked the city's massive downtown revitalization and who fought crime and drugs. She once told The New York Times: "I want to make West Palm Beach the downtown for the whole country." Newsweek magazine dubbed her one of the 25 most dynamic mayors in America. Under her guidance the city started" Clematis By Night," a weekly event named for the city's main street. Most every Thursday of the year, the area around the downtown plaza is filled with bands, artists and food. The outdoor festival draws thousands of people each week. In Florida Nancy swerved as a city commissioner, a mayor, a top redevelopment official, and a developer. While developing West Palm Beach Nancy met her third husband and married him next to her namesake fountain. Graham left office in March 1999, a few weeks after he monument was unveiled. After a falling out with Lois Frankel, her successor as mayor, she left for a job in San Diego. The Nancy M. Graham Centennial Square features Centinnial Fountain. Kids use it as a splash pad and it is part of the light show during Sandi Land. The plaza also includes benches, tables and chairs. Street -side parking and garage parking is available nearby. This square is always a popular place for people to congregate during the West Palm Beach Green Market and citywide events. Nancy M. Graham's shadow still looms large over West Palm Beach.

Rosemary Square is home to Palm Beach County's largest concentration of public art installed by a…read moreprivate company. One such piece, The Wishing Tree is a public art piece created in 2019 by San Francisco Symmetry Labs, an American, art & design collective founded 2014. By day the installation looks like a 26 foot tall Banyan tree in the middle of Rosemary Square. By night, the tree is illuminated by a computer made light show. The tree is covered in 100,000 individually programmable, full-color-spectrum LEDs that create the light embedded in 10,000 leaves. The way the lights are programmed was inspired by the fast changing South Florida weather system. Symmetry Labs has said about The Wishing Tree "We hope, despite the technological complexity, that the piece invokes a simple and beautiful feeling: the wonder of nature and humans working in harmony, the possibilities we can achieve together when we share knowledge and wisdom, and the awe of life itself." I love this show stopping piece. Art, technology, and nature intertwine to great a piece that makes you stop and whip out your camera. After taking all of your pictures don't forget to make a wish. With a tree this amazing, it will surely come true.

Fish out of Water is a whimsical sculpture of a fish jumping out of the water. You can find it…read morealong the Intracoastal Waterway at the corner of Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard and Flagler Drive across from Providencia Park. The flying fish was created by nationally-recognized West Palm Beach artist Mark Fuller in 1993 as part of the Art in Public Places program. Fuller is an environmental graphic and industrial designer. He created the glittery butterfly in Palm Beach Gardens and the obelisk at Legacy Place. He also designed the fish and lizard cutouts on the sound barrier wall along Interstate 95. When designing Flying Fish Fuller was inspired by a wartime seaplane base that once operated nearby. Thinking of planes the idea came to his mind of a fish that was flying.The fish acts as a weathervane and will turn with the wind. In 2014 the base of the fish was hit by a motorist and it broke some of the welds. A poor repair job by a concerned citizen left the art in even more disrepair. The city finally agreed to pay Fuller to fix the sculpture and now it sits overlooking the Intracoastal today. I'm glad the city decided to fix this piece. It adds interest and a pop of color along the waterfront. There is a fishing deck and benches behind the sculpture.

We parked in the lot across the street and used the app to pay for parking. Inside we paid $18 pp…read morefor admission. After Memorial Day admission for county residents is free. The restaurant is a treat & the large gift shop is my go to for gifts. It was easy to spend 2 hours wandering around. The Norton features a collection of over 8,200 works, focusing on European, American, Chinese, contemporary art & photography, making it Florida's largest art museum. It was founded in 1941, and expanded in 2019, adding new galleries, a sculpture garden, along with improved public spaces. The museum presents works by masters such sPollock, Miro, Chihuly, Matisse, Calder, KaO'Keeffe, Chagall, Rodin, Picasso, and Hopper, and hosts programs like "Art After Dark" on Friday nights. The photography & kabuki special exhibits were wonderful!

