Embrace the bold ideas and grand designs of the Villa Zorayda’ architect, Franklin W. Smith, in the years of the Civil War and Gilded Age.
Franklin Webster Smith was an American reformer, visionary, and entrepreneur whose influence extended far beyond his success as a Boston hardware merchant. An early abolitionist, author, architectural enthusiast, and founding member of the first YMCA in America, Smith believed in social progress, civic responsibility, and cultural exchange. He was also a pioneer of early American tourism, drawn to places where history and innovation converged.
In 1883, Smith constructed Villa Zorayda as his winter home in St. Augustine, introducing a bold architectural vision to the city. Smith employed a revived ancient building technique using poured concrete, a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and coquina shell. This innovative method reintroduced centuries-old construction practices to modern America and left a lasting imprint on local architecture.
Today, Villa Zorayda stands as a remarkable example of Gilded Age ingenuity. Now a museum, self-guided audio tours explore both its architectural history and its exceptional art collection, assembled by Smith and expanded by the Villa’s second owner, Abraham Mussallem. Together, their stories illuminate a legacy of creativity, global influence, and enduring cultural significance.
Building America, the Life and Vision of Franklin W. Smith, will be on exhibit May 6th– September 30th, 2026 and is included with General Admission.
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