2024 Fall Exhibition - In the Golden Dreamland of Winter: Henry Flagler’s FEC Hotel Company

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Flagler Museum Archives

Hotel Royal Poinciana, Palm Beach, 1908

The Flagler Museum’s 2024 - 2025 Season will commence with the opening of its Fall Exhibition, In the Golden Dreamland of Winter: Henry Flagler’s FEC Hotel Company. The exhibition is dedicated to the work of Henry Flagler and his transformative impact on the Floridian economy through the Florida East Coast Hotel Company. This exhibition offers an in-depth exploration of Flagler’s pioneering spirit and his role in opening up Florida as a premier travel destination.

Henry Flagler, often referred to as one of the key architects of modern Florida, embarked on a bold journey that reshaped the state’s landscape and economy. This exhibition delves into his innovative venture, starting with the establishment of the Ponce de Leon Hotel in St. Augustine, expanding down the coastline, including the Hotel Royal Poinciana, the largest wooden hotel yet built, the Palm Beach Inn, later renamed as The Breakers, and the Royal Palm in Miami. Florida’s hotels were more than just accommodations; they represented a gateway to discovery, inviting guests to explore a new and enchanting part of the country.

Flagler’s FEC Hotel Company was a testament to his belief in making the most of life, seeing Florida’s untapped beauty and taking bold chances to create a thriving hospitality industry that continues to influence the state to this day.

Exhibition is on view during normal museum hours.