My husband and I absolutely loved the Norton Museum. We just took our time and wandered around the…read moremuseum seeing as much as we could. They had so many beautiful pieces of art from all different eras and cultures. The people were also very nice and welcoming The impressionists are always my favorite paintings and sculptures to see. They had all the different masters and some very famous paintings and some other special ones that I hadn't seen. Everything from Degas to Renoir to Rodin and many more. They also had a really great PLEIN-AIR collection from artists I hadn't heard of which made it even better and more interesting. It's such a gorgeous technique and they created such beautiful work. You often only hear about all the great work from the European masters but there were also some talented Americans who could also master techniques like the Dutch master Vermeer and how he could perfectly capture light and shading. I loved the gorgeous painting by Everett Shin. Fantastic! John Slogan also created a painting that reminded me of the posters of Talouse Latrec. The global cultural pictures and artifacts were also pretty fantastic. The Japanese pieces made us think of the wonderful time we had in Japan and all the wonderful museums, temples and places we saw. I also loved the Chihuly Ceiling which was so beautiful. I loved all the beautiful colors. They even had some Andy Warhols which made us think of home and his terrific museum in Pittsburgh. They have a broad range of all different types of art. We'll definitely have to go back and explore further the next time we're in FL.

This mural is on the wall of the Palm Beach Squash Club that shares the space with the Grandview…read morePublic Market in the Warehouse District. Unveiled in 2020, the artwork is by Renda Writer and displays this "message of love for this community" and it is certainly a beautiful and inspiring artwork. Repeating over and over the words "Love Conquers Wall," it is a "unity" wall according to many and is visible while you're parking and heading into the public market. It reflects the artist's usual style of repeated words. Check it out. The parking lot is paid but the street parking is free. [Review 164 of 2025 - 1949 in Florida - 23729 overall]

West Palm Beach offers a delightful blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and urban…read moresophistication. There is always something new to see and explore which makes it the perfect day trip destination. West Palm Beach boasts a thriving cultural scene that caters to diverse tastes. The Norton Museum of Art is a masterpiece in itself, showcasing an impressive collection spanning various periods and styles. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts hosts a varied array of shows featuring dance, plays, musicals, and musical performances. Sunday on the Waterfront is a free concert series held on the third Sunday of very month from 4 to 7 PM. The city's commitment to the arts is further evident in its street art scene and the numerous galleries scattered throughout downtown. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or just appreciate creativity, the West Pam Beach arts scene is vibrant. One of my favorite parts of West Palm Beach is the picturesque waterfront which is a haven for relaxation and recreation. Stretching along the Intracoastal Waterway, the waterfront offers stunning views, lush green spaces, and a perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic. Clematis Street, with its lively atmosphere, charming boutiques, and eclectic eateries, is a testament to the city's commitment to creating inviting public spaces. Every December West Palm Beach puts on Holiday in Paradise which features Sandi, the world's only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree. For nature lovers, West Palm Beach doesn't disappoint. The Mounts Botanical Garden is a haven of tranquility, showcasing a diverse collection of plants from around the world. The nearby Okeeheelee Park provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, from biking and hiking to bird watching providing a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The culinary landscape of West Palm Beach is a melting pot of flavors. From upscale waterfront dining to cozy cafes serving artisanal coffees, the city caters to a wide range of palates. One of my favorites is the rooftop restaurant on the top of Restoration Hardware. West Palm Beach has one of the largest and best farmers' markets, where you can savor fresh produce and homemade treats while soaking in the vibrant community spirit. West Palm Beach is a place where art, nature, and community converge to create an unforgettable experience. I feel a deep appreciation for the city's unique character and history and I am always eager to return to explore more of what West Palm Beach has to offer. Some of my favorite places are Dreher Park, Palm Beach Zoo, Cox Science Center and Aquarium, Antique Row, Anne Norton Sculpture Gardens, Biscuit Lady's Bakehouse, Rosemary Square, City Zen Garden, and Clematis Street. I highly recommend West Palm Beach to anyone seeking a perfect blend of cultural enrichment and coastal charm.

I have visited West Palm Beach many times and I always love my visit here. One of my first visits,…read morewe stayed at a Bed and Breakfast called Casa Grandview. This was definitely a wonderful memorable stay! We have visited the food hall in West Palm Beach many times. It's called Grandview Public Market. We have gotten to ride bikes from West Palm Beach to Palm Beach as well as do the Duck Boat tour which is land and water. That is definitely an experience bc the ride starts on land and it converts to a boat to see the homes on the water. The fun place for shopping and action is City Place which we have enjoyed many a times. In their downtown area, they also have a great farmers market with a good amount of vendors. There's also a lot of downtown restaurants, shops, cafes, art, murals, etc. Lastly my all time favorite is their Christmas tree. It's one of my most favorite Christmas trees. It's made of sand and is so beautiful day and night. This is def a great place to visit. So many things to do. Fun for families, couples, kids, dog friendly. I will continue to visit and will love checking out the new local attractions and restaurants that open!

