Best Palm Beach County Museums to Visit

THIS POST IS BEING UPDATED

Museums can be educational and inspirational and a great way to explore and discover interesting facts for kids of all ages. Many are large and expansive with permanent, rotating and visiting exhibits, while others may be smaller and more regional. Nonetheless, all offer glimpses into our culture, both past and future. Prices vary but are affordable for most, especially when discounts are offered.

Here's a sample list of some of the popular ones in Palm Beach County:

Palm Beach County Museums

Boca Raton Museum of Art

501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton
(561) 392.2500 / bocamuseum.org
Cost: $0 to $12

Fine art museum located in Mizner Park that offers a permanent and traveling art exhibition of classic and up-and-coming artists, educational programs, classes for children and adults, gallery talks, events and more.

Cox Science Center & Aquarium

4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach
(561) 832-1988 / coxsciencecenter.org
Cost: $0-$15, mini golf is additional

Educate your children through science and technology at the Science Center. This West Palm Beach venue lets kids dig into science programming and tech ventures by exploring computer coding, robotics, along with other educational programs.  The museum also offers an outdoor nature trail, a 61-seat planetarium and a variety of special events.

Flagler Museum

One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach
(561) 655-2833 / flaglermuseum.us
Cost: $0 to $18

Enjoy the history of Florida by visiting the Flagler Museum. This National Landmark, once home to Henry Flagler, is an ode to the Gilded Age. The Flagler Museum offers guided tours, a lecture series, a music series and more.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

Lighthouse Park, 500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter
(561) 747-8380 / jupiterlighthouse.org
Cost: $12, $6 for children 6-18

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum shines a light on and works to preserve the maritime history of the Jupiter Inlet area and the landmark 1860 Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.  Guests are able to visit the lighthouse, which offers some of the best views around; a variety of exhibits, including the Tindall Pioneer house; participate in special events; and explore the naturally preserved area.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach
(561) 495-0233 / morikami.org
Cost: $15, $9 for children 6-17

For a tranquil afternoon away, visit Morikami, where you can explore their 16 acres of Japanese gardens and their bonsai collection. The museum also offers guests the opportunity to attend a tea ceremony, take a workshop or class or dine at their onsite restaurant.

Norton Museum of Art

1451 South Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach
(561) 832-5196 / norton.org
Cost: Free on Fridays and Saturdays; $18 for general admission

The Norton Museum of Art is a fine art museum established in 1941 that is internationally known for its permanent and traveling art exhibits including American Art, Chinese Art, Contemporary Art, European Art and Photography. In addition to the exhibits, the Norton offers talks by the curators, art after dark and a lecture series throughout the year.

Society of the Four Arts

2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach
(561) 655-7226 / fourarts.org

A staple in Palm Beach, The Society of the Four Arts is a destination for art, drama, music and literature. The venue includes a library, exhibition gallery, botanical and sculpture gardens, an auditorium, children's library and more. A variety of programs and workshops are offered throughout the year.

Spady Museum

How would you like free admission to a museum? Be sure to check out Free entry to museums in Florida through Museums on Us.

Palm Beach Museum of Natural History

The Mall at Wellington Green

(c) Steeve Buzzell, courtesy: Palm Beach Museum of Natural History

From dinosaur bones to historic photographic exhibits or fine art work adorning the walls to bonsai trees so intricately designed, there is something for everyone — and most of these museums are indoors, meaning cooler temperatures for those days when you want to escape the heat. Or, maybe a museum is a perfect place to visit on rainy days, too. Find one that piques your interest.