Culture

Cartier Opens Permanent Palm Beach Boutique in Historic Playhouse Building

Brand maintains John Volk's 1958 Regency Revival facade in new retail space
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Cartier Opens Permanent Palm Beach Boutique in Historic Playhouse Building

Cartier just opened a permanent boutique in Palm Beach at 70 Royal Poinciana Plaza, marking a full-circle moment for the brand. The Maison first established a seasonal presence in the area over 100 years ago, opening in the Beaux Arts Building in 1924. Now, the new location cements Cartier's ongoing connection to the coastal city.

The boutique carries the complete range of Cartier's collections: jewelry, fine jewelry, watches, leather goods, fragrance, and accessories. It's designed to reflect both the brand's heritage and Palm Beach's reputation for coastal elegance and cultural sophistication.

Cartier Preserved Historic Playhouse Building.
(Photo Credit: Kevin Scott)

Preserving the Royal Poinciana Playhouse

The space occupies part of the historic Royal Poinciana Playhouse at the west end of the plaza. Architect John Volk designed the playhouse in 1958, using Regency Revival style to create a venue that served as a hub for art, culture, and community gatherings. Cartier kept the original facade, which has been preserved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

The preservation includes a crown of statues imported from Italy depicting the four seasons, one of the last remaining elements from the original theatre. By maintaining these architectural details, Cartier honors the building's history while adapting the interior for luxury retail.

Design Features Regency Theatrical Elements
(Photo Credit: Kevin Scott)

Regency Architecture Throughout

The design incorporates Regency elements as a nod to the building's past. Ornate wrought iron flourishes, colored stucco facades, classical friezes, and wooden shutters appear throughout the space. Dramatic arched windows feature ombre curtains woven on traditional hand-operated looms, a direct reference to the theatre's original plush stage curtains that opened and closed each performance.

The theatrical connection makes sense given the building's origins. Rather than erase that history, the design uses it to create a sense of drama and occasion that fits with the high-end shopping experience Cartier offers.

Interior Reflects Palm Beach Nature.
(Photo Credit: Kevin Scott)

Palm Beach's Natural Beauty Inside

The interior design pulls from Palm Beach's coastal setting and natural landscape. Seventeen-foot ceilings maximize the Florida sunshine that streams through the windows. A hand-painted gradient of golden tones covers the walls, accented by custom reliefs depicting native foliage.

Wooden flooring references the area's seafaring history, while sconces shaped like seashells and palm leaves in opalescent Murano glass add decorative elements that tie back to both the local environment and Cartier's own design vocabulary. The flora and fauna motifs appear frequently in Cartier's jewelry collections, creating continuity between the space and the products.

Connecting Past and Present

The boutique balances preservation with modern luxury retail needs. By maintaining the playhouse facade and incorporating Regency architectural details, Cartier respects Palm Beach's architectural heritage. At the same time, the coastal-inspired interiors and carefully curated design elements create a contemporary shopping environment.

The location within the Royal Poinciana Plaza puts Cartier in the center of Palm Beach's luxury retail district, alongside other high-end brands that cater to the city's affluent residents and seasonal visitors.

The Cartier Palm Beach boutique operates Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.