While the Society of the Four Arts hosts a seasonal menu of performance and creative programs, fall through spring, it is also packed with free, fun and cheap things for adults and children to do at the Palm Beach cultural center year-round. Currently it is holding ongoing book discussions and lectures, plus garden and gallery exhibits.
The venerable institution was founded in 1936 on the eastern shore of the Intracoastal Waterway. Today, it is a 10-acre campus with a gallery, gardens and performance space – all sustained by some of Palm Beach’s most affluent residents. Years ago, it adopted the motto: Four Arts for Everyone.
What are the Four Arts, anyway? The Society of the Four Arts defines them as Drama, Art, Music and Literature. Here’s a chance to experience Palm Beach culture on a dime.
The seats covered in red upholstery to match the lush stage curtains give the Walter Gublemann Auditorium at the Society of the Four Arts a warm storybook feel. Photo: Courtesy Four Arts
“There is something for everyone at The Society of the Four Arts. Enjoy a midday stroll in the beautiful Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden and Four Arts Botanical Gardens,” Four Arts spokesman David Darby said.
The society has a limited number of members, and they get the first chance at tickets. But there are often tickets available for purchase by non-members, and the free events are open to all. Its galleries, gardens and libraries are open as follows:
Botanical And Sculpture Gardens
Open daily – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting.
King Library
Open Monday through Friday – 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Four Arts Children’s Library
Open Monday through Friday – 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
In addition to the events below, the Four Arts offers free monthly school-age programs in cooking, art and floral design. Dates and classes will be announced at fourarts.org. Required reservations may be made by calling the Children’s Library at (561) 655-2776.
Here are some favorite free and cheap opportunities at the Society of the Four Arts.
The Society of the Four Arts’ beloved Children’s Library is housed in its elegant administrative building on Royal Palm Way. Photo: Courtesy Four Arts
Sculpture and botanical gardens are free
The Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden and Four Arts Botantical Garden are always free. The Garden Club of Palm Beach planted the botanical garden in 1938. The gardens are open from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. each day except for major holidays, and they close during inclement weather.
Look for free hard-copy guides to the garden and historic buildings next to the King Library and Dixon Building or scan the QR code displayed there to open the tour on your smart device.
Free decent-led tours of the sculpture garden are offered at 10 a.m. Wednesdays from December through April. Individuals and groups of up to 10 are welcome, according to the Four Arts’ guide. Arrive 15 minutes early and meet the docent at the garden entrance next to the King Library.
The lavish Garden Club of Palm Beach Flower Show in 2021 at the Society of the Four Arts. Photo: Carolyn DiPaolo
Biography Book Club
Each group will focus on the life of a prominent person. A suggested reading list of available books from the King Library will be distributed once registers. Attendees must read at least one of the books and come ready to discuss. To register, email kinglibrary@fourarts.org or call (561) 655 2766. Find out more at fourarts.org.
There’s so much more at the Four Arts: including an art museum, master classes and lectures. Once you visit, you will appreciate this jewel of Palm Beach.
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