I discovered the colorful Codes in Flagler Banyan Park in West Palm Beach. This public art…read moresculpture was created by artist Joe O' Connell. O'Connell founded Creative Machines in his garage in 1995. Creative Machines designs and fabricates interactive experiences for museums. Creative Machines mission is "to create objects and environments that encourage creativity, support social interaction, and inspire self-confidence." In 2004 Creative Machines began making interactive sculptures and public art. They manufacture sculptures, interactive exhibits, and ball machines. I have previously seen their sculpture Cyclorama on the UCF campus in Orlando. Codes was created in 2019. It is made from glass spheres in colors meant to evoke mid century art glass and beach glass. The spheres are set into stainless steel rectangles of varying heights. The rectangles form a kind of outdoor wall at the perimeter of the park so that people feel like they are in an outdoor room but it is open so people can walk through it. According to Creative Machines "Codes spells out a message as you go north to south. Some pairs of codes may appear to be roughly the same north-south distance along Flagler but whichever part is northernmost counts. Each code has a number between 1 and 26 encoded in it, and that number stands for a letter in the alphabet. Each code has a long leg and a short leg. There are small, medium, and large spheres. The number of medium spheres (of any color) in the long leg counts for 10 and the number of medium spheres (of any color) in the short leg counts as 1."

Codes is a public art sculpture located in Flagler Banyan Park created by artist Joe O'Connell,…read morefeaturing colorful, mid-century-inspired glass spheres embedded in stainless steel. It is a notable interactive installation that engages West Palm Beach through art.

You can find beautiful murals on buildings all over downtown West Palm Beach but did you know you…read morecan also find them hidden under bridges too? Kukui is one of two murals painted under the Royal Park Bridge in West Palm Beach by Hawaiian artist Sean Yoro who goes by the name HULA. In Hawaii Kukui is a candlenut tree whose oily kernels were used for lights so kukui is a symbol of enlightenment. I first discovered Yoro's art when I found Uhame painted under the Harris bridge in Lake Worth. Yoro's art can be found all over the world. Many of his works blend humans and nature together. He has completed more than 50 murals, many on walls. He has even completed murals under water. His twin brother Kapu often documents his work. Kukui was first painted in 2016 as part of the CANVAS Outdoor Museum art show. She is a hyperrealistic portrait of a woman who looks like she is rising out of the water. On February 14, 2024 Yoro came back and repainted his murals under the Royal Park Bridge. A recent 2.3 million dollar painting project on the bridge covered up the art work so he spent several weeks restoring them. You can view the murals by taking the path that goes under the bridge. Kukui is on the drawbridge side. Uhame is one of my favorite murals so I was excited to discover her sisters who live under this bridge. Now when you visit you can see the ladies looking their best. Hopefully Yoro will also touch up Uhame who is looking a little faded these days.

Exploring historic Clematis Street in West Palm Beach is a great way to find some great murals…read more Love this sweet one that shows off the innocence of young love. Such a cute mural. "I Lost My Shoe When I Met You" is a large installation by Croatian artist Lonac. The details of the butterflies flying out of the boy's hat and his bare foot (as he lost his shoe) are so cute. The image of the two schoolchildren sitting on a bench with their backpacks and school books is so endearing and quite unexpected for such a large piece.

My East is Your West is a public art piece in The Square in West Palm Beach. The animated light…read moreinstallation sits on top of a building in The Square. The thought provoking piece was created by Mumbai-based artist Shilpa Gupta who is known for using technology and typefaces in her work which aligns with her interest in languages and contemporary communication systems. About her thought provoking piece, Gupta has said "My East Is Your West, based on an ongoing outdoor light installation, celebrates multiplicity where an individual can function within and beyond and even play with definitions. Through a series of objects, prints and moving images, my work will deal with the tension between the self, as a citizen, and the surrounding nation; their conflicting aspirations and desires for each other and themselves. Perception, time, location and construction of knowledge are overlapping interests that bring both the artists together, but we freely explore it from various tangents." Upon examining the art work it looks like a jumble of letters, WMYEIAOSUTR but then they light up revealing the title of the piece. It is meant to make the viewer reflect on social, political. and geographical boundaries. I had trouble understanding the piece until the individual words started lighting up. West Palm Beach has world class art museums and public art that fosters cultural discussions. My East is Your West is a welcome addition to the conversation.