Villa Zorayda, located at 83 King Street in St. Augustine, Florida, is a unique architectural marvel. Built in 1883 by Franklin W. Smith, a Boston millionaire, as his winter home, the design of the house was inspired by the 12th-century Moorish Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. This connection to a historic European palace adds a layer of intrigue and historical significance to the building.
The Villa Zorayda Museum is currently owned by the Mussallem family. It houses the original art and antique collection assembled by Franklin Smith and Abraham Mussallem. This collection provides a glimpse into the tastes and interests of these historical figures, adding to the overall experience of visiting the museum.
The Villa Zorayda Museum is known for its intricate interior details. Notably, it features work in cast plaster with ground alabaster, matching the style of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. This attention to detail and commitment to replicating the Alhambra's style contributes to the museum's unique charm and historical authenticity.
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83 King St, St. Augustine
No exhibitions in Villa Zorayda Museum have been found.
Villa Zorayda Museum has 1 rating.
The Villa Zorayda Museum in St. Augustine, Florida, offers visitors a glimpse into the architectural and cultural history of the area. This small museum, housed in a building modeled after the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, features an eclectic collection of artifacts and antiques.
Visitors often appreciate the unique architecture and intricate details of the building itself, which was originally constructed as a private residence in 1883. The guided tours are frequently mentioned as informative and engaging, providing interesting historical context and stories about the building and its contents.
The museum's collection includes a mix of items from various periods and cultures, with some standout pieces such as ancient Egyptian artifacts and Spanish furniture. Many guests find the variety of exhibits interesting, though some note that the collection can feel somewhat random or disjointed.
While many visitors enjoy the intimate atmosphere and the opportunity to explore a less-crowded attraction in St. Augustine, others mention that the museum is relatively small and can be explored quite quickly. Some guests feel the admission price is a bit high for the size of the museum.
The preservation of the building and its contents receives mixed reviews, with some praising the efforts to maintain the historic structure, while others note areas that could use improvement or updating.
Overall, the Villa Zorayda Museum provides an off-the-beaten-path experience for those interested in eclectic collections and unique architecture. It may particularly appeal to history enthusiasts and those looking to explore beyond St. Augustine's more well-known attractions.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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