Located in the heart of St. Augustine, the Villa Zorayda Museum is an architectural and historical gem that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the opulent lifestyle and cultural heritage of America’s Gilded Age. Originally built in 1883 as a winter residence for Bostonian architect and entrepreneur Franklin W. Smith, the villa was designed in the Moorish Revival style, drawing inspiration from the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. The Villa Zorayda stands as a testament to the architectural innovations and cultural aspirations of its time, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Franklin W. Smith: Visionary Architect and Cultural Educator

Franklin W. Smith, a wealthy hardware merchant and self-taught architect, was a pioneer of concrete construction and a visionary with a passion for ancient civilizations and architectural styles. Through his extensive travels, Smith studied ancient cultures and their building techniques, which he documented in his book, Design and Prospectus. He aimed to educate the American public about these past civilizations through his architectural projects.
When building the Villa Zorayda, Smith chose the Moorish Revival style to reflect the Spanish heritage of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. He modeled the villa after the Alhambra, a 9th-century fortress that became a palace in the 13th century. The combination of the villa’s architectural splendor and St. Augustine’s rich history made it the perfect setting for Smith’s educational ambitions.

A Groundbreaking Construction Method

Smith’s Villa Zorayda was the first building in Florida to be constructed using poured concrete, a technique that combined Portland cement with crushed coquina, a local shell-stone material. This innovative method not only made the structure fire-resistant and impervious to moisture and insects but also set a precedent for the use of concrete in architecture throughout St. Augustine. Smith’s technique caught the attention of Henry Flagler, a prominent developer, who later employed the same method in constructing the Hotel Ponce de Leon (now Flagler College), the Alcazar Hotel (now the Lightner Museum), and other historic landmarks in the city.

From Private Residence to Cultural Landmark

After serving as Smith’s residence for 20 years, the Villa Zorayda underwent a transformation into a social hotspot known as the Zorayda Club in the early 1900s. It became a popular destination for dining, dancing, and socializing among St. Augustine’s elite. However, following Smith’s death in 1911, the villa was sold to Abraham Mussallem, an immigrant from Lebanon and an expert in oriental rugs and Egyptian artifacts.
Under Mussallem’s ownership, the villa became a gambling casino and speakeasy during the 1920s, reflecting the spirit of the Prohibition era. By the late 1920s, the Mussallems decided to close the casino and turn the villa into their private residence. Recognizing the historical significance of the building, the family reopened it as the Villa Zorayda Museum in 1933, preserving both Smith’s original collection and Mussallem’s own acquisitions of rare artifacts.

The Mussallem Legacy: Over a Century of Stewardship

For more than 111 years, the Mussallem family has been the guardian of the Villa Zorayda, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Abraham Mussallem’s descendants continued to care for the villa, and in the 1960s, his sons Eddy and Wally Mussallem restored the museum and renamed it the Zorayda Castle. The museum closed in 2000 for an extensive eight-year restoration, funded by Eddy Mussallem and overseen by his daughter, Marcia Mussallem Byles, and her husband, James Byles.
In 2008, the Villa Zorayda reopened to the public under its original name, with the family’s dedication ensuring that this architectural and cultural landmark remains a vibrant part of St. Augustine’s historical landscape.

The Villa Zorayda Museum Tour

Today, the Villa Zorayda Museum offers visitors a 45- to 60-minute guided tour that delves into the historical significance of the building, its architectural splendor, and the priceless collections housed within its walls. The museum’s exhibits feature antique collections from both Franklin W. Smith and A.S. Mussallem, including rare oriental rugs, Egyptian artifacts, and a variety of decorative arts from around the world.
One of the most famous pieces on display is the “Sacred Cat Rug”, a 2,400-year-old rug made from the hairs of ancient cats that roamed the banks of the Nile River. This unique artifact, along with many others, captivates visitors and provides a fascinating glimpse into the interests and passions of Smith and Mussallem.

Architectural and Cultural Significance

The Villa Zorayda is a masterpiece of Moorish Revival architecture and stands as a symbol of the cultural exchange that took place during the Gilded Age. Through his villa, Franklin W. Smith sought to bring a piece of Spain to St. Augustine, reflecting the city’s deep ties to Spanish history while educating visitors about cultures from around the world. His groundbreaking use of concrete construction shaped the architectural future of St. Augustine, influencing many of the city’s most iconic buildings.

Plan Your Visit to the Villa Zorayda Museum

Visitors to the Villa Zorayda Museum can explore the stunning architecture, rich history, and diverse collections that make this site a one-of-a-kind destination in St. Augustine. The museum offers an engaging and educational experience for people of all ages, allowing you to step back in time and witness the grandeur of the Gilded Age.

  • Location: 83 King St., St. Augustine, Florida 32084
  • Phone: (904) 829-9887
  • Email: info@villazorayda.com
  • Hours: Check the museum’s website for current hours of operation and ticket prices.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply curious about one of St. Augustine’s most remarkable buildings, the Villa Zorayda Museum offers a memorable journey through time and culture.